Many businesses thank veterans and active military members by offering them a free meal or other gift on Veterans Day, which is Wednesday, November 11, 2026. If you’re a member of the military, please check out this list, and see if there’s a deal that you might be able to take advantage of.
If you’re not a military member, you probably know one. Why not share this information and also thank them as well?
Not all of these deals take place exactly on Veterans Day, so make sure to read all the details. Unless otherwise specified, these freebies and deals are for veterans and active duty military and take place Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Participation might vary by location.
This is a growing list, so make sure to bookmark and check back. If you’re not yet an email subscriber to Triangle on the Cheap, subscribe now so you won’t miss a thing!
Free and discounted food and drink
Participating locations only. Most restaurants will require some proof of service. Follow the links for details on those requirements. Check back soon! We will be adding food and drinks for 2026 as they’re announced.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is honoring veterans and active duty service members with a complimentary meal this Veterans Day. On Nov. 11th, all veterans and active-duty service members will receive a FREE BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a small thank you for their service. Dine-in customers only. Must show valid military ID or proof of service.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral is honoring our nation’s heroes with a complimentary dinner this Veterans Day. All active-duty military personnel, retirees, reservists, guardsmen and veterans are invited to enjoy a FREE buffet meal with beverage on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 4 p.m. to close, in celebration of the 26th anniversary of Military Appreciation Night! The free meal offer is valid for dine-in only and does not extend to spouses, family members, or friends, but all are welcome to join this annual night full of camaraderie and fellowship.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Sullivan’s Steakhouse is honoring all veterans with a heroic offer for their services. This Veterans Day, Sullivan’s Steakhouse is honoring those who have served with a free Sullivan’s Signature Angus Burger and fries for all veterans and active service military members. On November 11, 2026, guests with a valid military ID can enjoy the signature burger at no charge, available for dine-in only as a small token of appreciation for their service.
Other Freebies and discounts
New Hope Valley Railway
Triangle’s Train: New Hope Valley Railway, 3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill, North Carolina, is offering a free train ride to military service members on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
Order a free ticket and bring your military ID or copy of your DD214 to the Ticket Office on the day of the event. Guests of the military service member can ride at regular price.
North Carolina Zoo
Military members and their spouses can get free admission to the North Carolina Zoo from November 7 to 13, 2026. In addition, they can bring up to three guests with them for free. Make sure to read all the details.
Great Clips
Thank a Veteran at Great Clips works in two ways. First, every year on November 11, veterans and active service members can come into any U.S. Great Clips salon and get a free haircut, or a free haircut card for a future visit. So if you’re a service member or veteran, be sure to stop by a salon on Veterans Day so we can say “Thank you!”
Second, if you’re a non-military customer, you can visit a salon on November 11 and receive a free haircut card to give to a service member or veteran as a way of saying thank you.
Veterans Day Events
Lunch for the Brave in Cary
The Town of Cary is honoring veterans with Lunch for the Brave. Veterans can attend a free catered lunch and a preservation on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Prestonwood Country Club, 300 Prestonwood Parkway, Cary, NC. Follow the above link to register.
Veterans Day Celebration in Morrisville
The Town of Morrisville is holding a Veterans Day celebration on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 8 to 9:30 a.m., at Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050 B Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, North Carolina.
Veterans (and one guest each) are invited to enjoy a continental breakfast, camaraderie, and heartfelt appreciation as you’re thanked for your service to our nation. The morning will include entertainment and a guest speaker honoring all who have served. Registration is required. Follow the above link.
Veterans Day Celebration at Chavis Park
The City of Raleigh is hosting a Veterans Day celebration on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Raleigh, North Carolina. Enjoy brunch. It’s free for veterans and $5 for their guests. Registration required.
Veterans Day Concert with Durham Community Concert Band
Enjoy a free concert by Durham Community Concert Band at Southern Village Green, 400 Market Street, Chapel Hill, on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Veterans Day Tribute in Knightdale
Two Green Thumbs Garden Club and the Town of Knightdale are presenting a Veterans Day Tribute on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Knightdale Station Park Veterans Memorial, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, North Carolina.
Apex Veterans Day Ceremony
The Apex Veterans Day Ceremony takes place Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the Downtown Service Memorial, at the corner of Saunders Street and North Salem Street, Apex, North Carolina.
Veterans Day Observance in Cary
The Town of Cary will hold a Veterans Day Observance on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Veterans Freedom Park, 1517 N. Harrison Ave., Cary. A special Field of Flags will be at Veterans Freedom Park in honor of those who have served in the armed forces.
Town of Garner Veterans Day Observance
The Town of Garner is presenting a Veterans Day Observance on Wednesday, November 11th, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. it will take place at Aversboro Road Baptist Church, 1600 Aversboro Road, Garner.
North Carolina Veterans Day Ceremony
Check back soon.
Full Calendar for Veterans Day Weekend
If you’re looking for something to do, here’s Triangle on the Cheap’s full calendar of event from the weekend before Veterans Day to the weekend after.
Various locations
Leave a Reply