Veterans Day 2021 in the Triangle: a ton of food freebies, plus discounts, ceremonies, parades and more

Many businesses thank veterans and active military members by offering them a free meal or other gift on Veterans Day, which is Thursday, November 11th, 2021. 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 Thursday, November 11, 2021.

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

This will be a huge list. We are adding deals as we hear about them. Following are the deals that we know about for Veterans Day 2021 so far.

Applebee’s: On November 11th, 2021, all active military, veterans, Reserves and Natural Guard can receive a full-size entrée from an exclusive menu. Dine-in only. They will also receive a $5 bounce back card to redeem for dine-in, To Go or delivery, within three weeks. More info.

Choices for the free entrée include:

• 6 oz. Top Sirloin
• Double Crunch Shrimp
• Fiesta Lime Chicken
• Chicken Tenders Platter
• Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
• Oriental Chicken Salad
• Three-Cheese Chicken Penne

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Vets and active duty military can head to Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar for a classic American meal. Vets enjoy a FREE All-American Burger (with choice of cheese) and basic side (fries, tots, sweet potato fries or chips) — on November 11th, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bob Evans: On Veterans Day, November 11th, 2021, Bob Evans offers a FREE meal to veterans and active duty military. The special menu includes seven homestyle favorites, including hand-breaded crispy fried chicken, country biscuit breakfast, brioche french toast, the mini sampler, stack of hotcakes, country fried steak, and a soup & salad combo. More info.

Bonefish Grill: Vets are honored every day at Bonefish Grill. The restaurant’s Heroes Discount is offered all year long — 10% off for all service members, veterans and first responders.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Free order of 10 boneless wings and fries on November 11th, 2021, to all past and present armed services members. Dine-in or takeout. Onlne ordering excluded. Proof of service must be shown for redemption. Find a location.

Burney’s Sweets & More of Raleigh: All veterans will receive a free glazed croissant and a cup of coffee on Thursday, November 11th, 2021. This was announced on Facebook.

Carrabba’s: offering all service members, veterans and first responders 10% off any visit to their local restaurant this Veterans Day on Thursday, November 11th and year-round with valid ID. More info.

Chili’s: Vets and active military members can enjoy a FREE entrée from a select menu at Chili’s, including the following: Chicken Crispers, Margarita Grilled Chicken, Soup & Salad, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Just Bacon Burger, Oldtimer with Cheese or Cajun Chicken Pasta. November 11th, 2021.

Chicken Salad Chick: On November 11th, 2021, Chicken Salad Chick will offer a free Chick Special and regular drink to veterans and active duty military, who are in uniform or who show military ID. Find a location.

Cici’s Pizza: On Thursday, November 11th, 2021, veterans and active duty military personnel get a free buffet. Dine-in only. Drink not included. More details here.

Denny’s: On November 11th, 2021, from 5 a.m. to noon, all active and inactive military personnel can get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam at Denny’s, with more than 10 choices. Dine-in only, with a valid military ID or 214. More info in press release.

Dunkin’: Veterans and military members can receive a FREE donut of their choice on November 11th, 2021, at Dunkin’.

Golden Corral: On Thursday, November 11th, 2021, from 5 p.m. until close, anyone who has served in the U.S. Military can get a free meal at Golden Corral’s long-standing Military Appreciation Night. Dine-in only.

Hooters: Active duty and veterans can eat free at Hooters on Thursday, November 11th, 2021. The Veterans Day menu includes Buffalo Chicken Salad, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Hooters Burger and 10-piece Boneless Wings. More info.

IHOP: Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes at participating locations for those who have served in the U.S. military. Participation might vary. More info.

Krispy Kreme: Veterans can get a free doughnut, any variety, and a small brewed coffee, at Krispy Kreme, on November 11th, 2021. No purchase required. Must show ID. One per guest.

Little Caesars: Veterans and active military get a FREE Lunch Combo at Little Caesars, which includes a 4-slice DEEP!DEEP! Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product. The offer is available on November 11th, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Little Caesars.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: All veterans receive their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt and toppings for FREE on Veterans Day at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt. If vets swirl more than 6 ounces, they can just pay the difference.

Metro Diner: Metro Diner is offering 50% off to active and retired military with valid military ID on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11th, and 10% off year round. More info.

O’Charley’s: Veterans and active duty personnel will receive a free entrée on Veterans Day, November 11th. Choose from O’Charley’s Famous Chicken Tenders & Fries, Classic Cheeseburger, Honey-Drizzled Southern-Fried Chicken Peach Chutney Chicken, Chicken Alfredo and Southern Fried Chicken Tender Salad. More info.

Olde Raleigh Distillery: Veterans eat free pizza from 5 to 8 p.m. on November 11th, 2021. 209 Arendell Avenue, Zebulon. Pizza provided by Pizza Amore Zebulon. Announced on Facebook.

On The Border: Veterans can get a FREE Pick 2 Combo Meal on November 11th, 2021, at On The Border.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill: Enjoy Perry’s Famous Pork Chop for free on November 11th, 2021, from 4 to 10 p.m. This offer is for all United States veterans and active military with a valid ID. 4509 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh. More info.

Red Lobster: Veterans, active duty military and reservists can receive a free appetizer or dessert on Thursday, November 11th, 2021. More info.

Red Robin: Red Robin Royalty members who have a military designation will receive a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger, available for dine-in or to-go, from November 1st to 14th, 2021. This is a one-time offer. Active or former military, and veterans, must register for Red Robin’s Royalty Program with military designation by Monday, November 1st, 2021. Once registered they can redeem the offer for the free burger, which comes with a side of bottomless fries. More info in press release.

Smashburger: Vets can take a bite of one of America’s all-time favorite foods at Smashburger on November 11th, 2021. The burger joint is serving them a FREE Single Classic Burger on Nov. 11.

Starbucks: Starbucks will offer a free tall (12-oz) hot brewed coffee to veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating Starbucks stores on November 11th, 2021. Also, on November 11th they’ll donate 25 cents for every cup of hot brewed coffee sold nationwide to nonprofits Team Red, White & Blue and Headstrong, in support of the mental health and wellbeing of military communities.  Find a Starbucks near you.

Tijuana Flats: Veterans and active duty military with a valid ID can get 50% off a regular price adult entrée on Thursday, November 11th, 2021. One item per check. If ordering through the Tijauna Flats rewards app, use promo code VETD5021. More info.

Wendy’s: Vets can start their day with a complimentary meal at Wendy’s. To thank all of those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Military, the popular fast-food restaurant is offering them a FREE small breakfast combo — during breakfast hours only. Most locations serve breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Other Freebies and discounts

Grace For Vets: Free car wash for veterans and military members on Thursday, November 11, 2021.

Sports Clips: Many Sports Clips locations offer free haircuts to active duty U.S. service members and veterans on November 11th, 2021. Use this map to find a participating location near you.

Great Clips: On November 11th, 2021, veterans and active military members may receive either a free haircut or a free haircut card to use at a later date. Non-military customers can purchase a service on Veterans Day and get a free haircut card to give to a military service member that they know. More info.

North Carolina Zoo: November 8th to 14th, 2021, is Military Appreciation Week at North Carolina Zoo. All who have served receive free admission, and up to six of their guests get $2 off admission.

Target: Join Target Circle and verify your military status, and get 10% off two separate purchases between October 31st, and November 13th, 2021. Restrictions apply. More info.

True Rest Float Spa: On November 11th, 2021, any active duty military, reservist or veteran can enjoy a free 60-minute float therapy session. More info.

Walgreens: From November 11th to 14th, 2021, veterans military and their families will receive 20% off regular price eligible store items at Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstores nationwide. You need to use your myWalgreens card and provide proof of service. In-store only. There are exclusions. Read details here.

Veterans Day Events

Lunch for the Brave in Cary
The Town of Cary is honoring veterans with Lunch for the Brave. Veterans can drive through and pick up a FREE lunch on Friday, November 5th, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary. Participants must register by October 29th, 2021. You’ll be notified prior to the event so that you can select your meal option.

North Carolina Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
This event takes place on Saturday, November 6th, 2021. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m., and the ceremony is at 11 a.m. on the north side of the Capitol Building, 1 E. Edenton Street, Raleigh.

Zebulon Veterans Day Celebration
The Town of Zebulon and Zebulon Rotary Club are hosting a Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, November 10th, 2021, at 10 a.m., on the front lawn of Zebulon Town Hall, 1003 North Arendell Avenue, Zebulon. A grab and go breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP by Friday, October 29th, 2021, to Amy Hayden (919) 823-0432 or ahayden@townofzebulon.org.

Veterans Day Observance in Cary
The Town of Cary will hold a Veterans Day Observance on Thursday, November 11th, 2021, at 11 a.m., at Veterans Freedom Park, 1517 N. Harrison Ave., Cary. The ceremony will feature speakers from local veterans organizations, patriotic music from the Old North State Bass Band, and remarks from Cary Town Council members. A special Field of Flags will be at Veterans Freedom Park in honor of those who have served in the armed forces. It will be there all week. Free parking will be at Cary Academy, 1500 N. Harris Avenue, Cary.

Orange County Veterans Day Celebration
The Orange County Veterans Day Celebration takes place Thursday, November 11th, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Southern Human Services Campus, 2501 Homestead Drive, Chapel Hill, NC. This event is free and open to the public. Masks and social distancing are required. If you can’t be there in person, you can watch live on Orange County Veterans Memorial’s Facebook page.

Veterans Day Event at Chavis Park
Honor veterans at this free event at John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Raleigh, on Thursday, November 11th, 2021, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event, which will be held inside the community center, includes veteran reflections, free refreshments, family fun and learning about the military history of Chavis Park.

Veterans Day Celebration in Morrisville
Honor all veterans who live in or work in Morrisville. This event takes place on November 11th, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Indian Creek Trailhead, 101 Town Hall Drive, the site of Morrisville’s future Veterans Memorial.

Town of Garner Veterans Day Observance
On Thursday, November 11th, 2021, at 10:30 a.m., the Town of Garner is celebrating the men and women who have served our country, with a concert of patriotic music and a program with speakers, at Aversboro Road Baptist Church, 1600 Aversboro Road, Garner.

Armistice Day Celebration at Compiègne Park in Raleigh
On November 11th, 2021, at 11 a.m., Raleigh Sister Cities will be installing an informational sign about Compiègne, France, one of Raleigh’s sister cities, in Compiègne Park. This event will celebrate Armistice Day (the pre-cursor to Veterans Day) as well as Raleigh’s friendship with Compiègne, France.