There are lots of Veterans Day discounts and free meals in 2025 at restaurants and stores to honor our former and current Military Personnel.

From free food, free haircuts, free car washes, and more; we want our heroes to feel taken care of and appreciated. 

Click on links for offer details and pay close attention to the details, proof of service requirements, and call your location to ensure participation. Most of the offers require military identification of some sort.

While many of the deals are national chains, we found a few Veterans Day discounts local to Columbus, including meals and free admissions. Please let us know if you are aware of other local deals for Veterans Day – we love to support local!

If you’re not a veteran, you probably know someone who is, so make sure to share these deals with them.  Better yet, suggest meeting at one of these restaurants so they can redeem their free meal or activity with good company!

2025 Veterans Day

 

Veteran’s Day Events and Attraction Discounts

Delaware Veterans Parade

Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 3 pm at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. The route follows Pennsylvania Avenue, Sandusky Street and ends at Wilmer Street (near Ohio Wesleyan University). Don’t miss the flyover above Sandusky St. at 3:30 pm

Veterans and groups showing support can register to participate in the parade. See FB page.

Annual Veterans Day Parade in Hilliard

Sunday, November 2, 2025

The William R. Schnug Memorial Post 614 of the American Legion hosts the Veterans Day parade, starting at 2 pm.

The parade will leave the Franklin County Fairgrounds and travel down Main Street to Scioto Darby Road. It will enter Municipal Park on Veterans Memorial Drive, ending at the Veterans Memorial Park. A brief ceremony, 21-gun salute, and Taps will occur at the memorial.

Columbus Veterans Day Rally

November 9, 2025

The Columbus Veterans Day Rally is on the grounds of National Veterans Memorial Museum from 11:30 – 3:30 pm. There will be entertainment, free meals, and Veteran-related vendor tents. 

Clinton Township Veterans Day Ceremony

tba 2025 at 10:45 am. Annual Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Park, 3856 Walford Street, featuring THE Ohio State University ROTC Honor Guard Troop. In the event of rain we will be having the ceremony indoors at Township Hall, 3820 Cleveland Avenue.

City of Powell Veterans Day Ceremony

November 10, 2025 at 11 am at Greater Powell Veterans Memorial, 47 Hall St, Powell. Veterans and their families in attendance are invited to join us for lunch in the East Room immediately following the ceremony.

The Greater Powell Veterans Memorial is a place for reflection and remembrance of those who served the country.

Veterans can be remembered and honored through the Greater Powell Veterans Memorial Brick Program. Veteran bricks feature the honoree’s name, branch of service, the name of the war in which he or she fought, specific achievement or years of service.

Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast 

The Westerville Senior Center offers a pancake breakfast in honor of area Veterans on November 11, 2025 at Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel, 409 Altair Parkway.

Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. with a 9 a.m. presentation. Tickets are required for all attendees and must be purchased in advance at the Community Center (350 N. Cleveland Ave.). Tickets are $15 per person, Veterans are free with valid identification. Tickets must be reserved prior to the event.

Delaware County Veterans Breakfast

November 11, 2025 at 8:30 am at the AG Center in the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Delaware, OH 43015. Buffet breakfast is followed by a presentation “The U.S.S. Squalus & the Diving Bell,” as well as special recognitions for the Veteran of the Year and the Friend of the Veteran of the Year. 
 
Breakfast is free for veterans and one guest. Seating is limited and reservations are required. In order to secure your seat, please register by Nov. 1. 

National Veterans Memorial and Museum Veterans Day Ceremony 

November 11, 2025. Veterans Day at National Veterans Memorial and Museum includes a ceremony at 11 am, and several other events throughout the weekend.

The museum always offers free admission for U.S. military Veterans, active-duty military, and Gold Star families.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

November 11, 2025 Veterans, active military, first responders, and their family members (limit 4 total) can book a complimentary one-hour ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Enjoy the scenery and ride the rails through the park. 

Station + Departure Time
Rockside Station
7900 Old Rockside Rd.
Independence, OH 44131

Veteran’s Day Ceremony in Gahanna

November 11, 2025 at 11 a.m.
The Veterans Memorial Committee of Gahanna hosts a memorial brick dedication at Veterans Memorial Park, 73 W. Johnstown Road. To learn more about the Veterans Memorial Park or to purchase a brick for a future Memorial Day or Veterans Day ceremony, click here. 

Donald R. Hallman LGBTQ Veterans Recognition Awards

Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 5:30 pm.

Stonewall Columbus hosts an evening of appreciation of our LGBTQ Veterans. Please join us as we acknowledge and thank these honorees for their service to country and community during a brief recognition presentation.

Wexner Center for the Arts

Free gallery admission (always) for veterans and active military members in support of Vets at the Wex, an ongoing public program that works with veterans and their loved ones, many living with the symptoms of traumatic brain injury or PTSD. 

Just show military or veteran ID. Note: the Wex is closed on Veterans Day and most major holidays.

Note: The Wexner Center gallery visits are currently free for all visitors thanks to donor support.

Military Discount at COSI

Ongoing military discount at COSI: Active, Reserve, and Retired Military – $2.00 off per person in the immediate family with proper ID.

Free National Parks Admission

FREE admission for all at National Parks on November 11

Free days at U.S. national parks + Free National Parks Pass for 4th grade families

2025 Veteran’s Day Restaurant Deals

Peach Cobbler Factory Columbus

November 11, 2025. Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a FREE menu item at Peach Cobbler Factory Columbus on November 11, 2025 from noon – 10 pm. Just show proof of service, no purchase required. 

This is a Veteran-owned business!

4691 Morse Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230

Twin Peaks 

This Veterans Day, Twin Peaks is proud to honor all who have served by offering a free lunch to active and retired military personnel on November 11, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s our way of saying thank you for your service. The offer is valid from a select menu at participating locations.

• Portion of weekday lunch sales donated Sept. 11–Nov. 11
• 20% daily food discounts for veterans and first responders

Bru Burger Bar

Free entrée for Veterans on November 11 at Bru Burger Bar.

Chili’s

Chili’s founder, Norman Brinker, proudly served in the U.S. Navy. On November 11, 2025, Vets can enjoy a FREE entrée from a select menu. 

Please call ahead to your local Chili’s if you have any questions about your Veterans Day meals. 
*Valid only on 11/11/2025. Military ID required to redeem offer. No substitutions. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer only available for dine-in from limited menu. Beverages and gratuity not included.

Eddie Merlot’s

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Eddie Merlot’s is offering the Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger with Fries for FREE for all veterans and active military. Dine-in only. While supplies last.

To redeem, please show proof of military service to your server. Credentials may include: active duty, reserve or retired military ID, Veteran’s ID Card (VIC), notation on state driver’s license or form DD214. Extras and add-ons priced as listed on menu. Taxes and gratuity not included.

Applebees

November 11, 2025 For 18 years, Applebee’s has served more than 10 million meals in honor of our nation’s heroes.

On Nov. 11, veterans and active service members can enjoy a FREE meal from a select menu, options tba. Details here. 

IHOP

On November 11 from 7 am – 7 pm, veterans can enjoy an order of free Red, White, & Blue Pancakes at IHOP. Beverages and gratuity not included.

U.S. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Dine-in only. 1 per guest. Free menu item may vary by location.

Denny’s

Veterans and military personnel* receive a FREE Original Gran Slam® on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

*Includes active, non-active and retired military personnel. Dine-in only. Must show valid Military ID or DD214. Details on website.

Red Robin

November 11, 2025. Veterans and Active Military get a Free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries. They can also sign up for the military rewards program for offers and discounts throughout the year. 

Mitchell’s Fish Market

Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Enjoy 20% off food and non-alcoholic beverages for all Veterans on November 11. Valid for parties up to 4 guests. Tax and gratuity not included. Must show valid ID. Dine in only. Details here. 

Golden Corral 

November 11, 2025 from 4 pm – close. Honoring active and former military members for over 20 years through Military Appreciation Night. Active or former military members who have served in the U.S. Military can enjoy a free “thank you” meal, including retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves. Dine-in only. 

Outback Steakhouse

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

Texas de Brazil

Texas de Brazil offers a 10% Heroes Discount on dine-in dinner and lunch prices (salad area only too!) for Service Members, EMS and Teachers. See exclusions on website.

Bonefish Grill Everyday Heroes Discount

Heroes Discount offering 10% on all service member, veterans and first responders’ checks every day with show of valid ID. Details.

2025 Veterans Day Retail and Business Discounts

Veterans Appreciation Day at Moore Dental in Lewis Center

November 11, 2025. Complimentary same-day dental care for veterans in need at Moore Dental. Open to all non-active duty veterans. Call 740-548-5100 to schedule an appointment.

True REST Float Spa Free Session

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, True Rest Float Spa is closed to the public and only offering free, 60-minute floats to veterans. Nearby locations are at Easton and Powell. Call (614) 798-8783 to book, and bring military ID or DD Form 214.

In addition, to show support and appreciation for the sacrifices made by men and women who serve the U.S. military, True REST Float Spa has designated the 11th day of every month, as U.S. Military Appreciation Day and offers a free, 60-minute float to any active duty personnel and/or veteran (limit of 1 every 6 months)

Since 2015, True REST Float Spa has given away almost 17,000 complimentary float sessions.

Free carwash at Grace for Vets

Free car wash for retired and active military members on November 11 at car washes across the country through Grace for Vets.

Many different companies are participating, so find the closest one to you (including Moo Moo, Speedway, and more). Use the search tool to find a participating car wash near you. All veterans and service personnel get a free car wash at participating locations. 

Free haircut for veterans at Great Clips

All veterans can stop in on November 11 to get a free haircut, or a free haircut card to be redeemed by December 1 (must be redeemed by veteran or active military member).

On November 11, anyone can go to Great Clips for a haircut and will get a free haircut card to give to retired or active duty military personnel to use by December 1.

Sports Clips

Veterans and active-duty service members can get a FREE haircut at Sports Clips on November 11. In addition, the salon will donate $2 for every haircut service provided on Nov. 11 to the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” program.”

Lowe’s Veterans/Military Discount

Lowe’s offers 10% off eligible purchases every day to active military personnel, retirees, and veterans. Must sign up online for the Lowe’s personal shopping card to qualify for the discount, and the discount will be linked to the MyLowe’s account. See registration details here.

Home Depot Military Discount

Home Depot offers a 10% discount to all active duty military personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans and their immediate families. Veterans who do not have a VA service-connected disability rating may only be eligible for the military discount during national holidays such as Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day.

10% discount is applicable to purchases with an annual $400 maximum discount. There are some exclusions, including installation products or services, Gift Cards, special buy appliances, and some commodities, such as building materials. The discount is not available for online purchases. Read full details on website.

Super 8 by Wyndham

Super 8 is honored to welcome active and retired military members, veterans, and their families as our very important guests. Save 15% on our Best Available Rate at participating Super 8 by Wyndham hotels in the U.S. and Canada.* Veteran guests enjoy preferred parking at Super 8.

The following are TBA for 2025

Check back for updates!

Target Veterans Discount

TBA for 2025. In honor of Veterans Day, from Oct. 29 to Nov. 11, Target is offering all U.S. active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families 10% off two separate purchases. (Some exclusions apply.)

To receive the offer, you must first confirm eligibility by registering here. After verification, the exclusive one-Target Circle offer will be available in customer’s account to use in-store or online. 

Walgreens

Veterans, military and their families get a 20% discount on eligible regular priced items, November 8 through 10 at Walgreens. In-store only; myWalgreens is membership is required. 

Pilot Flying J

TBA 2025. Service members and their families verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will receive a free meal credit valued up to $12 in the app.

BIBIBOP Asian Grill

TBA for 2025. Honoring Veteran’s Day by giving a FREE BOWL to all Veterans and Active Duty Military. All BIBIBOP locations, all day long. To claim a free bowl, present a military ID. This offer will be available in-store on November 11th only. See details.

Chicken Salad Chick

TBA 2025. FREE Chick Special and regular-size drink for veterans or active duty military in honor of Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11! Stop by in uniform or with your military ID/DD214 to redeem. Details on Facebook. 

• 687 Worthington Rd. Westerville, OH 43082
• 6304 E Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus, OH 43081
• Grandview Crossing, 1056 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215

Starbucks

TBA 2025. Starbucks is pouring free tall (12-ounce) hot or cold brewed coffee for Veterans, military service members and military spouses who visit participating U.S. Starbucks stores on Nov. 11, 2023. Details here.

Tim Hortons

TBA for 2025. Tim Hortons U.S. locations will be honoring those who have so bravely served our country by offering a FREE small hot coffee to all active military members and veterans.

White Castle

TBA for 2025. Veterans and active-duty military get a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal when dining at a participating restaurant on November 11.

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery

TBA 2025. Perkins Restaurant and Bakery is saluting members of the armed forces this Veterans Day with a complimentary meal. Active duty, retired military and veterans enjoy a FREE Magnificent Seven entrée. The meal includes two (2) eggs, two (2) Applewood smoked bacon strips and three (3) buttermilk pancakes.

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery has locations in 32 states. It’s up to each location whether this offer is for Nov 10 or 11, so call to check your location.

Dairy Queen

tba 2025

Wendy’s Free Breakfast Combo 

tba 2025

Charleys Cheesesteaks

TBA 2025. Free regular-sized Gourmet Fry for active-duty military members and veterans (with military ID or proof of service required), no purchase necessary.

Charleys offers a variety of Gourmet Fries, including Cheese Fries, Cheese & Bacon Fries and Ultimate Fries (with Charleys’ signature melted cheddar cheese sauce, bacon and ranch dressing). It also includes the limited-time Kimchi Fries, which are smothered with signature melted cheddar cheese sauce, topped with kimchi, shredded cheddar, Gochujang sauce and jalapenos and drizzled with sriracha mayo.

Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s offers any active or nonactive military, fire, police, EMTs, and their spouses 10% OFF their entire purchase when they mention our Hero Discount Program at the register on November 11, 2024. Valid ID/proof of service required to receive the discount.

City BBQ

November 11, 2024. All veterans and active US military are welcomed to stop into any City Barbeque joint for a free sandwich, one side, and a drink. Offer only valid November 11, 2024. This offer is only valid in-store for dine-in or carryout. Details.

No purchase is necessary—bring your military ID.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

From Friday, November 8 – Sunday, November 10, 2024 order an entrée when you dine-in and take home another entrée of equal or lesser value for free.

Then on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11th, order a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a free nonalcoholic beverage. Veterans and active-duty military are asked to show a service ID. 

Carrabba’s Italian Grill recognizes hometown heroes everyday not just on Veterans Day with a Heroes Discount year-round offer of 10% off to all service members, veterans and first responders. 

Genghis Grill

November 11, 2024. 50 percent off bowls for veterans with military proof. See website.

BD’s Mongolian Grill

November 11, 2024. 50 percent off bowls for veterans with military proof. See website.

Roosters Wings

Monday, November 11, 2024. Anyone who presents their Military ID, DD214, DD1172, NGB55, or NGB22 form at a participating Roosters location will receive a free $10 Roosters Buck as a show of appreciation!

BJ’s Restaurant

On November 11, 2024 current and former military who dine-in at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse will receive a FREE Chocolate Chunk Pizookie® with an $11.95 purchase

But that’s not all – Veterans will also receive a complimentary appetizer on their next visit with a $14.95 purchase. Bonus offer valid 11/12/2024 – 12/31/24 for dine-in and takeout only. 

El Vaquero

November 11, 2024: 20% off to all Veterans and Active Military in-store at all Columbus-area El Vaquero locations.

Bob Evans

Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a homestyle meal at Bob Evans on Nov. 11, 2024. The restaurant is offering them a FREE meal on Veterans Day.

The select Veterans Day menu includes the following: Country Biscuit Breakfast, Brioche French Toast, The Mini Sampler, The Classic Breakfast, Banana Berry Oatmeal, Cup of Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Sunrise, Buttermilk Hotcakes, Country Fried Steak Dinner Bell Plate and Bowl of Rolled Out Oatmeal.

California Pizza Kitchen

November 11, 2024: This Veterans Day, California Pizza Kitchen is serving vets and active military members a FREE non-alcoholic beverage and choice of an entrée from a prix fixed menu. 

Additionally, all veterans and active-duty service members who dine with CPK on Veterans Day will receive a Buy One Get One coupon to thank them for their service. The coupon is for any Pizza, Pasta or Salad and is redeemable for a future visit between November 12 through November 25, 2024.

See details for both CPK Veteran promotions here.

Red Lobster

November 11, 2024. Red Lobster is offering FREE Veteran’s Shrimp & Chips* – featuring six Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, served with cocktail sauce and ketchup, as well as crispy French Fries and Coleslaw – on Monday, November 11th. Guests only need to show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem this dine-in only offer. 
 
Additionally, Red Lobster shows appreciation for Veterans every day by offering 10% off their check** when dining in-restaurant, with proof of service or valid Military ID.