Veterans Day Events, Discounts and Freebies 2026

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!

2026 Veterans Day

We are just starting to update the deals for 2026, so find the most current deals below!

 

Veteran’s Day Events and Attraction Discounts

Delaware Veterans Parade

Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 3 pm at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. The route follows Pennsylvania Avenue, Sandusky Street and ends at Wilmer Street (near Ohio Wesleyan University). 

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

Freedom’s Never Free at Fairfield County Fairgrounds

November 5-7, 2026
Community celebration at the Fairgrounds honoring veterans, active-duty military members, first responders, and their families. The free event features traveling military memorials, a Field of Heroes flag display, veterans ceremonies, live entertainment, a patriotic pet parade, and more.

Freedom’s Never Free: Veteran’s Day event in Fairfield County

Hilliard Veterans Day Luncheon

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

The City of Hilliard will host a free Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 11, 2026 at The Well, 3993 Cosgray Road. The event begins with lunch at 11:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony honoring veterans and their service.

The event is open to the entire community and replaces Hilliard’s previous Veterans Day Parade. Switching from a parade allows the event to be held indoors where it will be more comfortable for Veterans to attend regardless of weather

City of Powell Veterans Day Ceremony

November 10, 2026 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, 2026 at The Medallion Club, 5000 Club Dr. Westerville, Ohio 43082.

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, 2026 at 8:30 am at the AG Center in the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Delaware, OH 43015. Buffet breakfast is followed by a presentation of the USMC Lima Company Losses During Operation Iraqi Freedom, 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 Oct 31. (Transportation is available for those who need it through DCT).

Clinton Township Veterans Day Ceremony

November 11, 2026 at 10:45 am. Annual Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Park, 3856 Walford Street. In the event of rain we will be having the ceremony indoors at Township Hall, 3820 Cleveland Avenue. Details here.

Lancaster Veteran’s Day Parade & Wreath Laying

November 11, 2026 from 10:30am – 12:00pm. The parade will proceed from the Fairgrounds down Broad Street to Veteran’s Memorial Park (103 North Broad Street). The parade starts at 10:30 at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds (at North Broad Street and Fair Avenue) and will proceed South down Broad Street to Veteran’s Memorial Park (109 North Broad Street) to conclude with a wreath laying ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial.

National Veterans Memorial and Museum Veterans Day Ceremony 

November 11, 2026. Veterans Day at National Veterans Memorial and Museum includes a ceremony at 11 am.

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

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

November 11, 2026 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. Departing from the Akron Northside Station at 10 am and 12:30 pm

Veteran’s Day Ceremony in Gahanna

November 11, 2026 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

November 12, 2026 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.

Newport Aquarium

Free Admission November 8-13, 2026! 

Newport Aquarium & Humana would like to thank those who have served or are currently serving our country by offering FREE admission. Family members can save $5 on tickets. Plus, all military personnel can receive a free appreciation gift!  Tickets must be purchased in advance online.

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

2026 Veteran’s Day Restaurant Deals

Peach Cobbler Factory Columbus

November 11, 2026. Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a FREE menu item at Peach Cobbler Factory Columbus on November 11, 2025 from noon – 11 pm. Just show proof of service, no purchase required. This is a Veteran-owned business!

4691 Morse Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230

Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s offers a year-round Hero Discount Program. Active and retired military members, firefighters, police, EMTs and their families receive 10% off their entire purchase when they mention the program at the register. The discount is available year-round at all Restaurants, because for Cane’s, saying “thank you” never goes out of season. 

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, 2026, 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 11/11/2026. 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.

Bob Evans

Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a homestyle meal at Bob Evans on Nov. 11, 2026. 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.

Denny’s

November 11, 2026. Veterans and military personnel* receive a FREE Original Gran Slam®.

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

Logan’s Roadhouse

November 11, 2026 from 11 am – 3 pm. Active-duty military and Veterans eat free from the Veteran’s Day menu with proof of service. Beverage not included; dine in only. Details here. 

Red Robin

November 11, 2026. 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, 2026. 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, 2026 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. 

Ikea: Military and Veterans Eat Free on Veteran’s Day!

November 11, 2026 
Show your IKEA Family card & military ID and eat your meal for free (value up to $8.99). Valid for one (1) meal per valid military ID. No registration required. Details here. 

Pilot Flying J

November 11, 2026. Service members and their families verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will receive a free sandwich and coffee or fountain drink in the Pilot App. Details. 

Year-round, Pilot offers savings to verified service members and their families through the Pilot app, including 10% off food and beverages.

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.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

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. 

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. 

Twin Peaks 

November 11, 2026 This Veterans Day, Twin Peaks is proud to honor all who have served by offering a free lunch to active and retired military personnel. The offer is valid from a select menu at participating locations. A valid military ID is required. 

• Cheeseburger & Fries
• Chicken Caesar Salad (with the option to substitute shrimp)
• Chicken Tenders & Fries
• OG Pepperoni Flatbread
• Six Boneless Wings & Fries

Beyond Veterans Day at Twin Peaks:

•  

Military Appreciation Month: Throughout November, military members with a valid military ID and/or in uniform can receive 20% off.
Tunnel to Towers Fundraiser: Guests who donate $5 to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation during November will receive a $5 bounceback offer valid in December. No purchase is required to make a donation.
Military Mondays: Throughout November and December, Twin Peaks Girls will wear camouflage tops every Monday in recognition of the military community.

Chipotle

TBA 2026 from 4 – 8 pm. The military community can purchase any entrée and get a second entrée for free on Veterans Day at restaurants across the U.S. All guests with a valid military ID are eligible for the promotion. 

Round Up for Real Change: Chipotle will feature the United Service Organizations (USO) in its Round Up for Real Change feature on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com from Tuesday, November 11 through Sunday, November 16. Guests can round up their total to the next highest dollar amount to donate to the USO.

BIBIBOP Asian Grill

TBA 2026. 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.

Fusian

TBA 2026. FUSIAN is saying thank you to those who have served our country with a fresh way to honor their service. On Monday, Nov. 11, all veterans and active-duty military members will receive a FREE Signature Roll with valid military ID. No purchase necessary. In-store only, while supplies last. Details here. 

Wendy’s Free Breakfast Combo 

TBA 2026. Wendy’s® salutes those who served or are currently serving in the U.S. military with a FREE Breakfast Combo, no purchase required*, during breakfast hours on Tuesday, November 11.

They can receive their free breakfast combo by notifying the crew member at the register or showing their VetRewards Card, no military ID required! 

Choose from any of Wendy’s breakfast combos like the hearty Bacon or Sausage Breakfast Burrito, savory Breakfast Baconator®, or the iconic Honey Buddy Chicken Biscuit! Each combo comes with Seasoned Potatoes and a beverage. Caffeine lovers can choose from a lineup of Sparkling Energy Drinks and Cold Foam Cold Brews – plus Cold Brews with Cream, regular hot coffee and Coke® Freestyle drinks! 

California Pizza Kitchen

tba 2026: 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, 2025.

Eddie Merlot’s

TBA 2026, 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

tba 2026 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. 

Starbucks

tba 2026. 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, 2025. Details here.

IHOP

TBA 2026 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.

City BBQ

TBA 2026. All veterans and active US military are welcomed to stop into any City Barbeque joint for a free sandwich, one side, and a drink. This offer is only valid in-store for dine-in or carryout. 

No purchase is necessary—bring your military ID.

Charleys Cheesesteaks

TBA 2026. 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). 

Tim Hortons

tba 2026. 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.

Chicken Salad Chick

TBA 2026. FREE Chick Special and regular-size drink for veterans or active duty military in honor of Veterans Day on 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

El Vaquero

tba 2026: 20% off to all Veterans and Active Military in-store at all Columbus-area El Vaquero locations.

2026 Veterans Day Retail and Business Discounts

Scene 75

From November 6–11, 2026 veterans play free! Enjoy a full day of fun at the park’s go-karts, rides, and more! To redeem, guests simply present a valid Military ID at the Welcome Desk upon arrival.

This offer is available in-park only and is Scene75’s way of saying thank you for the service and sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes. Details here. 

Veterans Appreciation Day at Moore Dental in Lewis Center

November 11, 2026. 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.

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. 

Sports Clips

November 11, 2026: Veterans and active-duty service members can get a FREE haircut at Sports Clips. 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.”

Atlas Butler

Free furnace cleaning and safety check to the first 250 veterans who call to schedule by November 30. Here are the full offer details:

• Free furnace cleaning and safety check ($299 value) for the first 250 veterans who call 1-800-FURNACE
• No diagnostic fee ($89 savings)
• Call to schedule by Nov. 30, 2026. Phone only, with no online booking
• Offer valid through Nov. 30

The timing matters, too. Furnaces are kicking on for the first time this season, and according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating fires peak in the winter months, with 46% of U.S. home heating equipment fires happening between December and February. A cleaning and safety check now gets veterans ahead of the coldest stretch of the year. 

Kroger

TBA 2026. Take an extra 10% off on in-store food and household purchases with military or Veteran ID. 

True REST Float Spa Free Session

TBA 2026, 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.

Free haircut for veterans at Great Clips

TBA 2026. All veterans can stop in 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.

Target Veterans Discount

In honor of Veterans Day, Target typically offers 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. 

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.