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VETERANS DAY · NOVEMBER 11, 2026

Veterans Day 2026 Free Meals & Deals

Veterans Day 2026 is Wednesday, November 11. This list has 18 offers: 9 confirmed for 2026 by the business itself, and 9 that the business offered in 2025 and has not yet announced for 2026. Every entry links to the business's own announcement. We update it as more businesses announce.

Updated

Offers are set by each business, vary by location, and can change. Confirm with the business before you go. Basepass is not affiliated with these businesses.

Veterans Day 2026 offers by business

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How to read this list

Veterans Day free-meal lists online often mix this year's announcements with last year's, which is how people end up at a restaurant that isn't participating. We keep them apart. Confirmed for 2026 means the business published the 2026 offer on its own website or in its own press release. Offered in 2025 — not yet confirmed means the business ran the offer last year, and we have its official 2025 announcement, but it has not yet announced 2026. Most national chains announce in late October or the first week of November, so expect this page to change often until Veterans Day.

We only list a business when we can link to its own announcement or an official press release. If a restaurant you expected is missing, it is not because it isn't participating. It just means we couldn't verify an official source yet.

What to bring: proof of service

Many businesses ask for proof of service, and the accepted documents differ. Common ones include:

Some businesses say proof is required, some name specific documents, and some, like Golden Corral in 2025, said ID was not required. When the terms are vague, bring your best document and check the business's page. Our military discount app guide explains how common verification methods work.

Tips for getting your free meal

Free and discounted options all year

Veterans Day is one day. Many of the best benefits are available year-round: standing military discounts at stores and restaurants, free or reduced admission to parks and museums, and local programs most people don't know about. Our military discounts near me page explains how to find what's around you, and the Basepass military discount app puts them on a map with eligibility, verification details, and official terms.

You may also qualify for benefits you haven't claimed yet, such as VA health care, education benefits, or state programs. The free Basepass benefits check takes a few minutes and doesn't ask for your SSN or DoD ID.

Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?

Yes. OPM's federal holiday schedule lists Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. It is one of the public holidays federal law sets for federal employees, so federal offices close. Private businesses and schools decide for themselves, and state rules vary.

According to VA's history of Veterans Day, President Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, and a 1938 law made it a legal holiday. Congress renamed it Veterans Day in 1954. The 1968 Uniform Holiday Bill moved it to a Monday in October, but a 1975 law returned it to November 11 starting in 1978, and it has been observed on the 11th whatever the weekday ever since.

One more free thing on the day: November 11, 2026 is a fee-free day at national parks for U.S. citizens and residents, and veterans can get a free lifetime pass any day. See the national park pass for military and veterans guide.

Why some offers aren't confirmed yet

Most businesses announce Veterans Day offers one to three weeks ahead. Red Robin published its 2026 offer on October 22, the same date as in 2025, while Hooters announced its 2025 offer on November 10. As of 2026-11-02, many chains have not announced yet. Rather than guess, we mark each business by what it has said. Bookmark this page and check back the week of November 2.

Frequently asked questions

What restaurants give free meals on Veterans Day 2026?

As of 2026-11-02, Chili's is the only business on our list that has announced a free meal for Veterans Day 2026 (Wednesday, November 11) on its own website. Many chains, including Golden Corral, Cracker Barrel, Red Robin, Hooters, Wienerschnitzel, and Little Caesars, offered free meals in 2025 and usually announce in late October or early November. We upgrade each one on this page only after the business announces its 2026 offer.

When is Veterans Day 2026?

Veterans Day is always November 11. In 2026 it falls on a Wednesday. It is a federal holiday, and most free-meal offers are valid on that one day only, though a few businesses extend theirs.

Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?

Yes. OPM lists Wednesday, November 11, 2026 as Veterans Day in its federal holiday schedule, which is set by federal law (5 U.S.C. 6103). Federal offices and most banks close; whether private employers and schools close is up to them and your state. National parks are also fee-free that day for U.S. citizens and residents.

What ID do I need for Veterans Day freebies?

It depends on the business, so read its terms. Common options include a military ID, a veteran ID card, a DD-214 discharge paper, or a driver's license or state ID with a veteran designation. Some businesses say a military ID or proof of service is required; others, such as Golden Corral in 2025, said ID was not required. Bring more than one form of proof if you have it.

Do military spouses and family members get Veterans Day free meals?

Usually not. Most offers are for veterans and active-duty service members, and some also include retirees, National Guard, and Reserve members. Golden Corral's 2025 announcement said its offer did not extend to spouses, friends, or other family members. Check each business's eligibility terms, and ask a manager if you are unsure.

Are Veterans Day free meals dine-in only?

Often, yes. The 2026 offers from Chili's, Red Robin and Bob Evans are dine-in only, and several 2025 offers (Cracker Barrel, Hooters, Golden Corral) were also dine-in. A few work differently, such as Chipotle's free chips and dip with an in-restaurant purchase and Freddy's free combo card to use later. Offers are typically for participating locations only, so call your local restaurant before you go.

Why are some offers marked "Offered in 2025 — not yet confirmed"?

Because the business has not yet published a 2026 announcement that we can verify. We list its 2025 offer, with the 2025 terms and a link to the official 2025 announcement, so you can see what it has done before. That is not a promise that it will repeat the offer. We never present a 2025 offer as a 2026 offer.

Do I need to be a veteran, or is active duty enough?

Most announcements cover both veterans and active-duty military. Some include retirees, National Guard, and Reserve members. Eligibility is set by each business, and the exact wording is shown on each listing above.

Where can I find military discounts the rest of the year?

Many businesses offer standing military or veteran discounts, and many parks, museums, and recreation sites offer free or reduced admission. The Basepass map shows discounts and free places near you, with eligibility and verification details, so you are not relying on a one-day list.

FREE BENEFITS CHECK · NO SSN OR DOD ID

Veterans Day is one day. Your benefits aren't.

See military discounts and free places near you all year on the Basepass map, and run a free benefits check to find benefits you may be missing.

Run my free benefits check Basepass is independent and not affiliated with the VA, DoD, or any government agency.