Veterans Day Freebies 2026: Free Meals Confirmed for Nov 11

Updated November 9, 2026 · By Sarah Thompson · How we verify freebies

Short answer: On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, veterans and active-duty military eat free at Denny’s, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Golden Corral, Texas Roadhouse, Outback and others. Bring proof of service and plan to dine in. National parks that normally charge a fee are free for all U.S. citizens and residents that day.

What to bring: a military ID, a DD-214, a VA card, or a driver’s license with a veteran designation. Most offers are dine-in only and at participating locations, so call your local restaurant first.

Free meals confirmed for 2026

What’s free	Hours and rules	Claim
Denny’s: Original Grand Slam	5 a.m.–noon, dine-in	Find a location
Applebee’s: Full-size entrée from a Veterans Day menu	Dine-in	Find a location
Chili’s: Meal from a Veterans Day menu	Dine-in, participating locations	Find a location
Golden Corral: Dinner	4 p.m. to close, dine-in	Find a location
Texas Roadhouse: Meal voucher	Handed out 11 a.m.–2 p.m.. Use it by May 31, 2027	Find a location
Outback Steakhouse: Bloomin’ Onion + Coke or 16 oz draft beer	Nov 10–11, dine-in	Find a location
Freddy’s: Combo meal card, no purchase needed	Use the card by Nov 25	Find a location
Starbucks: Tall brewed coffee	Also for military spouses	Find a location
In-N-Out Burger: Any burger, fries and a drink	Veterans, active duty, Reserves, National Guard. West Coast and Southwest locations	Find a location
Hy-Vee: Breakfast	6–10 a.m., in-store dining	Find a location

Free national park entry

Entry is free on November 11 at the national parks that normally charge a fee. New for 2026: the free day applies to U.S. citizens and residents only. Camping, tours and parking fees still apply. Check the National Park Service list →

Tips

Go early or late. Lunch and dinner peaks are the busiest hours of the year at these chains.
Tip on the full price of the meal. Your server is still working a full shift.
Franchise locations can opt out. A quick call saves a wasted trip.

FAQ

When is Veterans Day 2026?
Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

What restaurants give free meals on Veterans Day 2026?
Confirmed so far: Denny’s (Grand Slam, 5 a.m.–noon), Applebee’s, Chili’s, Golden Corral (dinner from 4 p.m.), Texas Roadhouse (voucher), Outback (Bloomin’ Onion, Nov 10–11), In-N-Out (burger, fries and a drink), Hy-Vee (breakfast 6–10 a.m.), Freddy’s (combo meal card) and Starbucks (tall coffee).

What ID do I need for Veterans Day freebies?
A military ID, DD-214, VA card or a driver’s license with a veteran designation. Some places accept a photo of you in uniform, but don’t count on it.

Are national parks free on Veterans Day 2026?
Yes, for U.S. citizens and residents. Entry fees are waived on November 11 at parks that normally charge them. Camping and tours still cost money.

Looking for more November freebies? See Black Friday Freebies 2026.