Veterans Day Events and Deals in Wichita, KS

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Veterans and active-duty members of the U.S. military are worthy of our respect and gratitude every day (see Military Discounts in Wichita), but on Veterans Day we can do one better and take them out for a free meal, attend an event that honors them, visit one of the Wichita attractions that offer free admission on Veterans Day, or share this list of Veterans Day deals around Wichita to save them a few bucks.

Jump To: Veteran’s Day Restaurant Deals

Veterans Day is November 11th every year. In 2025, that’s a Tuesday, so many of these events and deals may happen on the weekend before.

In this list of 2025 Veterans Day events and deals in Wichita, we’ll start with the parade and other local events to honor veterans. Then keep scrolling because you’ll find free doughnuts and free meals for veterans and active-duty military, free and discounted services (like car washes and haircuts), retail discounts, and more! (Yay!) I’m always adding to this list as I learn of more freebies and deals, so be sure to check back often as the day approaches.

We are thankful for your service!

2025 Veterans Day Events in and around Wichita

Thankfully, we already know of several ways to celebrate Veterans Day in Wichita this year!

The Wichita Veterans Day Parade will be held in downtown Wichita on Saturday, November 8. It begins at 11 a.m. sharp in downtown Wichita. The parade route will begin at Main & Central, travels down first to McLean, then ends at Exploration Place.

VetsAid 2025 will be held at INTRUST Bank Arena on November 15, 2025. The benefit concert will feature its founder, native Wichitan Joe Walsh, along with Vince Gill, Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Nathaniel Rateliff and others. Tickets start at $50. This year’s proceeds are going to exclusively benefit Kansas-based or located veterans services charities.

El Dorado, KS Celebration of Freedom includes a Veterans Day Parade and usually other events over the weekend. This year, on Saturday, Nov. 8, the parade starts at 11 a.m. Afterwards, they’ll have free hot dog feed, fun activities, and a special salute to local veterans!

Veterans Day Parade in Ark City will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 11 a.m. The parade follows a route from Chestnut Ave. to Adams Ave. from 11 a.m. Hosted by Visit Ark City.

Veterans Day Celebration in Derby starts at 2 pm at Garrett Park, 1100 E. Chet Smith Ave. Join the Derby Community Foundation in honoring our veterans and commemorating their service on Veterans Day. You can also spend time at the Walk of Freedom Memorial while you’re there.

Veterans Memorial Park in Wichita will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Flag Pavilion at 11 a.m. on November 11. The park walkway is lined with flags and the program includes a keynote speaker, presentation of colors, National Anthem, playing of Taps, and a rifle salute. The program is open to the public but seating is limited, so they recommend bringing your own lawn chair to enjoy this annual ceremony.

Veterans Day closures in/around Wichita

City of Wichita City Hall offices will be closed in observance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, on Tuesday, November 11.

Wichita Public Schools will also be closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. District offices will also be closed.

Andover KS City Hall offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11.

Veterans Memorials In and Near Wichita, KS

Veterans Memorial Park – Located on the bank of the Arkansas near downtown, the Wichita Veterans Memorial Park commemorates the contributions of U.S. military veterans with 18 different memorials with 6 wars represented. Special recognition events are hosted at the park throughout the year, including Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. Limited seating is available, so if you attend an event, consider bringing your own chair.

The Derby Area Veterans Memorial – Walk of Freedom encompasses a quarter of a mile of pedestrian/bicycle path located in Garrett Park. The memorial includes an entryway monument, five stations along the path (each dedicated to a branch of the military – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy), five benches, six light poles, landscaping, and 12 banners. Each station has the capacity to hold 55 bricks which honor veterans from the Derby area. View a full list of Derby parks.

Veterans Day Freebies and Deals for Wichita:

Here is a list of Veterans Day freebies and deals available in the Wichita area, and more will be added throughout the week. (Please be prepared to show proof of service if requested.)

Do note the dates and times the offers are available; some are before or after Veterans Day, some are for breakfast or lunch only, etc.

Although I’ve confirmed these deals nationally, participation may vary at each location. Call ahead if you have any doubts. And thank you for your service!

Free Admission to Wichita Attractions for Veterans Day 2025

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum has free admission on Sundays right now, so the Sunday of Veterans Day weekend will be free too. The museum’s Sunday hours are 1-5 p.m.

Veterans Day at Sedgwick County Zoo To show appreciation for your service, the zoo is offering FREE admission to all military personnel, both active duty and veterans, along with their immediate families, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11. To receive free admission, show valid military or veteran ID (read this to see how you can get ID after the parade on Saturday), discharge papers, or other official identification. Families of deployed military personnel must show an active-duty ID.

National Parks offer FREE admission to all on Veterans Day, November 11. The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our nation’s veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for FREE on Veterans Day. (Tip: Most National Parks in Kansas are free every day. Wahoo! So this deal is mainly if you’re traveling outside of Kansas.)

FREE National Parks Pass for U.S. military veterans, active-duty, and Gold Star families. This is a deal available every day, but Veterans Day is a good day to remind you about it. This is a really great deal.

Wichita Veterans Day Restaurant Deals

Some things to keep in mind as you go through this list of special Veterans Day meals and other deals:

• Most of these specials apply to active duty or veteran military personnel only on Veterans Day and won’t apply to spouses.
• Several of these restaurants offer an ongoing military discount to active duty personnel, veterans and their spouses so you can extend the savings on other days.
• Nearly all special deals require some sort of proof of service; generally, a valid military ID is that proof.
• Most restaurants on the list are national chains, so some specials or even menu options may vary with specific or individual locations. Be sure to confirm any special with the location you plan to visit.
• Some places are collecting donations for select organizations that serve military personnel, vets and/or family members. The donations can be provided by any guest.

Confirmed Veterans Day restaurant deals for 2025

Freddy’s Frozen Custard continues to appreciate its namesake’s military background by offering all veterans and active military personnel a FREE Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card on Veteran’s Day. You do need to pick it up on November 11, but you can redeem your free combo card through December 31.

Golden Corral will once again host Military Appreciation Night on Tuesday, November 11, which is the Veterans Day holiday. From 4 p.m. to close, active and former military members will receive a free “thank you” meal. Family and friends can join you, but only the servicemember recieves the free thank you meal. Other guests will pay regular dinner menu pricing.

Applebee’s For the 18^th consecutive year, Applebees will honor veterans with a FREE meal from a special menu on November 11. Not only do veterans eat free, they usually also receive a $5 Bounce Back card good for a future visit within a specific redemption window.

Bricktown Brewery honors veterans and active military on November 11 with a FREE select entrée. Dine-in only, with valid military or veterans ID. Bricktown Brewery thanks you for your service!

Bubbas33 is advertising on a slider on its home page they’ll have a free lunch – or a voucher – for active duty and veterans from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Veterans Day, November 11. There’s an asterisk, which usually refers to certain conditions on the deal, but I can’t find the conditions. More than likely, they’ll require proof of service and tax and gratuity are not included. (Those are pretty standard terms, but be sure to ask your server for more info about the deal before you order.)

Casey’s As a small thank you for their tremendous sacrifices, all military servicemembers can enjoy a complimentary coffee or fountain drink at any Casey’s location and free car wash where available on Veterans Day. Casey’s is proud to offer coffee and fountain drinks at no cost to military personnel and on-duty, uniformed first responders – including law enforcement, fire and EMS – year-round.

Chick-fil-A is honoring guests with military ID with a free sandwich at participating locations. I confirmed three Wichita-area restaurants. For specific details: Chick-fil-A Veterans Day

Chili’s is offering a free meal for vets and active military again this year on Veterans Day. Choose from one of four different entrées.

Dave & Buster’s is giving vets a free entree plus a $10 Power Card on 11/11. Show your military ID to redeem.

Denny’s is offering a free Grand Slam for military and veterans, but it’s from 5 a.m. (or store open) to noon on November 11. Just show military ID or DD214. Dine-in only.

Dillons has a “thank you” discount of 10% on in-store food and household purchases this Veterans Day for all who served. This goes for veterans, active duty, and dependents. Show ID to get the discount at all Wichita locations. Some exclusions do apply.

Dunkin has offered a free donut (any kind, in-store only) to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day every year for over a decade—no purchase required. While we haven’t found an official 2025 press release yet, the company has called it “a small token of appreciation to those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country.” We expect Wichita locations to participate again this year. To be safe, call ahead or stop by early—supplies are limited. Valid at participating stores with proof of service recommended.

IHOP will have its famous Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo on the house for active military and veterans from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Veterans Day, November 11. Dine-in only; proof of service required; some locations might not take part in the promotion so check with the IHOP near you to confirm. The Combo includes two buttermilk pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping, and whipped topping. Served with 2 eggs, hash browns, and your choice of 2 strips of crispy hickory-smoked bacon or 2 pork sausage links.

Note: Sometimes in the past, we have seen local Wichita IHOP locations not participate in these national offers. Do call ahead to be sure they will honor the Veterans day deal that’s shown on the IHOP website.

Red Robin (YUM) will bring back its very nice Veterans Day deal. Veterans and active military who dine in on November 11, will receive a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger.

Scooters Coffee will thank our nation’s veterans with a free medium drink of any variety (iced, hot, latte, etc.) on the Scooter’s Coffee menu, including the new holiday line. Offer available November 11 for anyone with a valid military ID; limit one drink per ID.

Starbucks will have a free tall (12 oz) brewed coffee, hot or iced, for veterans, service members, and military spouses at participating stores on November 11. Some exclusions or restrictions may apply.

Twin Peaks As in previous years, on Veterans Day 2025, all veterans and active-duty service members with valid military ID can enjoy a free lunch from a select menu between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Source

Texas Roadhouse will honor veterans and active military this Veterans Day with free lunch. To express our sincere appreciation for the members of our armed forces, we will offer free lunch to our nation’s heroes on Saturday, November 11, between 11am – 2pm. Proof of service is required, which includes military or VA card, or discharge papers. Veterans and active military can choose from one of 10 meals, including a 6-ounce sirloin with two made-from-scratch sides, plus all meals include a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/iced tea, or coffee. For details, contact your local Texas Roadhouse. [Editors note: I confirmed this deal via email with Texas Roadhouse corporate.]

Service, Retail, and Other Deals for Veterans Day

Academy Sports & Outdoors is giving veterans, service members, and first responders a 10% discount on their entire purchase online or in store from October 19 to November 11. This deal has already started so be sure to share this article with friends who are eligible.

Cracker Barrel Country Store is saluting heroes with 25% off Duke Cannon products.

Sam’s Club is saluting the men and women of the military with an ongoing discounted membership offer, plus $10 Sam’s Cash for renewal; discounts on renewal are pretty much unheard of, so this is great. This one isn’t just for Veterans Day.

Great Clips annual Veterans Day deal is back! On November 11, veterans and active military members can visit a U.S. Great Clips salon and receive either a free haircut that day or a free haircut card to use at a later date. Non-military customers can purchase a service at a U.S. Great Clips salon and get a free haircut card to give to a military service member they know.

Sport Clips participating locations will donate $2 from every haircare service on November 11 to Help A Hero Scholarships, and many locations will offer free Veterans Day haircuts for veterans and active duty service members again this year.

Tractor Supply  As part of its Hometown Heroes campaign, military service members, veterans, and first responders will receive a 10% discount on First Responders Day (Tuesday, October 28), Tractor Supply’s National Hometown Heroes Day (Saturday, November 1) and Veterans Day (Tuesday, November 11).

The Big List of Military Discounts in Wichita, KS

Please keep checking back because I’ll update this list frequently as new deals come in…

Still Updating for 2025: 🙂 

Still waiting on 2025 updates for the following Veterans Day deals… Please check back for the updated food & retail deals being offered for Veterans Day this year. The ones below are what we were able to find last year:

BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse has a free pizookie for veterans and active duty military who are dining in on November 11. Plus, you’ll get a coupon for a free appetizer on your next visit. You’ll need to show proof of service. The offer doesn’t include tax or tip.

Cicis Pizza will invite veterans and active military to eat free this Veterans Day, November 11. This FREE buffet at Cici’s is announced on the Cicis.com/deals page. Just scroll down. Wichita has one Cici’s Pizza location at 8320 W Central Ave, Wichita, Kansas 67212.

Krispy Kreme brings back its FREE doughnut for Veterans Day in. You can get a free small hot or iced coffee too. Stop in at the location by Central Dillons and show proof of service to receive the deal.

Lamars Donuts is clear enough about its plans to celebrate veterans with a free 12 oz coffee and a donut with a hole, but not really clear about what the actual date of their offer is. It *could* be happening on Thursday, November 9. (See the post on Facebook or Twitter/X)

Little Caesars is giving away a free HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage, on November 11 to each veteran or active member of the United States military who comes into a participating store between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time and mentions this offer. Limit one; present proof of service.

Pilot/Flying J will give service members and their families who are verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app a free meal credit valued up to $12 on Veterans Day weekend this year. The nearest location is probably Newton. While Wichita doesn’t have any locations, this is a nice perk for travelers and truck drivers who have the app.

Red Lobster is offering FREE Veteran’s Shrimp & Chips as a dine-in only deal on November 11. This freebie is available to all active-duty military, reserves, and veterans who show proof of service. The free meal includes six Walt’s Shrimp, fries, and coleslaw. Note that beverage, tax, and tip are not included. Not only do they have this deal on November 11, Red Lobster is one of the restaurants that offers a year-round military discount.

TravelCenters of America invite active-duty military, veterans, and reservists to enjoy a complimentary meal at participating quick-service and full-service restaurants at TA, Petro, and TA Express locations on November 11. Provide proof of service before you order. Proof of service can include a Uniformed Services ID card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans’ organization membership card, photograph in uniform, DD214 form, a citation, or commendation.

Goodyear Auto Service and JustTires are offering FREE Car Care Checks for Vets from November 10-14, 2023, as well as a 10% discount on tires and services which CAN be combined with all current offers for tires and services. Do schedule your appointment by November 14 or you’ll miss out on the deal.

White Crow Cider Company is expressing their gratitude to local veterans with a taproom discount. From Thursday, November 7 through Sunday, November 10, anyone with a military ID can enjoy 20% off taproom drinks.

Walgreens Veterans Day Discount  From November 8-11, 2024, veterans, military, and their families receive 20% off eligible regular price items with myWalgreens membership and proof of service. The deal is valid on in-store purchases only and does come with restrictions and limitations, so be sure to see the link for details.

Zips Car Wash will offer a FREE Premier car wash to all U.S. veterans and active military personnel this Saturday, November 11, Veterans Day. Enter wash code 1123 to redeem the offer Saturday at over 280 participating locations around the country.

Not updated yet for 2025:

Botanica announced in an email and on social media – free admission for veterans and military personnel, plus their families, on Veterans Day!

Kansas Cosmosphere Veterans Day Deal  On Sunday before Veterans Day, veterans are invited to receive a FREE All Access Mission Pass. You do need to mention you’re a veteran at the box office to receive the offer.

Exploration Place includes free admission for veterans and their families after the parade on Saturday, November 9. It will be convenient, since this is where the parade ends up this year, and lots of activities will be taking place in the Exploration Place parking lot! Should be a fun Saturday.

Chicken N Pickle Flag Ceremony will honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. Whether you have served or are currently serving or wish to express your support and appreciation, you are invited to a flag-raising ceremony at 11am. From 11 am – 4 pm, a giveback from food purchases will be given to Honor Flight.

Veterans Day Reception in Colwich The date and details are still forthcoming but it looks like this tradition will continue for another year. Colwich students honor local veterans with a ceremony, followed by a small reception with coffee and pastries in the concessions area. Colwich-area military veterans and their families are invited.