Veterans Day Events, Freebies and Deals for Wichita

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 discounts to save them a few bucks.

Thank goodness. In 2021, Veterans Day events in Wichita and free meals, free and discounted services, etc. have returned (yay!). I’m still 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!

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

Do note the date 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 doubt. And thank you for your service!

Jump to: Events * Free Food *  Miscellaneous

Keep checking back, because I’ll be updating this list frequently as new deals come in…

Veterans Day Events in Wichita

Thankfully, we do have some Veterans Day events in Wichita this year. 

The Veterans Day parade will be held in downtown Wichita on November 6, 2021. It will begin at 11 a.m. sharp in front of the Sedgwick County Courthouse. More info. 

Veterans Memorial Park will hold its annual Veterans Day Program at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2021. The park walkway will be lined with flags and the program will include a keynote speaker, presentation of colors, National Anthem, playing of Taps, a rifle salute and recognition of the veterans present along with their branch of service. The program is expected to last 30 to 45 minutes; seating will be limited, so bring your own lawn chair to enjoy this annual ceremony. 

Chicken N Pickle is celebrating and honoring veterans on Thursday, November 11th. There will be a formal flag raising ceremony at 11AM with the American Legion Riders and members of the Kansas Honor Flight. In addition, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Chicken N Pickle will be donating 10% of sales back to the Kansas Honor Flight. During the month of November, $5 from every limited edition veterans shirt purchased will be donated to the Kansas Honor Flight as well.

El Dorado Salute to Veterans will be held at the Performing Arts Center, 500 W. Central Ave. in El Dorado, Kansas. Dave Brooks will be the speaker. The program is scheduled for November 11, 2021 at 11 a.m. 

Veterans Day closures in Wichita

In observance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, City of Wichita facilities will be closed and/or have special hours:

Closed Thursday, Nov 11: City Hall, neighborhood resource centers, Transit administrative offices, Wichita Public Library locations, Park & Recreation centers, Century II administrative offices, Wichita TIX box office, Botanica, Wichita Art Museum, Great Plains Nature Center, Environmental Health office and WATER Center.

There will be no Wichita Transit or Paratransit service on Thursday, Nov 11.

Special Hours:

• CityArts will be open 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov 11
• Cowtown will be open regular hours on Thursday, Nov 11
• O.J. Watson Park will be open regular hours on Thursday, Nov 11
• Golf Wichita Courses will be open regular hours on Thursday, Nov 11
• Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center will be open regular hours on Thursday, Nov 11
• Mid America All Indian Museum will be open regular hours on Thursday, Nov 11
• The Animal Shelter will be open regular hours on Thursday, Nov 11
• Brooks Landfill will be open regular hours on Thursday, Nov 11

Veterans Day Attractions Discounts

Cosmosphere, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2021 veterans are invited to their choice of a documentary film in the Carey Digital Dome Theater or a trip through the Hall of Space Museum free of charge. You must mention you’re a veteran at the box office to receive the offer.

Sedgwick County Zoo All military personnel, both active duty and veterans, along with their immediate families, can get complimentary zoo admission to Sedgwick County Zoo on November 11. To receive free admission, show military or veteran ID, discharge papers, or other official identification. Families of deployed military personnel must show an active-duty ID. No need to reserve tickets in advance; just go to the admission window. Note that zoo entry ends at 3:30 p.m.

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.

Applebees in Wichita, Andover, Hutchinson and other surrounding communities are once again honoring veterans with a FREE meal from a special menu on November 11, 2021, plus you’ll receive a $5 ‘bounce back’ card good toward your next meal. I confirmed this for Wichita and wrote more about this awesome deal here.

Arby’s: Arby’s has a meaty offer for veterans and active duty military. On Nov. 11, the fast-food restaurant is giving vets a FREE Classic Roast Beef Sandwich. The offer is available at participating locations in Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Washington, Wyoming and the greater St. Louis area. 

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: On Nov. 11, current and former military who dine-in at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse will receive a FREE entrée (from a select menu) and a Dr. Pepper beverage. The entrée options include the following:  BJ’s Sauced ‘n’ Tossed Chicken Thighs, Bacon Cheeseburger, Bacon-Guacamole Deluxe Burger, Deep Dish Ziti, Grilled Chicken Alfredo, Jumbo Spaghetti & Meatballs, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken, Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos, Small BJ’s Deep Dish Pizza or Soup & Salad Combo.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Vets can just “wing it” on Veterans Day at Buffalo Wild Wings. The restaurant is offering all past and present armed services members a FREE order of 10 boneless wings and fries. The offer is available for dine-in or takeout. 

Casey’s: Service members (both past and present) can get energized on Veterans Day at Casey’s. The convenience store is serving them a FREE small cup of coffee on Nov. 11. 

Chili’s: Vets and active military members can heat up Veterans Day at Chili’s. Vets enjoy a FREE entrée from a select menu, including the following: Chicken Crispers, Margarita Grilled Chicken, Soup & Salad, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Just Bacon Burger, Oldtimer with Cheese or Cajun Chicken Pasta.

Cracker Barrel: Veterans can enjoy a sweet treat at Cracker Barrel on Nov. 11. The restaurants is serving them a FREE slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake with purchase on Veterans Day. The offer is available in-restaurant and online with promo code VETSDAY21. 

Dairy Queen on North Rock Rd. and on East Central Ave. will be giving away free medium Blizzards for veterans this year. 

Denny’s will continue its ongoing tradition of offering a complimentary Build Your Own Grand Slam to all “active, inactive, and military personnel” from 5 a.m. to noon on Veterans Day. The Denny’s Veterans Day offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations with valid military ID or DD 214. 

Dunkin’: Veterans and military members can take a break on Nov. 11 at Dunkin’. Vets enjoy a FREE donut of their choice. 

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, named after World War II veteran Freddy Simon, will once again give free combo meal cards to any veteran or active duty military personnel who visits a Freddy’s restaurant on Veterans Day. Freddy’s Veterans Day promo.

Golden Corral: Veterans and active military can satisfy their hunger at Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Dinner. The “endless buffet” restaurant is serving a FREE “Thank You” Meal from 5 p.m. to close.

IHOP: Veterans and active military members can hop over to IHOP on Veterans Day for a fluffy freebie. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the diner is serving them a FREE stack of Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes. 

Krispy Kreme: This Veterans Day (Thursday, 11/11), Krispy Kreme will honor and celebrate veterans with a special in-shop offer: a free doughnut of choice and small brewed coffee, no purchase necessary. Veterans can stop by Krispy Kreme shops or drive-thrus to redeem the offer (limit one per guest, must present ID).

LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee: Veterans and active military can enjoy a sweet treat at LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee on Veterans Day. The donut shop is offering them a FREE regular donut and small coffee on Nov. 11.  The donut shop has 25 locations in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. 

Little Caesars: Veterans and active military get a FREE $5 Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo on Veterans Day at Little Caesars. The combo includes a 4-slice DEEP!DEEP! Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product. The offer is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On The Border: Veterans can spice up Nov. 11 at On The Border. The Mexican restaurant is serving them a FREE Pick 2 Combo meal on Veterans Day. 

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

Pilot Flying J All active-duty and retired military veterans who are authenticated with ID.me in the Pilot Flying J app. will receive a free $10 meal credit on November 11. The discount is available to be redeemed at any of the company’s owned and operated U.S. locations, including over 750 participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers. Get all the details here on their website.

Pizza Ranch Veterans and active duty military receive a FREE Adult Buffet on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Valid at participating locations (but a reader told me there is a sign advertising this at the Wichita Pizza Ranch). Be prepared to show valid military ID of course. 

Photo: Red Lobster

Red Lobster will once again show their thanks to veterans by offering dine-in guests a free appetizer or dessert at participating locations on Thursday, November 11, 2021 when they show valid military ID or proof of service. Tax and tip not included. 

Red Robin: We gave you a heads-up earlier about this deal. Veterans and active military who have confirmed their military status by the deadline can get a FREE Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries from Nov. 1 to 14. Veterans must also be a member of Red Robin Royalty. 

Starbucks will give veterans, active duty military, and military spouses a free tall (12 oz) brewed cup of coffee on Veterans Day, November 11. In addition, the coffee giant is donating 25 cents of all brewed coffee purchases that day to organizations that support veterans. Read more about Starbucks Veterans Day offer.

Taco Johns is giving away a FREE Small Beef Taco Combo Meal for Veterans Day on November 11 when you enter the promo code VETERAN under the MORE tab in the Taco John’s app. I called the one location we have in Wichita and they said if the offer is in the app, they will honor. As with all deals of this type, I always suggest that you double-check before ordering — and give these guys a big thanks and a smile! No restaurant is obligated to give away free food, so they’re AWESOME if they do. 🙂

Texas Roadhouse will honor veterans and service members a bit differently this year. On Thursday, November 11, between 11am – 2pm, the restaurants will distribute meal vouchers in the parking lot, valid through May 30, 2022. Vouchers can be redeemed for one of 10 entrees including a 6-ounce sirloin and two made-from-scratch sides plus a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/iced tea or coffee. The event is drive-thru only, but vouchers can be redeemed when the restaurant(s) open(s) for dinner.

Torchy’s Tacos: Veterans and active U.S. military members can spice up Veterans Day at Torchy’s Tacos. The fast-casual taco chain is giving vets any taco on the menu for FREE as well as their choice of a fountain drink or iced tea. The offer is available for dine-in and pick-up orders. 

Village Inn is offering a FREE 2-2-2 breakfast to all veterans and active military this Veterans Day. A 2-2-2 includes two eggs, any style, two bacon strips or two sausage links, and two buttermilk pancakes. You must show military ID or proof of service to redeem the offer. As always with offers like these, I recommend double-checking with your server before you order to ensure that the location is participating. 

Wendy’s: Vets can start their day with a complimentary meal at Wendy’s. To thank all of those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Military, the popular fast-food restaurant is offering them a FREE small breakfast combo — during breakfast hours only. Most locations serve breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 

Services, Miscellaneous, and Retail Deals 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.

Target announced that veterans will get 10% off two separate purchases when you join Target Circle and verify your military status here. The offer is redeemable October 31 through November 13, 2021. Restrictions apply. 

Car Wash: Vets can get revved up for a little car maintenance on Nov. 11. Grace For Vets is again coordinating a FREE car wash for veterans and military personnel on Nov. 11, thanks to participating car wash locations across the country. For locations, click here. 

National Parks: Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is the last of the Free Entrance Days at National Parks throughout the country most years. The FREE admission deal is not limited to veterans, but available at all. The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for FREE on Veterans Day.

Regal Cinemas: Everyone can honor Veterans Day by seeing one of the most critically-acclaimed military movies in recent years, American Sniper, on Nov. 11 at Regal Cinemas. The film shows at select theaters. Get tickets for just $5, as well as $5 combo (small popcorn & small soft drink) — open to all Regal Crown Club members. 

Sport Clips: Veterans and active duty service members can get a FREE haircut at Sports Clips on Veterans Day. 

Bed Bath & Beyond: Vets can stock up on savings at Bed Bath & Beyond for Veterans Day. From Nov. 11 to 13, the popular big box retailer is hosting its “U.S. Armed Forces Appreciation Event” — save 25% on an entire purchase online or in-store. 

Dollar General: Stretch your dollar even more at Dollar General. Veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve and their immediate family members receive 20% off on qualifying in-store purchases — from Nov. 11 to 14. Eligible customers need to complete a military credential verification process online at dollargeneral.com/military and, then, add the discount as a DG digital coupon.

Walgreens: Stock up on savings at Walgreens for the Veterans Day weekend. Veterans, military and their families receive 20% off eligible regular price items from Nov. 11 to 14. myWalgreens is membership is required. 

*Bryan K. Chavez contributed to this list! 

Previous Deals

I don’t know if these deals will come back this Veterans Day, so I’m keeping them here just in case. 🙂

Andy’s Frozen Custard Both east and west Wichita Andy’s locations invite all veterans and active military to enjoy a FREE regular one-topping sundae on Monday, November 11, 2019. Must present valid ID when ordering. One free item per veteran. Offer valid 11/11/19 only. Topping exclusions apply, see store for details. ?

Bonefish Grill is offering its popular Bang-Bang Shrimp appetizer for free with the purchase of an entree with a valid military ID for active duty military and veterans on Monday, Nov. 11. The Wichita store is at 10250 E. 13th St. (Source: press release)

Carrabba’s Italian Grill will give active duty military and veterans a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree on Veterans Day. The Wichita store is at 3409 N. Rock Road. (Source: press release)

Cici’s Pizza has a coupon good for a FREE unlimited buffet with valid active-duty or retired military I.D. on Monday, November 11, 2019. The offer is good for dine-in only and does not include a drink. 

Cracker Barrel will thank those who have served our nation with a Veterans Day (Monday, Nov. 11) special: a choice of a free slice of its Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake or a free Pumpkin Pie Latte at all 660 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations nationwide. There are two Cracker Barrel stores in the Wichita area: 619 S. Ridge Road in Wichita and 995 E. 61^st St. N. in Park City. Also through Veterans Day, Cracker Barrel will offer $25 off all U.S. military branch-themed rocking chairs and 25 percent off all other military licensed products in its retail stores and online, including clothing, home furnishings and drinkware. 

Famous Dave’s is saluting active duty and veteran military with a two-meat lunch combo (comes with one side and a cornbread muffin) on Veterans Day. It’s a dine-in deal, and some locations may not include ribs as part of this deal. You’ll need to provide verification of service. The Wichita store is at 9719 E. 21^st St. 

Fazoli’s will serve a free spaghetti with meat or marinara entree for veterans and active military or a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) spaghetti with meat or marinara with an appetizer. (Source: press release)

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in Wichita has a registration page here for a free lunch or dinner entrée for active military and veterans on Monday, November 11. All the information you need is on that page, and it looks like a nice deal.

Little Caesar’s will give military active duty and veterans a free Hot-N-Ready lunch combo ($5 value) between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day. You need to place the order in the store and have proof of service.

Logan’s Roadhouse is providing a free American Roadhouse meal for veterans and active military between 3-6 p.m. Nov. 11 at all its locations. Also, in a partnership project with Folds of Honor starting Nov. 11, Logan’s Roadhouse is asking patrons to round up to the nearest dollar of their restaurant bill. All of the proceeds from the roundup campaign will benefit Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to children of America’s fallen and disabled servicemembers. There are two Logan’s Roadhouse stores in Wichita near Towne East Square and NewMarket Square. (Source: press release)

On the Border is offering a free create-your-own combo meal from a select menu on Monday, Nov. 11, for dine-in military customers who have a valid military ID. You get to choose two from this list and the meal comes with rice and beans: House Salad, Chicken Tortilla Soup, Seasoned Ground Beef with chile con carne enchilada, Spinach & Mushroom with sour cream sauce enchilada, Cheese & Onion with chile con carne sauce enchilada, Chicken Tinga with green chile or sour cream sauce enchilada, Seasoned Ground Beef taco, Chicken Tinga taco. Two Wichita locations at Bradley Fair and NewMarket Square. (Source: press release)

De’Ville’s Barber Shop and Shaving Parlor is holding a Free Haircut Day for veterans, active military, reservists, and National Guard from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Last year, the business is not open to the public that day, but was only open for the free haircuts.

Amazon is offering a Prime Membership at a discount (only $79). New and existing Prime members can apply (!) from November 6-11.  See offer details here (affiliate link). 

Walgreens provides military, veterans and their families a 20% discount on eligible regular-priced items between Nov. 8-11.

Braeburn Square Shocker Store Veterans will also receive 20% off one WSU-imprinted item from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, November 10. (Some restrictions apply.) The discount is for both veterans and active duty military with ID and only at the Braeburn Square location.

Sgt. C’s Leathers is advertising on its Facebook page that any veteran who shows proof of service will receive a free hat with purchase during its Veterans Appreciation Week (November 5-9, 2019). 

Free Oil Change/Car Services

Meineke Car Care Centers are offering free basic oil changes to military and veterans at participating locations on November 11. This is only at participating locations. Check to see if your nearest Meineke is participating by visiting its website, searching for a location near you, click More Information and scroll down to the bottom of the page. If yours is participating, you should see the coupon there. Here’s a tip: you may need to be on desktop to see the offer; when I viewed it on mobile I couldn’t see the coupon. 

Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires locations nationwide are offering free car care checks and free tire installation to all active and retired members of the U.S. military. 

The special Veterans Day weekend free car care check includes an inspection of tires, brakes, alignment, battery, wiper blades, and shock and struts. You can also receive free tire installation with any tire purchase during the promotional period, a value of at least $25 per tire installed. Active and retired military service members with valid military ID can begin scheduling appointments Nov. 8 – 11 and redeem service through Nov. 16.