Veterans Day Events and Deals in Wichita, KS

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 2026, that’s a Wednesday, so many of these events and deals may happen on the weekend before.

In this list of 2026 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!

2026 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 7. It begins at 11 a.m. sharp. The parade route will begin at Main & Central, travel down to McLean, then end at Exploration Place.

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 Parade in Ark City will be held Saturday, November 7 at 11 a.m. The parade follows a route from Chestnut Ave. to Jefferson. Hosted by Visit Ark City.

El Dorado, KS Celebration of Freedom includes a Veterans Day Parade and usually other events over the weekend. This year, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 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 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 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.

Colwich KS Veterans Memorial – Located in Veterans Park, the memorial honors those from the Colwich community and surrounding Union Township for their loyal and dedicated service to our country. More info at the Colwich KS website here.

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

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 Wednesday, 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 2026

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.

Veterans Day restaurant deals

Chicken N Pickle Veterans can get 50% off entrees throughout the day. Guests much show a valid badge.

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.]

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. No purchase necessary. You do need to pick it up on November 11, but you can redeem your free combo card through November 25, 2026. (Updated 11/09/2026)

Golden Corral will once again host Military Appreciation Night on Wednesday, November 11, which is the Veterans Day holiday. From 4 p.m. to close, anyone who has served, including veterans, retirees, active duty, National Guard and Reserves get a free buffet and beverage to say thank you. Family and friends can join you, but only the servicemember recieves the free thank you meal. Other guests will pay regular dinner menu pricing. (Updated 2026)

Dave & Buster’s is giving vets free game play plus a free dessert with purchase on 11/11. Show your military ID to redeem. “This Veterans Day, the brave play free. Get free all day unlimited game play and a free dessert with purchase of an entree. Available for veterans and active-duty military with valid ID. Dine-in only.”

Applebee’s For the 19^th consecutive year, Applebees will honor veterans with a FREE meal from a special menu on November 11. Choose from one of seven popular entrées. (Updated 2026)

Bubbas33 is advertising on a slider on its home page they’ll have a free lunch for veterans, active, former or retired military until 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.) (Updated 2026)

Casey’s As a small thank you for their tremendous sacrifices, all veterans and military servicemembers can enjoy a complimentary coffee or fountain drink at any Casey’s location, plus free car wash where available, on Veterans Day. Just provide your military ID or proof of service. 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. (Updated 2026)

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. (Updated 2026)

Chipotle will give active-duty U.S. service members and veterans with valid proof of service their choice of free chips and dip with a $5 in-restaurant purchase.

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.

Firehouse Subs On Wednesday, November 11, guests with a valid military ID can buy any sub, any size, and receive one additional sub free at participating Firehouse Subs restaurants nationwide. The offer is available in-store only. Guests can choose a favorite like the Hook & Ladder® or the limited-time Thanksgiving Turkey Sub. They’ll also direct Veterans Day donations to its Public Safety Foundation’s Military Fund.

Old Chicago is serving up gratitude for veterans and active-duty military members with a free entree from a special Veterans Day menu. Beverage purchase required; dine-in only. The post says “at participating locations only,” but it is posted on the West Wichita location’s Facebook page. A quick double-check is never a bad idea.

Outback Steakhouse has a FREE Bloomin’ Onion and your choice of a Coca-Cola product or 16 oz domestic draft beer for “Military Mates” on November 10-11, PLUS redeem your Veterans Day offer as a Dine Rewards member and earn a FREE hero’s meal for a future visit. The free Hero’s Meal will be available between November 16, 2026 and May 2, 2027 and includes a choice of 6 oz sirloin +2 sides, 7 oz salmon +2 sides, 8 oz chicken +2 sides, or any burger +1 side. (Updated 2026)

Pizza Ranch N. Tyler Veterans with ID can receive a FREE buffet on November 11 at participating locations. This IS listed on the specific location website, but since it has the “at participating locations” caveat, just do a quick double-check before you make your plans.

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. (Updated 2026)

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. Offer available November 11 for anyone with a valid military ID; limit one drink per ID. No mobile or app orders. (Updated 2026)

Starbucks will have a free tall (12 oz) brewed coffee, hot or iced, for veterans, service members, and military spouses at participating U.S. stores on November 11. Cafe and drive-thru orders only; Cold Brew, Nitro, and beverage customizations are excluded from this offer. Limit one per customer per visit. Other exclusions or restrictions may apply. Additionally, Starbucks is donating $200,000 to organizations that support the Veteran community. (Updated 2026)

Twin Peaks is thanking veterans and active-duty military members with a complimentary entree from a select menu on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, all day.

Denny’s is offering veterans and active-duty military members a FREE Original Grand Slam breakfast on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, from 5 a.m. to noon. The meal includes two pancakes, two eggs, two bacon strips, and two sausage links. Dine-in only at participating locations. Bring a valid military ID or DD214. Beverages are not included.

IHOP is expected to offer veterans and active-duty military members a FREE Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo on Veterans Day, November 11, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The combo includes pancakes topped with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped topping, plus eggs, hash browns, and bacon or sausage. Dine-in only with proof of military service.

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.

Olive Garden The American Legion lists a complimentary entrée from a special Veterans Day menu on November 11, dine-in only.

Red Lobster – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs lists free Shrimp & Chips for veterans, active-duty military, and reservists on November 11. Dine-in only; proof of service required.

Important Wichita Note: IHOP’s 2026 promotion has been reported but is not yet officially confirmed. In previous years, some Wichita IHOP locations have NOT participated in the national Veterans Day promotion. Please call your preferred location before heading out to confirm they’re honoring the offer.

Service, Retail, and Other 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. (Updated 2026)

Academy Sports & Outdoors gives veterans, service members, and first responders a 10% discount on their entire purchase online or in store leading up to November 11.

Cracker Barrel Country Store is saluting heroes with 25% off Duke Cannon products and a free sunrise breakfast. “As part of its longstanding commitment to supporting veterans and military families, Cracker Barrel will continue its annual Veterans Day tradition by offering all veterans and active-duty military a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special** on Veterans Day, November 11. All guests can also shop special retail offers throughout November, including 25% off the military collection through November 12 and buy one, get one on select Duke Cannon items through November 30***.” (Source)

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.

Walgreens – The VA lists 20% off eligible regular-priced merchandise in stores, but Walgreens’ public promotion page still shows 2025 dates.

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, Tractor Supply’s National Hometown Heroes Day, and Veterans Day.

Zips Car Wash Free Premier car wash on November 11 for veterans and active military. No code or military ID required; simply tell the attendant you’ve served. This replaces the old 1123 code in your article

The Big List of Military Discounts in Wichita, KS

Veterans Day closures in/around Wichita

Wichita Transit is offering FREE rides on Veterans Day in 2026, Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Regular bus routes will operate every hour, following Saturday schedules; routes 202 and 202A will have no service; and school routes will operate on regular schedules. Source

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

Wichita Public Schools will also be closed on Wednesday, 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 Wednesday, November 11.

 

Still waiting on 2026 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:

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!

Chick-fil-A is unconfirmed for 2026. Local restaurants may choose to honor guests with military ID with a free sandwich at participating locations. Last year, three Wichita-area restaurants had special deals for veterans. For specific details: Chick-fil-A Veterans Day

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 a press release for this year 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 sure, call ahead or stop by early—supplies are limited. Valid at participating stores with proof of service recommended.

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. Last year it announced its deal on Instagram on Nov 11.

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)

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.

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.

Colwich Elementary Veterans Day Reception 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.

VetsAid – NOT CONFIRMED will be held at INTRUST Bank Arena on November ?. 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.