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 2024 to save them a few bucks.
Veterans Day is November 11th every year. In 2024, that’s a Monday, so many of these events and deals may happen on the weekend. In this list of 2024 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!
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 November 9, 2024. It begins at 11 a.m. sharp in downtown Wichita. The parade route will begin at Main & Central.
Veterans Memorial Park will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. on November 11, 2024. The park walkway will be lined with flags and the program will include a keynote speaker, presentation of colors, National Anthem, playing of Taps, and a rifle salute. The program is open to the public but seating will be limited, so bring your own lawn chair to enjoy this annual ceremony.
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 2024. 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.
El Dorado, KS Celebration of Freedom includes a Veterans Day Parade and usually other events over the weekend. This year, the parade starts at 11 a.m. and lines up at 500 N. Main Street. Afterwards, on the SBA Hospital lawn, they’ll have free hot dog feed, fun activities, and live performances by local high school bands, along with a special salute to local veterans!
Veterans Day Parade in Ark City from 11 a.m. The parade route runs from Chestnut Ave. to Adams Ave. Hosted by Visit Ark City.
Veterans Day Celebration in Derby will start 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. New brick installations will be recognized at the Walk of Freedom Memorial.
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 for Veterans Day to Wichita Attractions 2024
Exploration Place includes free admission for veterans and their families after the parade on Saturday, November 9, 2024. 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.
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum has free admission on Sundays right now, so the Sunday of Veterans Day weekend, November 10, 2024, will be free too. The museum’s Sunday hours are 1-5 p.m.
Kansas Cosmosphere Veterans Day Deal On Sunday, November 10, 2024 veterans are invited to receive a FREE All Access Mission Pass, which includes:
- unlimited access on the day of your visit to the Hall of Space Museum and CosmoKids
- one Carey Digital Dome Theater documentary
- one show in Dr. Goddard’s Lab
- one ride on the Navigator Flight Simulator
You do need to mention you’re a veteran at the box office to receive the offer.
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 Monday, November 11, 2024. 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, 2024. 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.)
Veterans Day closures in/around Wichita
City of Wichita City Hall offices will be closed in observance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, on Monday, November 11.
Wichita Public Schools will also be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024 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 Monday, 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.
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.
Golden Corral will once again host Military Appreciation Night on the Monday night following the Veterans Day holiday. From 4 p.m. to close on Monday, November 11, 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 17th 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 3-week redemption window.
BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse has a free pizookie for veterans and active duty military who are dining in on Monday, November 11, 2024. 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.
Bricktown Brewery honors veterans and active military on November 11 with a FREE select entrée AND you will receive $10 certificate toward a future visit.
Choose from favorites like their Bricktown Burger, Chicken Fried Chicken, Bricktown Gumbo, any of the 3 flatbreads, or Shepherd’s Pie. Dine-in only, with valid military or veterans ID.
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, Monday, November 11, 2024. 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 is offering any size complimentary coffee or fountain drink to all veterans on Veterans Day, November 11. Casey’s is extending the same offer year-round to active duty military personnel and on-duty, uniformed first responders – including law enforcement, fire and EMS.
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.
Cicis Pizza will invite veterans and active military to eat free this Veterans Day, November 11, 2024. 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.
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 Monday, November 11. Just show military ID or DD214. Dine-in only.
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.
IHOP will have its famous Red, White, and Blueberry Pancakes on the house for active military and veterans from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Veterans Day, Monday, 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. 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.
Kroger has a “thank you” discount for all who served this weekend, starting Saturday, November 9 through Veterans Day Monday, November 11. Military can take 10% off on in-store food and household purchases. Some exclusions do apply.
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 Monday, November 11, 2024. 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.
Red Robin (YUM) will bring back its very nice Veterans Day deal. Veterans and active military who dine in on Monday, November 11, will receive a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger.
Scooters Coffee will thank our nation’s veterans with a free medium drink. On Monday, Nov. 11 anyone with a valid Military ID is invited to stop by and get their free drink as a token of thanks. The special Veterans Day offer is good for any drink on the Scooter’s Coffee menu including the new Candy Land themed holiday menu or Red Bull Infusions. Mobile order-ahead isn’t available for the promotion. There’s a limit of one free drink per military member.
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, 2024. Some exclusions or restrictions may apply.
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.
Twin Peaks Like years before, U.S. veterans will receive a free meal at Twin Peaks during lunch hours on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Retired and active-duty military members can choose from a Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders, a Caesar Salad topped with either grilled chicken or shrimp, or Smoked Chicken Street Tacos. They are also invited to donate to Tunnel to Towers to receive a $5 off card valid during December.
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.
Service, Retail, and Misc. 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 20 to November 11, 2024. This deal has already started so be sure to share this article with friends who are eligible.
Duluth Trading Co., a popular lifestyle and workwear clothing brand, honors military and first responders this Veteran’s Day with the introduction of “Duluth Heroes,” a new discount program via ID.me. Active-duty service members, retirees, veterans, military spouses, military family members and first responders will be eligible for an extra 5% discount on their entire order.
As a special kick-off for this new discount program and a way to extend additional gratitude to the service community on Veteran’s Day, Duluth will increase the discount to a total of 10% off their entire order from Thursday, Nov. 7 through Monday, Nov. 11.
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.
Pollock Photography announced on Facebook they’ll be doing free business/corporate headshots for veterans and active duty personnel on Monday, November 11 from 9 a.m. to noon and again from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment required; just join them at their studio on West Central. Here’s the information on their Facebook post.
Sam’s Club is saluting the men and women of the military with an ongoing discounted membership offer, plus $10 off an in-club purchase. This one isn’t just for Veterans Day.
Sport Clips participating locations will donate $2 from every haircare service on November 11, 2024 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 On Oct. 28, National First Responders Day, first responders will receive a 10% discount. On November 11, Veterans Day, all service members will receive a 10% discount.
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.
Abuelos will be donating $1 to Honor Flight Network, a non-profit that sends veterans to see the memorials in Washington, D.C., each Chile con Queso and Queso Diablo appetizer sold from November 6 to November 11, 2024.
Please keep checking back because I’ll update this list frequently as new deals come in…
Still Updating for 2024: 🙂
Still waiting on 2024 updates for the following Veterans Day deals…
Dunkin wants to honor current and former military members on November 11 with a FREE DONUT! The company said in a press release, the special donut freebie is a small token to those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country. I can get behind that sentiment.
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)
Starbucks is honoring those who have served with a free tall (12-ounce) hot or cold brewed coffee for veterans, military service members, and military spouses who visit participating stores on November 11, 2023. Offer valid at participating U.S. stores. Offer valid 11/11 on café and drive-thru orders only. Cold brew is not included in this offer. Limit one per customer.
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.]
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.
The Big List of Military Discounts in Wichita, KS
Walgreens Veterans Day Discount From November 10-13, 2023, 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.
Honorable mention…
White Castle will have a special offer for Veterans Day. Oh wait — Wichita doesn’t have any White Castle locations! (IYKYK: The first fast-food hamburger chain in the United States, White Castle, started in Wichita, Kansas in 1921. According to an article in the Eagle, that building was at 201 N. Main. But alas! We don’t currently have any White Castles in Wichita. If you have out-of-town friends though, the famous burger chain really does have a deal for Veterans Day.)
Botanica announced in an email and on social media – free admission for veterans and military personnel, plus their families, on Veterans Day!
50 Responses
Why are so many of these offers crossed out? Is that a mistake or is that because the offers are no longer valid? Or maybe a glitch on my phone?
Those crossed-out offers at the bottom are from last year. I leave them there so I (and you) can see what *might* be coming back this year.
I actually have some of those old onees to update that were just confirmed yesterday!
Please update:
For 2021, Texas Roadhouse will continue to honor veterans and active military this Veterans Day. To express our sincere appreciation for the service members of our armed forces, 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.
Hi Amanda. Do you work for Texas Roadhouse?
Bad Daddy’s will be offering a FREE All American Burger to Veterans who show their U.S. Military ID on Nov. 11
Fazoli’s will be offering a FREE Spaghetti with Meat or Marina sauce on Nov. 11 to Veterans who show their uniform or U.S. Military ID on Nov. 11.
We will all miss Freddie, but are they giving away anything this year?
Yes, we sure will miss him!
Freddy’s will be doing a combo meal card for veterans and active military on November 11. I just found out about it, and I added the details above. Thanks for asking!
Eyeglass World is offering double their Military discount Saturday 11/9 thru Monday 11/11. Veterans and active military will receive 20% off glasses, contacts, and accessories. The discount can also be applied to the two pairs for one great price promotion but cannot be applied if filing insurance. I also have a flier if you would like to post it.
Looks like Wichita has turned off everthing for Veterans Day
2020..Fine way to treat the Veterans…and they Wonder why people leave this City..
There will be a Veterans Day program on November 11 at Veterans Memorial Park downtown by the river. But the parade, JROTC salute, and Veterans Day in the Park programs had to be canceled because – well, you know. 2020 problems.
I just added the info I received about the November 11 program though. It starts at 10:55 a.m. and Taps will be played promptly at 11 a.m. to coincide with other recognition ceremonies around the country playing Taps at precisely the same time.
We don’t forget the service of those who have or are protecting our country. I am always grateful. <3
Buy buy baby is giving 25% of entire purchase all weekend through Mon. For Veterans & Active duty.
This disabled vet thanks your display to help all who has transportation to get around to them. God Bless sll for their help. I got one rely on Buss transport and don’t get to go to these place to far away . But am happy to stay at home with service dog and watch movies all day.
Dick’s sporting goods is offering 20 percent off entire purchase, for the 11th and 12th.
CHICK fil A in Derby and Wichita locations are offering a free sandwich from 10:30 to 10 pm on Monday the 12th, 2018 ! Heard anything about Zips car wash or Freddy’s frzn custard meal card this year ?
Yes….Freddy’s is listed above.
Meineike gives a free basic oil change I think?
Oh! Thanks for bringing that up. I will look and see if they’re doing it this year!
Did I see where there was a Barber Shop on Douglas giving free haircuts for Veterans all the month of Nov?
Ooh, did you? That would be an awesome deal, and I’d love to include it here in our list if it’s true!
Here it is! I found it (or maybe a different one): https://www.facebook.com/events/574223963001708/
De’Ville’s Barber Shop and Shaving Parlor at 2433 W. Douglas is offering a free haircut day for veterans, active military, National Guard, and Reservists.
Do we need to make reservations
Or is it walk in.
Hi Dave. Each restaurant has different requirements, and I’m not sure which one you’re asking about.
But if there’s any question about the details of a deal, the best thing to do is call the restaurant and ask them.
Thank you for your service!
Bed Bath & Beyond is offering a 25% off for military
The ad above says 205%!!! Lol
Oh, lol. Probably a typo.
Is Churn & Burn having any special?
I haven’t heard of one, but if I do I’ll add it to the list asap.
Chick-fil-a has free chicken sandwiches from 10:30 am to 10 p.m. on Saturday at both Wichita and Derby locations.
Thank you!
Passageways, a local non-profit providing temporary housing and services to homeless veterans will be at several Wichita Walmart locations on Nov. 11, 2017 collecting donations. We will have lists of items our Heroes need and people on hand to answer questions.
Eddie Bauer Outlet at New Market Square 2441 N Maize Rd is have a big Veteran’s Day Sale. They are collecting names for free prizes.
Right now the entire store is on sale 40% off. Their clearance is an additional 50 % off. Then you get a military discount on top if those discounts.
***Veterans receive an additional 15% discount with a military ID. This extra discount is offered on a daily basis.
Thanks, Denise!
Is there anything from Panera this year?
I haven’t seen anything from them yet, but I’ll add them to the list if I do!
Sport Clips also offers free haircuts veterans and active duty military on Veteran’s Day.
Thanks, Chris. I wanted to include that one, but their website doesn’t show any participating locations in Wichita: http://www.sportclips.com/promotions-partnerships/help-a-hero/help-a-hero-2016
This is a great compilation of deals for our deserving veterans! Even though we are not veterans, we were able to accompany friends, who got their “freebies” while we supported the fine businesses who offer these discounts. Thanks!
I believe that the Westgate resorts, that is linked above, is a scam. Look at the complaints about this company.
Ooh, yikes – don’t want that. I removed it. Thank you for saying something.
I used the west gate resorts last year. They sent us to a resort in Oklahoma for free for 3 days. It was great. I plan on entering again on midnight. It wasn’t a scam. They even let me change the date when my husbands work schedule wouldn’t let home go on the scheduled date.
Starbucks is also giving FREE COFFEE TO VETS!
THANKS TO ALL WHOM SERVED!
Chuck E. Cheese is giving away a free 1 topping individual thin and crispy pizza on Wednesday November 11th to veterans and active military.
Wichita Kansas location only- giving 10% discount off on any order made by veteran or active military on November 11th.
Must show valid military identification on both offers.
Thanks, Jason!
I heard Subway offering free subs too for veterans.
TACO BUENO SUPPORT WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
(and FREE Tacos for Vets, too!)
On Monday, November 11, a portion of our sales will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides programs to aid wounded warriors. We invite you to help us give back to those who serve our country.
Just our small way of saying THANKS for serving our country.
And, in honor of Veterans Day, veterans and active military personnel will receive one FREE crispy beef or chicken taco on Monday, November 11 when they show a valid military ID.
*Limit 1 free taco per customer per day. Must show valid military identification. Offer valid on Monday, November 11, 2013 only.
Cindy, nice! Thanks! 🙂
Today, Monday, is November 9.
Did I get that wrong somewhere in the post?
The e-mail I got from Chili’s says their promo is on Sunday.
According to the Chilis.com website, dine on Sunday, Nov. 10 and bring this printed flyer (http://www.chilis.com/Documents/WoundedWarriorEvent2013.pdf ) and they’ll donate 10% of the sale to the Wounded Warrior project. On Monday, Nov. 11, is when they are offering a free entree to veterans, according to this flyer here: http://www.chilis.com/Documents/VeteransDayMenu2013.pdf