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. Veterans Day is November 11th, 2022

Thank goodness. In 2022, 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!

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

Veterans Day Events in and around 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 5, 2022. It will begin at 11 a.m. sharp in downtown Wichita. The parade route will begin at Main & Central More info. 

Veterans Memorial Park will hold its annual Veterans Day Program at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 11, 2022. 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 Friday, 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 ALL sales back to the Kansas Honor Flight.  

Derby Community Foundation Celebration at Garrett Park on November 11th at 2pm. Celebrate Veterans Day at the Derby Area Veterans Memorial Walk of Freedom. Established in 2011, this memorial is designed to honor the brave men and women who have served or are serving in the U.S. military. All veterans for whom bricks were purchased during the past 12 months will be recognized. Learn more on the Derby Community Foundation Facebook page.

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.

El Dorado, KS Veterans Day Events 

• Friday, November 11th – 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 11:15 a.m. and a meal will follow, free to veterans 
• Saturday, November 12th – Biscuit and Gravy Breakfast from 8am -10am at VFW Post 1174, 211 N. Main. $7 full order and $4 half order
• Saturday, November 12th – Parade will start at 11am at Gordy Park. After the parade enjoy a hot dog feed from 11:30 -1pm with FREE hot dogs at Gordy Park. 
• Sunday, November 13th – Elk Chicken and Noodles Dinner. At Elk Lodge at 121 E. Pine. from 11am -2pm. $10 and Veterans are FREE
• Sunday, November 13th – Butler Bands Musical Salute to Veterans will be at 7pm at the Butler welcome center at 901 S. Haverhill Rd. 

Veterans Day Attractions Discounts

Cosmosphere, (NOT Confirmed for 2022) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, November 11 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.

Veterans Apparel

All Seasons Uniforms is offering Veterans a 10% discount on everything from corporate apparel to workwear. Fill out this form and always get a discount: Form is HERE

Visit their website HERE

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.

Applebee’s in Wichita, Andover, Hutchinson and other surrounding communities are once again honoring veterans with a FREE meal from a special menu on November 11, 2022.

The Applebee’s store managers weren’t sure if they were still giving a $5 ‘bounce back’ card good toward your next meal so if they do this year it will be an extra bonas. 

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. 

Bonefish Gill: Honoring Veterans Day on November 11, Bonefish Grill is offering a FREE order of the restaurant’s Bang Bang Shrimp – crispy shrimp tossed in a signature creamy, spicy sauce – with a soft beverage to service members, veterans and first responders with show of ID. Available all day, no purchase required. Year round, Bonefish Grill offers a 10% off Heroes Discount to service members, veterans and first responders.

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 might include the following (This was 2021 list they have not released 2022 menu):  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 Veteran’s Day.  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-restaurants. 

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. This Denny’s 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. This is available all day for dine in or takeout. 

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 on Monday, November 14, 2022. from 5pm – Close. This includes a free “Thank You” meal when dining in. Visit their website more more info. 

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 (Friday, 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 combo lunch. 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: (Has NOT been confirmed for 2022) But last year Veterans could get a FREE Pick 2 Combo meal on Veterans Day. 

Outback Steakhouse: is offering Veterans a  FREE Bloomin’ onion and your choice of any Coca-Cola product on Nov. 11th. 

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 (Has NOT been confirmed for 2022) Veterans and active duty military receive a FREE Adult Buffet on Friday, November 11, 2022. 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. 

Red Lobster in honor of Veterans Day, and to thank veterans, active-duty military and reservists for their service, Red Lobster is offering guests a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw, featuring six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp, served with cocktail sauce, as well as crispy French Fries and Coleslaw. The offer is available for dine-in and To Go orders placed in-restaurant between 11:00am and 4:00pm local time on Friday, November 11, 2022. Guests only need to show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem this offer.

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. In order to take advantage of the offer, active or former military and veterans must register for Red Robin’s Royalty Program with military designation by November 1. Click here for details. Click here to join the Royalty program.

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, 2023. 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 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. 

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux (2661 N Maize Rd, Wichita, KS 67205) will be offering all active duty and veteran service members a free scholarship burger on Veterans Day. Offer available only on November 11 with proof of ID.

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

Dynamic Bodyworks Massage, The massage therapists at Dynamic Bodyworks Massage are available Friday November 11^th for veterans to pick up their voucher for a discounted massage. The Dynamic Bodyworks Therapists specialize in PTSD, trauma, and limited mobility. They listen to issues and plan a massage according to individual needs.  Alicia and Cindy are from military families and are passionate about helping the local military community. Veterans will be able to pick up a voucher as well as schedule their massage time. 6803 W. Taft, Suite 401 (East of Ridge on Taft) just one mile for the airport. Cost: Free

https://www.facebook.com/events/858934018607596

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, 2022. Restrictions apply. 

National Parks: Veterans Day, Nov. 11 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. my Walgreens is membership is required. 

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 Friday, 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

Find out More about what’s happening in and around Wichita CLICK HERE 

Here is some Holiday Fun for 2022: 

2022 Christmas Lights Displays 

Fall Bazaars, Craft Shows & Holiday Markets 

Watson Park Polar Express Train Ride 

A Country Christmas with Live Reindeer at Fulton Valley Farms

Bradley Fair Holiday Stroll 

Christmas Shows and Concerts 

Illuminations at Botanica with 2 Million Lights