Many businesses thank veterans and active military members by offering them a free meal or other gift on Veterans Day, which is Friday, November 11th, 2022. If you’re a member of the military, please check out this list, and see if there’s a deal that you might be able to take advantage of.
Read on for lots of food freebies, as well as free axe throwing, free zoo admission, free haircuts, free car washes and much more.
If you’re not a military member, you probably know one. Why not share this information and also thank them as well?
Not all of these deals take place exactly on Veterans Day, so make sure to read all the details. But unless otherwise specified, these freebies and deals are for veterans and active duty military and take place Friday, November 11, 2022. Also, participation might vary by location.
Also, make sure to read this whole post, because it includes events like Veterans Day ceremonies, parades and festivals. Please check with the organizers regarding outdoor events, as the weather is not looking good. We will not be able to update every event with the status.
This is a growing list, so make sure to bookmark and check back. If you’re not yet an email subscriber to Charlotte on the Cheap, subscribe now so you won’t miss a thing!
Free and discounted food and drink
Read on for a big list of businesses offering freebies or special deals to veterans and active military. Make sure to check the dates and follow the links for details.
Applebee’s: Participating locations are offering veterans and active duty military members a free meal from a select Veterans Day menu on November 11th, 2022. Choices include Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, 6 oz. USDA Select Top Sirloin, Double Crunch Shrimp, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne.
Ace No. 3: Active duty personnel and veterans get free french fries on November 11th, with any purchase. Valid at all locations of Ace No. 3. Dine-in only.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Veterans and active-duty military can head to Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar for a classic American meal. Vets enjoy a free All-American Burger (with choice of cheese) and side of chips — from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 11th.
Big View Diner: All veterans and active service members get a free entrée at Big View Diner on November 11th, 2022. Item must be under $14.99. 16637 Lancaster Highway, Charlotte, NC. This offer was announced on Facebook.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: On November 11th, current and formerly military who dine in at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse will receive a free entrée and Dr. Pepper beverage. The select Veterans Day menu includes the following: Bacon Cheeseburger, Bacon-Guacamole Deluxe Burger, Deep Dish Ziti, Grilled Chicken Alfredo, Jumbo Spaghetti & Meatballs, Soup/Salad Combo, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken, Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos and Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
Bob Evans: On November 11, 2022 Bob Evans is offering a special menu of seven homestyle favorites available to veterans and active duty military for free: Country Biscuit Breakfast, Brioche French Toast, The Mini Sampler, Buttermilk Hotcakes, Soup and Salad Combo, Country Fried Steak Dinner, Mushroom & Onion Chopped Steak Dinner. More info.
Bonefish Grill: On November 11th, 2022, 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.
Brewers at 4001 Yancey: Free specialty burger for veterans and active duty military at Brewers at 4001 Yancey on November 11th, 2022. They’ll also be donating a portion of beer sales to Veterans Bridge Home. 4001-A Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC. This deal was announced on Facebook.
Carrabba’s: Vets are honored every day at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. The restaurant’s Heroes Discount is offered all year long — 10% off for all service members, veterans and first responders.
Chicken Salad Chick: On November 11th, 2022, Chicken Salad Chick will offer a free meal to veterans and active duty military, who are in uniform or who show military ID. Find a location.
Chili’s: Free entrée on November 11th, 2022. Choices: Chicken Crispers, Margarita Grilled Chicken, Soup & Salad, Chicken Bacon, Ranch Quesadillas, Just Bacon Burger, Oldtimer with Cheese, Cajun Chicken Pasta. More info.
Chima Charlotte: Veterans receive a free rodizio with the purchase of one full rodizio dinner at Chima Steaehouse Charlotte on Friday, November 11th, 2022. This was announced on Facebook.
Cici’s Pizza: Free buffet on November 11th at Cici’s Pizza for veterans and active duty military personnel. Dine-in only.
Circle K: All veterans and active service members get a free medium coffee at participating Circle K locations on November 11th, 2022. Details here.
City Barbeque: On November 11th, 2022, veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free sandwich (excluding brisket), a side and a drink, at City Barbeque. More info.
Denny’s: Free Grand Slam Breakfast at participating Denny’s for veterans on November 11th, 2022, from 5 a.m. to noon. Dine-in only. More details.
Dunkin’: Dunkin’ is offering veterans and active military members a free donut of their choice on November 11th, 2022. In-sotre only. Not available for orders using On-the-Go Mobile Ordering through the Dunkin’ mobile app. More info.
Emmet’s Social Table: On November 11th, 2022, veterans and active duty military enjoy $15 off your order. Dine-In only. 401 E South Main Street, Waxhaw. More info in Facebook event.
Fox & Hound: Veterans and active duty military get a free meal on November 11th at Fox & Hound: Cheeseburger, Crispy Chicken Slider Trio, Drunken Chicken Tenders or BBQ Chopped Salad.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Vets can get a full meal at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and not just on Veterans Day. Veterans and active military can stop by on November 11th and pick up a FREE Freddy’s Original Double combo meal card. The card is valid November 11th to 30th, 2022. No purchase necessary to receive or redeem the card.
Golden Corral: Every Veterans Day for more than 20 years, Golden Corral has served a free meal to anyone who has served in the military. Golden Corral’s long-standing Military Appreciation Night takes place Monday, November 14th, 2022, from 5 p.m. until close. Dine-in only.
Hooters: All military eat free, from a special Veterans Day menu, with the purchase of a beverage, on November 11th, 2022. Choose from Buffalo Chicken Salad, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Hooters Burger and 10-piece Boneless Wings. More info.
IHOP: All military veterans enjoy a freebie at IHOP. On November 11th, 2022, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. enjoy a free stack of Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes.
Krispy Kreme: Veterans receive a free doughnut (your choice) and a free small hot or iced brewed coffee at participating Krispy Kreme locations on November 11th, 2022.
Little Caesars: At Little Caesars, on Friday, November 11th, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., veterans, active or honorably discharged members of the military may receive a free 4-slice Detroit-style Depp Dish pizza with pepperoni, plus one 20 oz. Pepsi-Cola product. In-store purchase only. Here’s all the fine print.
McCormick & Schmick’s: On Sunday, November 13th, 2022, veterans, Gold Star Parents and Gold Star Spouses can enjoy a half-priced entrée. Valid on select entrées, for dine-in only. More info.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: Menchie’s is offering veterans and active duty military a free frozen yogurt and toppings on November 11th, 2022. The first 6 ounces are free.
Metro Diner: On Friday, November 11th, 2022, Metro Diner is offering 50% off to active and retired military with valid military ID. They can get 10% off all year.
O’Charley’s: Free entrée from select menu on November 11th, 2022 at O’Charley’s for veterans and active duty military. Dine-in only. Announced on Facebook.
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.
Qdoba: 50% off any entrée at participating Qdoba locations for veterans and active duty military members on November 11th, 2022.
Red Lobster: On Friday, November 11th, 2022, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Red Lobster is offering a special deal to veterans, active duty military and reservists. Get a free order of 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. Just show a valid military ID or proof of service.
Red Robin: All veterans and active-duty military can receive a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger, served with Bottomless Steak Fries at participating restaurants nationwide. More info.
Schlotzky’s: From November 11th to 30th, 2022, Schlotzsky’s will offer free chips and a small drink with an entree purchase (sandwich, salad, pizza, flatbread, calzone or pick 2) to veterans and active-duty service members with a valid military ID. Not valid in app or online.
Sheetz: Free meal for all veterans and active duty military on November 11th, 2022. Get a free half ham and cheese or meatball sub, plus a regular size fountain drink. This is available at any of Sheetz 660+ store locations. In addition, any Sheetz that has a car wash will offer a free $9 car wash to veterans and active duty military on November 11th.
Smashburger: Participating locations of Smashburger are offering all service members and veterans a free burger or sandwich Friday, November 11th, 2022. In-store only. Participating locations in Charlotte are 7804 Rea Road and 4400 Randolph Road. More details.
The Smoke Pit: All who served may receive a free pulled pork plate, including two sides, plus hushpuppies or cornbread, at The Smoke Pit on November 11th, 2022. Dine-in only. 796 Concord Parkway North, Concord, NC. This event was announced on Facebook.
Starbucks: On November 11th, Starbucks is pouring a complimentary cup of coffee for veterans, military service members and their spouses. Qualifying customers can sip on a free Tall hot brewed coffee (12-oz.) New this year, the offer has been expanded to also include a free Tall iced coffee.
TCBY: On Friday, November 11th, 2022, veterans and active duty military personnel get their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt for free at participating locations of TCBY.
Tijuana Flats: On Friday, November 11th, 2022, Tijuana Flats is offering 50% off one regular-price adult entrée to veterans and active military with a valid ID. The half-off entrée is limited to one per check, per person and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Veterans and active military must present a valid ID upon arrival to receive the one-time use offer for dine-in, curbside pickup, and to-go orders. Offer not available for delivery. Visit tijuanaflats.com/offer-terms for full details.
Wendy’s: All veterans and active duty military members get a free breakfast combo at participating Wendy’s on November 11th, 2022, from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. More details here.
Other Freebies and discounts
We expect this list to grow quite a bit as well.
Grace For Vets: Free car wash for veterans and military members on Friday, November 11, 2022.
Schiele Museum of Natural History: The Schiele Museum is offering free admission to veterans, military personnel and their families on November 11th, 2022.
Sports Clips: This year, they are donating $2 for every haircut to Help a Hero Scholarship Program. More info.
Great Clips: On November 11th, 2022, Great Clips is offering veterans and active military members a free haircut, or a free haircut card to use at a later date. In addition, non-military customers can purchase a service on Veterans Day and get a free haircut card to give to a military service member that they know. More info.
North Carolina Zoo: November 7th to 13th, 2022, is Military Appreciation Week at North Carolina Zoo. Active duty, reserve, veterans and retired military personnel get free admission all week for themselves and one guest.
Craft Axe Throwing: Craft Axe Throwing is thanking veterans and active duty military members with two freebies. On November 9th and 10th, they get a free multi-blade with every axe throwing reservation. And on November 11th, they throw for free. Craft Axe Throwing is at 112 Academy Street, Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Target: Target is offering military, veterans and their families 10% off two purchases by November 12th, 2022. Restrictions apply. More info.
True Rest Float Spa: On November 11th, 2022, any active duty military, reservist or veteran can enjoy a free 60-minute float therapy session. In fact, veterans and military members float for free on the 11th of every month. More info.
Walgreens: From November 11th to 14th, 2022, veterans, military and their families receive 20% off regular price eligible store items at Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstores nationwide. Participants needed to use their myWalgreens card and provide proof of service. In-store only. Read details here.
Goodyear Tire: All active, former and retired military members and first responders can receive Goodyear’s free inspections on tires, brakes and batteries, and will receive an additional
10% off tires and services. Eligible guests who present a valid ID can schedule car care check appointments between November 10th and 14th, and redeem service through November 17th, 2022. More info here.
Some of these deals were verified by LivingOnTheCheap.com
Veterans Day Events
Salute to Veterans Parade
The annual Veterans Day Parade will take place on Saturday, November 5th, 2022, at 11 a.m. The parade will start at North Tryon Street at Montford Point (between 9th and 10th Streets) and proceeds down Tryon Street to Brooklyn Village Avenue (formerly Stonewall Street.)
Veterans Salute 5K/10K/Fun Run
These races take place on November 5th, 2022, in Downtown Concord. There’s a cost for the 5K and 10K, but the one-mile Fun Run is free.
Salute to America: A Veterans Day Celebration
Charlotte Concert Band, a volunteer community band, is presenting a free concert on November 5th, 2022, at 4 p.m., at Indian Land High School, 6100 Charlotte Highway, Lancaster, South Carolina. The concert by the 600-member band will celebrate our veterans and all who have served.
Warbirds Over Monroe Air Show
Warbirds Over Monroe Air Show takes place Saturday, November 12th and Sunday, November 13th, 2022, starting at 9 a.m. each day, at the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport, 3900 Paul J. Helms Drive, Monroe. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for youth age 12-18, $5 for current and former military service men and women, and free for children under age 12.
Carolinas’ Veterans Day Festival
UPDATE: This event has been postponed due to weather. The 2nd Annual Carolinas Veterans Day Festival will take place at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 11th, 2022, from 2 to 8 p.m. It features a parachute drop, military pageantry, a kids’ zone, a business expo and a concert by Elle King. It’s free, but make sure to follow the above link to secure your tickets.
Town of Waxhaw Veterans Day Ceremony
The annual Waxhaw Veterans Day ceremony takes place at the Waxhaw Military Wall of Honor, 100 E. North Main Street, Waxhaw, on November 11th, 2022, at 11 a.m.
Veterans Day Program in Cornelius
The Veterans Day program in Cornelius will take place Friday, November 11th, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Monument at Rotary Plaza, 20017 NC-115, Cornelius, behind the Cornelius Town Hall.
Veterans Day Ceremony in Indian Trail
On Friday, November 11th, 2022, at 11 a.m., the Town of Indian Trail, American Legion Post 458, and the James B. Crump VFW Post 2423 are hosting an Observance Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Garden/Town Hall, at 315 Matthews-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail.
Veterans Day Ceremony in Concord
On Friday, November 11th, 2022, at 11 a.m., the City of Concord is holding a Veterans Day celebration at the Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County, 247 Spring Street NW, Concord.
Tribute to Veterans in Glencairn Garden
On Friday, November 11th, 2022, at 10 a.m., the City of Rock Hill is honoring the men and women of the military at the Veterans Wall at Glencairn Garden, 801 Crest Street, Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Veterans Day Parade Ceremony in Huntersville
The parade and ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 12th, 2022. The parade will start at 10 a.m., and the ceremony will follow at 11 a.m. at Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville.
Veterans Day Celebrations in Mooresville
The Town of Mooresville has a week of events planned to honor veterans, including a parade, ceremony, and flag processional.
Full Calendar for Veterans Day Weekend
If you’re looking for something to do Veterans Day Weekend, here’s Charlotte on the Cheap’s full calendar of events.
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Alpine Rings says
In honor of Veterans Day 2022, AlpineRings.com is doubling their normal military discount to 30%. This sale is open to all US veterans and their families. Service connection must be verified.