Many businesses thank veterans and active military members by offering them a free meal or other gift on Veterans Day, which is Saturday, November 11, 2023. 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 Saturday, November 11, 2023. Also, participation might vary by location.
Please note that Friday, November 10, 2023, will be the observed day — most government offices will be closed.
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 for veterans and active military members. Make sure to check the dates and follow the links for details.
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Another Broken Egg Cafe is offering a free Patriot French Toast, topped with strawberries, blueberries and fresh whipped cream, and Barista House Blend Coffee to all veterans and active duty or retired military service members for Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Locations in Charlotte, NC, and Rock Hill, SC.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is offering all veterans and active-duty personnel who visit on November 11, 2023, a free entrée from a special menu and $5 towards their next meal.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Bad Daddy’s will honor all active and retired military personnel by offering a FREE All American Burger + a small side of fries, chips or tots from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Guests must show ID to redeem the offer. Multiple locations in the Charlotte area.
Big View Diner
On Saturday, November 11, 2023, Big View Diner is offering veterans and active military members 25% off their meal. Valid 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with valid ID. 16637 Lancaster Hwy, Charlotte, North Carolina. Announced on Facebook.
Bob Evans
On Saturday, November 11, 2023, Bob Evans is offering a special menu of homestyle favoritess, available to veterans and active-duty military for free. Options include Country Biscuit Breakfast, The Classic Breakfast, Banana Berry Oatmeal, Sunrise, Down-home Country-Fried Steak, The Mini Sampler, Brioche French Toast, Sausage Gravy & Biscuit, Buttermilk Hotcakes, and Bowl of Rolled-Oat Oatmeal.
BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse
On November 11, 2023, present military ID or other proof of service and receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with a minimum purchase of $11.95 at BJ’s. Also, current and former military who dine with BJ’s on November 11, 2023, can receive a free appetizer coupon for their next visit. Details here.
Bonefish Grill
Honoring Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11, 2023, 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 valid ID. Available all day, no purchase required. Year round, Bonefish Grill offers a 10% off Heroes Discount to service members, veterans and first responders.
Carolina Ale House
Veterans and military members receive a free half rack rib platter with coleslaw and fries on November 11, 2023. The offer is valid in Carolina Ale House locations in North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee.
Carrabba’s: On Saturday, November 11, 2023, Carrabba’s Italian Grill is offering a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft beverage for veterans and active-duty military with show of ID. Available all day, no purchase required. Year round, Carrabba’s offers a Heroes Discount providing 10% off to all service members, veterans and first responders.
Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick is offering a free meal to all veterans and active-duty military on November 11, 2023. Valid at all locations, for service members in uniform or those with a valid military ID.
Chima Steakhouse
All veterans dining at Chima from November 6 to 11, 2023, will receive a complimentary dinner card for future use. Mention code VETERAN when calling to book your reservation. You must show your military ID or discharge letter to receive the dinner card. The dinner card will be given to all Veterans and active military between 11/06/23 and 11/11/23 and can not be used during this period. The dinner card is valid from Monday, November 13th to Thursday, November 30th, 2023 (excludes 11/23/23). More info. 139 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC.
Chili’s
Veterans and active duty military members can get a FREE entree at Chili’s on November 11th, 2023. More info here. Choices for entrées include Chicken Crispers, Soup & Salad, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, and Oldtimer with Cheese.
Cici’s PIzza
Veterans and active-duty military members eat free from the buffet on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Check with your location of Cici’s to make sure it’s participating. Deal is mentioned on Cicis.com/deals.
Circle K
Circle K is giving active duty and veteran military personnel a free hot or iced coffee on November 11, 2023. The free coffee must be redeemed through the Circle K app.
City Barbeque
All locations of City Barbeque are giving all veterans and members of the US military a free sandwich, side and beverage. No purchase required. Dine-in or carryout.
Cracker Barrel
On Saturday, November 11, 2023, all veterans receive a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake when dining at any Cracker Barrel location nationwide. You must make a another purchase to receive the free dessert. More info.
Denny’s
On Friday, November 10, 2023, at Denny’s, veterans and military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. (or store opening) until noon. includes active, non-active and retired military personnel. Dine-in only. Must show military ID or DD 214.
Emmet’s Social Table
Emmet’s Social Table, at 401 E South Main Street, Waxhaw, NC, is offering $15 off the meal of past and present military personnel. This deal is being offered on Friday, November 10, 2023. Announced on Facebook.
Fox & Hound Bar + Grill
Veterans and active military members receive a free meal at Fox & Hound on Monday, November 13, 2023. The menu includes Cheeseburger, Crispy Chicken Sliders, Drunken Chicken Tenders, BBQ Chopped Salad, and Boneless Wings. 8711 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville, NC.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger
All veterans and active military personnel who visit Freddy’s on November 11, 2023, will receive a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card. No purchase is necessary to receive this special offer. Cards may be redeemed through November 30, 2023. Locations in Charlotte, Concord, NC, and in Rock Hill and Indian Land, SC.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral offers a free dinner to anyone who has served. The free meal is on Monday, November 13, 2023, from 5 p.m. until close.
Hickory Tavern
On Friday, November 10, 2023, Hickory Tavern is offering veterans and active-duty service members a free meal with the purchase of another meal. The free meal must be of equal or lesser value than the purchased meal. Multiple locations.
Hooters
On November 11, 2023, at Hooters, veterans and active-duty military who present proof of service or a military ID, may order a free dinner entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu, with the purchase of a beverage. Valid in dine-in only, at participating Hooters locations. The menu includes five choices: 10-piece Boneless Wings, Hooters Burger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.
Huddle House
On November 10, 2023, active duty, retired military and veterans may visit any participating Huddle House and get a free MVP Breakfast Platter. The MVP is a customizable platter with items including eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, grits, a waffle, buttermilk pancake and more. It’s available any time of day. Info in press release. Huddle House has locations in York and Lancaster, South Carolina.
IHOP
On Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., IHOP will offer a free order of Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes or Pancake Combo to veterans and active-duty military members. Multiple locations.
Little Caesars
Veterans and active military get a free Lunch Combo at Little Caesars, which includes a 4-slice Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product. The offer is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Details here.
Logan’s Roadhouse
Logan’s Roadhouse is offering the men and women who have served in the military a free meal from Logan’s special Veterans Day menu on Saturday, November 11, 2023. The menu can vary by location, and features menu items including the All-American Cheeseburger, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, BBQ Grilled Pork Chop, and more. This offer is available for dine-in only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 11. Military ID requested at visit. Locations in Gastonia and Monroe. More info in press release.
Metro Diner
On Saturday, November 11, 2023, Metro Diner is offering 50% off to active and retired military with valid military ID, and 10% off their meal year-round. Enjoy fan-favorite dishes like Iron City Meatloaf, Chicken Pot Pie or Fried Chicken & Waffles plated with half a fried chicken and a Belgian waffle, topped with powdered sugar and sweet, strawberry butter. Served with the restaurant’s signature sweet and spicy sauce.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
On November 11th, 2023 all veterans and active military will receive their first 6 oz of frozen yogurt at Menchie’s for free. If you get more than 6 ounces, you just pay the difference.
McCormick & Schmick’s
Veterans, national guardsmen, Gold Star parents, and Gold Star spouses can enjoy a half-priced entrée from a select menu, on Sunday, November 12th, 2023. View the menu and prices here.
O’Charley’s Restaurant
Veterans and active duty personnel will receive a free lunch entrée on both Friday, Nov. 10th and Saturday, Nov. 11th, 2023. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, they can order from a select menu. And at dinner they can receive a free slice of pie. Dine-in only. View the press release.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback offers a 10% off Heroes Discount every day to military veterans and servicemembers, police officers, firefighters, first responders, nurses, doctors and medical staff with corresponding medical, state or federal service ID, plus Military Personnel and their immediate family members. ID required.
Qdoba
Veterans and activie-duty military get 50% off an entrée at Qdoba on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
Red Robin
Red Robin is offering veterans and active duty personnel a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger on Saturday, November 11, 2023. This comes with an endless side of steak fries. Sign up for the Military Rewards program for the deal. Dine-in only. Info in press release.
Red Lobster
In honor of Veterans Day, and to thank veterans, active-duty military and reservists for their service, Red Lobster is giving away FREE printed meal vouchers for Veterans Shrimp & Chips—featuring six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp, served with cocktail sauce, as well as crispy French Fries and Coleslaw—from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Guests only need to show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem.
Starbucks
On November 11, 2023, Starbucks will offer a free tall (12-oz) hot or iced brewed coffee for Veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating U.S. Starbucks stores. In addition, Starbucks is donating $100,000 each to Team Red, White & Blue and Travis Manion Foundation to support the military and Veteran community. Details in press release.
Smoothie King
Smoothie King is offering a free 20-oz red (Cherry X-Treme), white (Slim-N-Trim Vanilla), or blue (Blueberry Heaven) smoothie to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Details in press release.
TCBY
On Saturday, November 11, 2023, veterans and active military get their first 6 oz. of frozen yogurt for free. participating TCBY locations only. Call to confirm.
Town Brewing
Town Brewing, at 800 Grandin Road, Charlotte, NC, is offering veterans and active-duty personnel a free entrée on November 11, 2023. Find the menu here.
VIVA Chicken
VIVA Chicken is offering veterans and active duty service members a free meal on November 11, 2023. Multiple locations.
Other Freebies and discounts
Schiele Museum of Natural History: Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families are admitted to Schiele Museum for free on November 11, 2023. No reservations are required.
Sports Clips: Veterans and active duty service members can receive a free haircut on November 11, 2023, at participating locations of Sports Clips. More info here.
Autobell Car Wash: To honor and thank U.S. military personnel on Veterans Day, Autobell Car Wash will offer all veterans and active-duty service members a free Ride-Thru Exterior wash, or an equivalent credit toward another wash option, at all Autobell locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland on Saturday, November 11, 2023. No coupon, barcode, or ID is required.
Tommy’s Express Car Wash: Veterans get a free car wash at Tommy’s Express Car Wash on November 11, 2023. There are several locations in the Charlotte area.
Charlotte Warehouse Sale: Veterans and Active Duty Military will receive a discount of 15% at Charlotte Warehouse Sale on Friday, November 10, to Sunday, November 12, 2023. Charlotte Warehouse Sale sells women’s overstock name brand clothings, shoes and accessories at 65% to 90% off retail prices. The Veterans Day discount is on top of the already discounted prices. They’re at Terraces at University Place, 9605 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Piedmont Social House: Veterans and Active duty military members bowl for free at Piedmont Social House on Saturday, November 11, 2023. 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Walk-ins only, no reservations. Must show military ID. 2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd, Charlotte, NC.
Loveland Dental Group: Free dental care for veterans on November 10, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 19315 W Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, North Carolina. Please call 704-655-0630 to make an appointment.
Museum of Illusions Charlotte: Veterans and active duty military members get free admission to Museum of Illusions Charlotte all Veterans Day Weekend, Friday, November 10, to Sunday, November 12. 601 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC.
Goodyear Auto Service Centers and Just Tires Retail: Offering veterans and active duty personnel free car care checks and special discounts at Goodyear. Valid from November 10 to 14, 2023. Free Car Care for Vets includes tire tread & pressure check, alignment check, brakes and brake fluid check and fluid check. Get 10% off tires and services. The discount can be combined with all current offers. More info in the press release.
Great Clips: On November 11, 2023, veterans and active duty military can get a free haircut at Great Clips, or a card for a free future haircut. Non-military members who get a haircut that day can get a card for a free haircut to give a veteran or military member.
Food Lion: On November 11, 2023, active-duty military, veterans and their families can receive 10% off their grocery purchases at Food Lion, when they present their MVP loyalty card and military ID. Excluding pharmacy, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery, pharmacy, postage stamps and services. This offer is only valid in-store and unavailable through Food Lion To Go pick up or home delivery.
North Carolina Zoo: November 6 to 12, 2023, 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.
Target: Veterans and active duty personnel get 10% off two purchases from October 29 to November 11, 2023. Learn about the offer here.
True Rest Float Spa: On November 11th, 2023, 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 10 to 13, 2023, veterans, military service members and their families receive 20% off eligible regular price items. You’ll need a myWalgreens membership and proof of service. In-store only. Get all the details, including restrictions.
Veterans Day Events
Veterans Day Parade Ceremony in Huntersville
The parade and ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2023. 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.
Salute to Veterans Parade
The annual Veterans Day Parade will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. The parade will start at North Tryon Street at Montford Point (between 9th and 10th Streets) and proceed down Tryon Street to Brooklyn Village Avenue.
Salute to Service Festival
Following the Salute to Veterans Parade on November 11, 2023, there will be a free festival, Salute to Service, on Levine Avenue of the Arts, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The festival will include roller skating, food trucks, a caricaturist, mascots and more.
Veterans Salute 5K/10K/Fun Run
These races take place on November 11, 2023, in Downtown Concord. There’s a cost for the 5K and 10K, but the one-mile Fun Run is free.
Warbirds Over Monroe Air Show
Warbirds Over Monroe Air Show takes place Saturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12, 2023, 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
Carolinas Veterans Day Festival will take place at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 11th, 2023, 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, 2023, at 11 a.m.
Veterans Day Program in Cornelius
The Veterans Day program in Cornelius will take place Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Monument at Rotary Plaza, 20017 NC-115, Cornelius, behind the Cornelius Town Hall.
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.
Veterans Day Ceremony in Indian Trail
Join the Town of Indian Trail, American Legion Post 458 and James B. Crump VFW Post 2423 as the Town honors all veterans. The ceremony takes place Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 6 p.m., at Indian Town Hall, 315 Matthews-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail.
Tribute to Veterans in Glencairn Garden
The City of Rock Hill is honoring the men and women of the military with a Tribute to Veterans on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 10 a.m. It will take place at the Veterans Wall at Gelncairn Garden, 801 Crest Street, Rock Hill, South Carolina
Veterans Day Ceremony in Concord
Check back soon.
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.
Derrick Jackson says
Tastebuds Popcorn (Concord location only)
TastebudsConcord.com
Friday and Saturday, Nov 10-11, 2023 – One FREE Kiddie bag (from Cheese & Savory or Candy & Caramel section) for U.S. Veterans and Active Duty service members, with a minimum purchase of $5.00.
Or…
Use COUPON CODE: “DESTINY” for free nationwide shipping.