Veterans Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and it changes more of your day than you might expect. Post offices and most banks are closed, but the stock market is open, and dozens of restaurants are offering free meals and discounts to people who served.
Here’s a quick guide to what’s open, what’s closed, and the best Veterans Day 2026 deals, plus the simple steps that make claiming them hassle-free.
Why We Celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, President Woodrow Wilson first marked it in 1919, one year after World War I ended. The armistice took effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.
Armistice Day became a federal holiday in 1938. After World War II and the Korean War, a movement grew to honor all American veterans, and in 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation renaming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day thanks everyone who served, living or not.
Veterans Day 2026: What’s Open and What’s Closed
Here’s the rundown, based on information from the U.S. Postal Service, the Office of Personnel Management and the VA as compiled by FOX Television Stations:
| Service | Status on Nov. 11 |
|---|---|
| U.S. Postal Service | Closed: no regular mail or package delivery |
| UPS and FedEx | Open (private companies), check hours online |
| Federal offices and courts | Closed |
| Most banks | Closed |
| Stock market | Open, normal trading hours |
| Bond market | Closed |
| Major retailers (Walmart, Target, Home Depot) | Open, many with promotions |
| Most restaurants | Open, many with veteran deals |
| Schools | Many closed; check your district |
Tip: If you need to mail something time-sensitive, ship it through UPS or FedEx on Wednesday, or plan for the Postal Service to resume Thursday. State and local offices such as the DMV and libraries set their own schedules, so check before you go.
Veterans Day 2026 Free Meals
These offers come from a roundup by FOX Television Stations of deals announced by the restaurants themselves. Unless noted, deals are valid Nov. 11 and are for veterans and active-duty military. Most require proof of service and are dine-in only.
- Applebee’s: a special Veterans Day meal, dine-in only, one per person; beverage and gratuity not included.
- Bob Evans: a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu, dine-in only.
- Chili’s: a free meal from select menu items, in-restaurant only. Calling ahead is recommended.
- Denny’s: a free Original Grand Slam, 5 a.m. to noon local time, dine-in only, with a valid military ID or DD-214.
- Golden Corral: a free “Thank You” dinner from 4 p.m. to close at participating locations, including Reserve and National Guard members.
- In-N-Out Burger: a free burger, fries and drink at all locations with proof of service, plus a special Veterans Day decal.
- Outback Steakhouse: a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola beverage on Nov. 10-11. No purchase or ID required; just tell your server.
- Logan’s Roadhouse: a free entrée from a five-item menu, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., dine-in only.
- Friendly’s: a free burger with cheese, fries and a drink, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., for active and retired military.
- Keke’s Breakfast Cafe: a free Two Egg Classic Combo, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., dine-in only.
- Lazy Dog: a free Fireside Favorites entrée, personal dessert and soda.
- Perkins: a free Magnificent Seven Breakfast at participating locations.
- Bubbakoo’s Burritos: a free chicken or beef burrito or bowl, all day, in-restaurant with military ID.
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: a free Pulled Pork Sandwich, dine-in or carryout.
- Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana: a free small cheese pizza, dine-in only.
Free Coffee, Desserts and Discounts
- Bonefish Grill: free Bang Bang Shrimp and a non-alcoholic drink for veterans, active-duty, retired military, first responders and their families.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with dine-in.
- Bar Louie: a free burger on Nov. 10-11 (excluding the Big Louie), dine-in with military ID.
- Chipotle: free chips plus guac, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase.
- Circle K: a free medium hot or iced coffee with military ID.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: a free coffee and any bagel with shmear, all day, in the bakery.
- Cracker Barrel: a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special at participating locations.
- Dave & Buster’s: unlimited gameplay all day with valid military ID (no tickets earned; purple swipe games excluded), plus a free dessert.
- Firehouse Subs: buy one sub, get one free, in-store with military ID.
- LongHorn Steakhouse: 10% off plus a free appetizer or dessert.
- Metro Diner: 50% off a meal for active-duty and retired military.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: 25% off for active, retired and off-duty military.
How to Claim Veterans Day Deals Without a Hitch
- Bring proof of service. Accepted forms usually include a military ID, VA card, DD-214 or a driver’s license with a veteran designation.
- Call your local location. Many deals apply only at “participating” restaurants, and franchise hours vary.
- Go early or late. Lunch rushes on Nov. 11 are notoriously long at popular chains.
- Plan to dine in. Most free meals exclude online, app and delivery orders.
- Tip on the full value. Servers work hard on one of their busiest days; tipping on what the meal would have cost is a kind gesture.
More Ways to Honor Veterans This Week
Deals are a nice thank-you, but the day is about people. Attend a local parade or ceremony, call a veteran in your family, or ask them to share a story. Small, personal gestures often mean the most.
If you’re already thinking ahead to the holidays, see our guide to Thanksgiving dinner on a budget and our fall home safety checklist.
Offers are set by each business and can change or vary by location. Confirm details with the restaurant before you go.
Thank you to everyone who has served. Stay with USA One News for more holiday guides and money-saving deals.
