Veterans Day events and deals in Chicago

Veteran’s Day is an important national holiday and Chicago honors all who have served in the military by offering them FREE or discounted food or services on Veteran’s Day, Friday, November 11, 2022 (unless another date is noted). 

How the deals work

• Always call to check that a location is participating before you head out for a deal. 
  
• Offers don’t include tax or top so be prepared to pay extra if necessary.
• Proof of military status is required for all offers. Be prepared to show military ID verifying your service or show up in uniform.
• There is a limit of one offer per person at participating locations, while supplies last.
• Price and participation may vary by location, city and/or market, so check details before making plans.
• Most offers are valid for dine-in only. 

The Pritzker Military Museum and Library 104 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 374-9347, offers free admission on November 11, 2022.

National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. (312) 326-0270  always has free admission. 

Free events

Soldier Field, politicians and veterans will gather inside near the Doughboy Statue for Chicago’s official Veteran’s Day wreath-laying ceremony.

When:  Friday, November 11, 2022, 11:00 AM Doors open at 10:00 AM
Where: Soldier Field, Gate O, 1410 Museum Campus Dr. FREE parking is available at the Waldron Parking Deck; exit at 18th Street from Lake Shore Drive. Business attire or service dress uniform. Free.

Free food and drink

Applebee’s : Free meal to active duty and veteran military service members. veterans and active service members can enjoy a FREE meal from a select menu Majority of Applebee’s restaurants participate, call your local franchise and ask about details and requirements. Check here for the current year’s offer. 

Bar Louie:  Vets can celebrate Veterans Day at Bar Louie with a complimentary burger. On Nov. 11, all active and retired military enjoy a FREE Craft Burger of their choice, available all day and night.

Bob Evans: Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a FREE meal from a special menu on November 11.

Bonefish Grill: The restaurant’s Heroes Discount is offered all year long — 10% off for all service members, veterans and first responders.  

California Pizza Kitchen – Veterans and active duty military receive a free non-alcoholic beverage and entree from a select menu.

Chili’s – Veterans receive a free entrée from a select menu.

Dunkin’: Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a  free donut of their choice.

Fogo de Chão: 50% off their entire meal. Plus, each veteran or active duty guest will receive 10% off their meal for up to three additional diners. 

Golden Corral: The “endless buffet” restaurant is serving a FREE “Thank You” Meal from 5 p.m. to close.

IHOP: All military veterans can hop over to IHOP on Veterans Day for a fluffy freebie. On Nov. 11, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (local time), the popular diner is serving them a free stack of Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes. 

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks:  Veterans of the U.S. military and National Guard, Gold Star parents and Gold Star spouses are invited to enjoy a select entrée at 50% off on Nov. 13,  Reservations are recommended.

Red Lobster:  Free Walts’s Favorite Shrimp, fries and coleslaw between 11 AM and 4 PM. Active duty military and reservists. Customers only need to show a valid military ID or proof of service to enjoy the offer.

Starbucks: On Nov. 11, a free Tall hot brewed coffee. for veterans, military service members and their spouses.

White Castle: All veterans and active duty service members free Combo Meal (choose from #1 to #6) or Breakfast Combo Meal on Nov. 11.  

Other deals

Big Lots:  A year-round 10% “Always On” discount for active military personnel and veterans who are members of the company’s Big Rewards program.

Car Wash: Free car wash for veterans and military personnel on Nov. 11, For locations, click here.

Goodyear Auto Service: Free car check services including tire, brake and batteries for vets and first responders through November 14. There’s also 10% off tires and other services included in the promotion.

Great Clips: Vets can cut their grooming costs on Veterans Day at Great Clips. The popular salon is offering free haircuts to veterans and active military. Vets not in need of a haircut on Nov. 11 can pick up a card good for a free haircut from Nov. 12 to Dec. 9.

Walgreens: From Nov. 11 to Nov. 14, veterans, military and their families, who are members of myWalgreens, will receive 20 percent off regular price eligible store items at any Walgreens, in-store only.