Memorial Day honors those who sacrificed for our nation, and many businesses show appreciation through freebies and discounts for veterans, active-duty members, retirees, reservists, and often their families. These offers typically require valid military ID and vary by location or require online verification. Always confirm details directly with the business, as promotions can change. This guide covers food, retail, activities, and more, drawing from reliable annual listings to help you maximize savings.
Food and Dining Freebies and Discounts
Restaurants nationwide roll out special menus and percentage-off deals for military personnel during Memorial Day weekend. From fast food to sit-down chains, these perks make celebrating affordable.
- LaMar’s Donuts: Active military and veterans receive a free donut with any purchase. Show ID at participating locations.
- Hooters: Enjoy 10% off your bill any day, increasing to 20% on Tuesdays. Applies to food only (excludes alcohol) for all military with valid ID.
- McCormick & Schmick’s: Active duty, reserves, retirees, and veterans get 30% off food for up to four at the table. Dine-in only with military ID.
- Twin Peaks: Military members score 20% off the entire bill, including alcohol. Present ID; offer valid all day.
- Cracker Barrel: Free sandwich for active duty and veterans during Armed Forces Week, including Memorial Day. Check local store for exact day.
- Dairy Queen: Up to 50% off select items at some locations; varies by store. Free Blizzard often available on Veterans Day too.
- Hard Rock Cafe: 15% off food, non-alcoholic drinks, and retail with military ID.
- Shoney’s: 15% off for military, veterans, and first responders in uniform or with ID.
- Arby’s: 10% off at participating locations with military ID.
- Ben & Jerry’s: 10-15% off, depending on location.
- Bennigan’s: Typically 10% off total check for active military and veterans.
- Boston Market: 10-25% off with military ID, varies by site.
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: 10% off plus holiday free meals like on Veterans Day.
- Cinnabon: 15% off bakery items.
- Red Lobster: 10% off individual orders (excludes alcohol); free shrimp on Veterans Day.
- Texas Roadhouse: 10% off for military personnel.
These dining deals span casual eats to upscale, often extending through the holiday weekend. Pro tip: Call ahead for location-specific availability.
Retail Discounts for Military Shoppers
Memorial Day sales amplify military discounts on apparel, gear, auto parts, and home goods. Verify status online via services like ID.me or SheerID for codes.
| Retailer | Discount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Academy Sports + Outdoors | 10% off | Online and in-store through July 4 for military and first responders. |
| Adidas | 30% off | Online/in-store after verification; 20% at factory outlets. |
| Midas | 10% off | Participating locations with government ID. |
| Nike | 10% off | For active, veteran, retired, reservists. |
| O’Reilly Auto Parts | 10% off | In-store retail items for military and families (some exceptions). |
| Rack Room Shoes | 10% off Tuesdays; 20% holidays | In-store with ID; doubles on Memorial Day. |
| Reebok | 50% off Heroes Discount | For military, government employees, etc. |
| Sleep Number | 20% off | Hero Discount promo code after verification (through early June). |
| Uncharted Supply Co. | One-time code | Verify every 24 hours for active duty, veterans, dependents. |
| Under Armour | 20% off (up to 40% limited) | For military, families, first responders. |
| Banana Republic | 15% off | In-store purchases. |
| Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s | 10% off (5% firearms) | Legendary Salute in-store/online. |
| L.L. Bean | 10% off | Via SheerID verification. |
| Lululemon | 15% off | Participating stores. |
| Madewell | 15% off | Entire purchase in-store. |
Retail perks focus on apparel and outdoor gear, ideal for summer prep. Many stack with Memorial Day sales for deeper savings.
Activities and Entertainment Deals
Theme parks, museums, and events offer free or reduced admission, perfect for family outings honoring service.
- Blue Star Theaters: Complimentary/discounted tickets for military families.
- Busch Gardens & SeaWorld: Waves of Honor provides free admission and special pricing for active duty, veterans, families at Busch Gardens, Aquatica, Sesame Place, Discovery Cove.
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: Free adult admission for Veterans Advantage members; 20% off family tickets.
- Blue Star Museums: Free summer admission (Armed Forces Day to Labor Day) for active duty and families at hundreds of museums nationwide.
- Qalo Accessories: Free silicone rings from Military Heroes collection; verify at checkout.
- Silverwood Theme Park: Free admission Memorial Day weekend for military, veterans, etc., with discounted family tickets.
These programs, backed by the National Endowment for the Arts, make cultural access free for summer-long enjoyment.
Meal Kit and Additional Services
- Home Chef: 50% off first box, 10% off subsequent for military/veterans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What ID do I need for Memorial Day military discounts?
Valid military ID, DD-214 for veterans, or verification via ID.me/SheerID. Spouses/dependents often qualify with proof.
Do these deals apply to families?
Many do, like theme parks and retail; check specifics—often up to 4 guests per ID holder.
Are offers nationwide or location-specific?
Varies; national chains like Hooters are consistent, but fast food like Dairy Queen depends on store policy.
Can discounts stack with other sales?
Usually not; confirm with the business during Memorial Day weekend promotions.
When do Memorial Day freebies end?
Most are weekend-only or through Monday; some extend like Blue Star Museums all summer.
Memorial Day freebies celebrate service while stretching budgets. Share with fellow vets and plan ahead for verification. For latest 2026 updates, visit brand sites.
References
- Memorial Day Freebies and Discounts for Veterans and Servicemembers — US Veterans Magazine. 2023-05. https://usveteransmagazine.com/usvm/memorial-day-freebies-and-discounts-for-veterans-and-servicemembers/
- 201 Military Discounts for Active Duty, Retirees and More — The Penny Hoarder. 2023. https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/military-discounts/
- Blue Star Museums Program — National Endowment for the Arts. 2023. https://www.arts.gov/national-initiatives/arts-servicemembers-and-their-families/blue-star-museums
- Waves of Honor Military Discounts — SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. 2023. https://wavesofhonor.com/
- VA Benefits for Veterans — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 2026-01. https://www.va.gov/
- Military ID Verification Guidelines — U.S. Department of Defense. 2023. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodm/
This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider your own situation, or speak with a licensed adviser, before acting on it.
