With Veterans Day upon us, many local businesses and national chains are saying “thank you” to veterans and active military members by offering freebies and deals on food, drinks, activities, and merchandise. Just remember many require a military id, so be sure to bring yours in order to participate.
Columbia Mom thanks you for your service and the important role you play in our community and beyond. Thank you for fighting for our freedom and rights, and we hope you take time for yourself, especially today, to celebrate and honor your service!
45th Annual Veterans Day Parade
Join the City of Columbia for one of the Southeast’s largest Veterans Day Parade. It will feature more than 85 elements from Fort Jackson, the South Carolina National Guard, Shaw AFB, various veterans’ organizations along with local schools and universities to help us thank those men and women who have and continue to answer our nation’s call to service. The parade will begin at the corner of Sumter and Laurel Streets.
Time: Friday, November 10 at 11 a.m.
Location: Downtown Columbia – the parade begins at the intersection of Sumter and Laurel streets, and travels southbound on Sumter Street, ending at Pendleton Street near the State House.
Veterans Day Outdoor Movie Night
Recognizing our Veterans by presenting Disney’s VALIANT. An animated movie about a homing pigeon during WWII. Free event with hot dogs, popcorn and beverages while supplies last.
Time: Friday, November 10 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Location: Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church, 3078 Leaphart Rd, West Columbia, SC 29169
Riverbanks Zoo
All military veterans (persons who have served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces) will receive free admission to the Zoo and Garden in honor of Veterans Day.
Time: Saturday, November 11 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
Great Clips
On Veterans Day, customers who come in for a haircut at any U.S. Great Clips salon will receive a free haircut card to give to an active, inactive, retired, disabled and reserve members from any military branch, including the National Guard. Military members can also come in on Veterans Day for a free haircut or to pick up a free haircut card to use, with proof of service, any day between Nov. 12 and Dec. 31, 2023.
Outback Steakhouse
Enjoy a free beverage and blooming onion. Valid on Veterans Day only with a valid ID. And for the rest of the year, they’re giving 15% off to military personnel—plus their families. You can also get a $10 off coupon good for a future visit.
Chili’s
You must dine in, and the free food is from a limited menu. Beverages and gratuity are not included. Veterans and active duty military members must simply show proof of military service to take advantage of this offer.
Dunkin’
On Saturday, Dunkin’ will give all retired and active military a free doughnut of their choice at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide.
Applebee’s
FREE MEAL. There will be seven different meal options to choose from. Military members and veterans will also receive a $5 coupon to be redeemed on additional food and beverages or for a later time.
Hardee’s
Hardee’s rewards members will get 25% off app and online purchases (plus tax) for a limited time at participating Hardee’s restaurants. A maximum $10 discount will be applied. The one-time offer can’t be combined with other deals and can’t be used with third party vendors/delivery partners.
IHOP
Veterans and Active Duty Military can enjoy three of IHOP restaurant’s hot-off-the-griddle, world famous Buttermilk Pancakes with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping for free at participating U.S. locations. Veterans and Active Duty Military simply show proof of military service to receive their free Red, White & Blue Pancakes.
Beef O Brady’s
Veterans eat for free (up to $12) at Beef O Brady’s on Veterans Day (each location can decide to extend the offer to active members of the military).
Buffalo Wild Wings
Veterans and active duty military can get a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries on Nov. 11 at Buffalo Wild Wings when they show a valid ID while dining in the restaurant. At Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations, the offer is valid for counter orders.
Chicken Salad Chick
Veterans and active military will receive a FREE Chick Special and regular-size drink in honor of Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11! Stop by in uniform or with your military ID to redeem. In-restaurant only, not available for online or delivery orders.
Circle K
Veterans and active duty military personnel can get a free coffee in the Circle K app in honor of Veterans Day. The coupon expires on Nov. 11 and can only be used once per customer.
Denny’s
Active and retired military personnel can get a free Grand Slam meal at Denny’s on Nov. 10 between 5 a.m. and noon when they show a valid military ID.
Fazoli’s
Fazoli’s customers who are veterans or active duty military members will get a free Regular Spaghetti with Meat or Marinara on Nov. 11 when they show a military ID or wear a military uniform.
Golden Corral
A few days after Veterans Day (Nov. 13), Golden Corral will host a military appreciation night and will serve a free dinner (buffet and drink) to all active duty military and veterans. The deal starts at 5 p.m. local time and lasts until closing. It’s available for dine-in only and you do not need to show an ID.
Krispy Kreme
FREE doughnut and small coffee. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Please call ahead to verify participation.
Publix
Active and retired military personnel and family members receive a 10 percent discount on Veteran’s Day. Proof of service required.
Sleep Number
Sleep Number is offering exclusive military discounts – 20% off most Sleep Number 360® smart beds, all bases, and most bedding purchases. This offer is valid through November 13, 2023.
Under Armor
Active-duty service members, veterans, military spouses and military family members get up to 40% off their purchases between November 2 and November 19, 2023.
