Evansville-area Veterans Day observances, free meals and discounts
EVANSVILLE – Saturday is Veterans Day. Here's a look at local observances and events related to the holiday, as well as a list of special offers from businesses for those who served in the armed forces.
Veterans Day observances and events in Evansville
Browning Funeral Home Veterans Day breakfast
Saturday at 7 a.m. Evansville Wartime Museum, 7503 Petersburg Road. All Veterans are welcome to this complimentary breakfast and celebration of appreciation for service.
Oak Hill Veterans Day services
Saturday at 1 p.m., Oak Hill Cemetery, 1400 E. Virginia St. In case of inclement weather, service will be held in Chapel One.
Veterans Day Council annual service
Saturday at 11 a.m., Locust Hill Cemetery and Arboretum, 3800 Kratzville Road. In case of bad weather, service will be held in the Chapel of Eternal Peace.
Veterans for Peace celebration
Saturday at 11 a.m., Four Freedoms Monument along Riverside Drive in Evansville. Members of Evansville's Veterans for Peace Chapter 104 will gather at the monument to commemorate the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. There will be songs, poetry and reflections.
Empty Bowls for Veterans
Saturday at 11 a.m. at Barker Brewhouse near Barker Avenue and the Lloyd Expressway. USI Ceramics, and Shortstacks Kitchen have teamed up to honor vets by selling one-of-a-kind, hand-thrown ceramic bowls made by the ceramics department along with homemade soup and bread from Shortstacks.
Veterans parade and other activities
Saturday on West Franklin Street in Evansville. Parade registration starts at noon; actual parade from 2 to 5 p.m.
Free and discounted meals for Veterans Day in Evansville
Applebee’s
Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a limited menu for Veterans Day. Proof of service required. In addition to eating free, they also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card for future visits within a three-week window.
Bar Louie
Veterans and active-duty military receive a free craft burger of their choice on Veterans Day.
Biscuit Belly
Offering free breakfast for veterans and active duty military on Friday, Nov. 10.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ's is offering a complimentary meal from a special menu to all current and former military members, a free chocolate chunk pizookie for any purchase over $9.95, and a free Bounce Back Card for a free appetizer to be redeemed from Nov. 12 to Dec. 31.
Bob Evans
A special menu of seven "homestyle favorites" is available to veterans and active-duty military.
Bonefish Grill
In addition to their everyday "heroes discount" of 10% off for service members, veterans and first responders with a valid ID, they are offering a free order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a purchase of a soft drink.
BRU Burger
Veterans and active-duty military receive a complimentary meal.
Bubba's 33
Retired, former, and active-duty military members can have a free lunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and choose from a limited menu of six entrees. For those who are unable to attend this year, the restaurant will distribute rainchecks on Veterans Day, good through May 30, 2024.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Veterans and active-duty military receive a free small order of 10 boneless wings and a side of fries. Offer is available for dine-in only.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert with a purchase of a soft drink.
Chicken Salad Chick
Offering a free meal to all active military and veterans in uniform or with proper ID.
Chili's
Offering a complimentary meal from a select menu for veterans and active-duty military
Cracker Barrel
Retired and active-duty members will receive in-store and online specials for Veterans Day using code VETSDAYY22 at checkout.
Denny's
All veterans, inactive and active-duty military receive an original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon on Nov 10. Diners must show ID to receive the offer.
Dunkin Donuts
Veterans and active duty receive a free donut.
Freddy's
Giving out cards for free Freddy's original double with cheese combo to all veterans and active-duty military that's redeemable through Nov. 30.
Golden Corral
A free sit-in “thank you” dinner is offered for military veterans, retirees and active-duty members from 5 p.m. to closing time.
Hacienda Mexican Resturant
Offering a free wet burrito to all veterans and active-duty military.
Hooters
All veterans and active-duty members receive a free meal with the purchase of a beverage.
IHOP
Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., free Red, White and Blue pancakes are available to retired and active-duty military with proof of service for dine-in only.
Krispy Kreme
A free doughnut and small coffee is offered to all veterans or active-duty military.
Logan’s Roadhouse
Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu, in addition to their 10% everyday military discount.
Metro Diner
Active-duty military and veterans receive 50% off for the holiday and 10% off year-round.
McDonald's
Retired and active-duty military personnel can have a free breakfast combo meal at any participating McDonald’s restaurant from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Mission BBQ
Offering a free sandwich to veterans and active-duty military.
O’Charley’s
Veterans and active-duty service members get a free entree and free slice on Nov. 10 and 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offer a 10 percent military discount all year.
Old Chicago
Receive a complimentary lunch from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military.
Outback Steakhouse
Active-duty military and veterans receive a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree in restaurant.
Red Lobster
Active-duty military and veterans receive a free voucher for a shrimp with fries and coleslaw dinner by stopping in between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The coupon is valid for dine-in only between Nov. 13 and Dec. 10.
Red Robin
Active-duty military and veterans get a free Red's Tavern Double Burger and bottomless steak fries with valid ID for dine-in only.
Starbucks
A free, tall brewed coffee is offered to active-duty military, reservists, veterans and military spouses.
Shoney's
Free breakfast for veterans and active-duty military.
Texas Roadhouse
The restaurant will distribute dinner vouchers to veterans and active-duty military in their parking lot from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wendy's
Veterans will get a free small breakfast combo with a valid ID. No purchase is necessary.
White Castle
Military veterans and active-duty members who show proof of ID may receive a free individual combo meal or breakfast combo meal.
Evansville-area businesses offering Veterans Day discounts
Academy Sport
Offering a 10% discount online and in-store for all active-duty service members and veterans until Sunday.
Casey's General Stores
Offering veterans and active duty military a complimentary coffee or fountain drink of any size.
Circle K
Offering free coffee through the Circle K app for veterans and military personnel.
Indiana State Parks
Offering free admission to veterans, active-duty military, and everyone in their vehicle to DNR state parks, reservoir properties, state forest recreation areas, and off-road state recreation areas.
Sports Clips
Offering free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members.
Great Clips
Offering free haircuts to veterans and active duty service members. For those not needing a haircut on Saturday, a coupon good for a free haircut another time will be given.
Jiffy Lube
Offering 50% off all oil changes, in addition to their everyday 25% military discount.
Target
Active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families receive a 10% discount on their purchase.
Tractor Supply Co.
A 15% discount is being offered to veterans, active duty military, and their dependants for Veterans Day.
The Vitamin Shop
From Nov. 11-13, veterans and active duty military will receive a 25% discount on in-store purchases.
Walgreens
From Nov. 11-13, veterans and active duty military will receive a 20% discount on in-store purchases.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Where can veterans eat for free in Evansville?
