TAMPA BAY, FL — Veterans Day is Wednesday, and communities and businesses across Tampa Bay and Central Florida are marking the occasion with ceremonies, special events, free admission, and discounts for veterans and active-duty military members.
Veterans Day, observed every Nov. 11, honors everyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of fighting in World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day to recognize veterans of all wars. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors military personnel who died while serving, Veterans Day recognizes all who have served, living or deceased.
From opportunities to honor those who have served to complimentary meals and local attractions offering special deals, there are several ways to recognize the region's military community this Veterans Day in the Tampa Bay area. (Have an event or a deal to include? Email Tiffany.Razzano@Patch.com.)
There are a number of opportunities to honor Veterans Day and those who served on Wednesday, including the following ceremonies and other events:
Florida veterans and active-duty military members can take advantage of free meals, discounted groceries, complimentary haircuts and other deals as businesses across the country prepare to honor their service on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11.
National chains including Applebee's, Chili's, Golden Corral, Starbucks, Kohl's and Walgreens are among the businesses offering special deals. Some promotions extend to military spouses and families, while others are reserved for veterans and active-duty service members.
The offers range from free restaurant meals to 30 percent discounts at certain retailers, according to a 2026 roundup of Veterans Day deals published by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Not all offers are available at every location, and many require military identification or other proof of service. Some are dine-in only, and gratuities, beverages or other purchases may not be included. Veterans should check with participating Florida locations before visiting.
Applebee's: Veterans, active-duty military members, reservists and National Guard members can receive a free full-size entrée from a special seven-item menu on Nov. 11. Eligible customers who dine in also receive a $5 card for a future visit. Beverages and gratuities are not included. Applebee's announcement.
Chili's: Veterans and active-duty service members can choose a free entrée from a limited Veterans Day menu at participating restaurants. The offer is dine-in only, and beverages and gratuities are excluded. Chili's Veterans Day offer.
Golden Corral: Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy a free buffet during the chain's annual Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 11. The offer is for dine-in customers.
Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu at participating restaurants. Proof of military service is required, and the offer is dine-in only.
Denny's: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon Nov. 11. Military identification is required, and the offer is dine-in only.
Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free Red's Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries on Nov. 11. The offer is dine-in only.
Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty service members and reservists can receive a free Shrimp & Chips meal Nov. 11. The offer requires military identification and is available for dine-in customers.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Veterans and active-duty military members visiting Nov. 11 can receive a free combo-meal card redeemable through Nov. 25.
Starbucks: Veterans, military service members and military spouses can receive a free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee Nov. 11 at participating stores.
Ruby Tuesday: Veterans and active-duty military members, including reservists and National Guard members, can receive a free meal valued at up to $17.99. The offer includes an entrée from a limited menu, the Garden Bar and a bottomless beverage.
Bonefish Grill: Veterans, active-duty service members and their families can receive a complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp entrée and nonalcoholic beverage Nov. 11 with military identification.
Smashburger: Veterans can receive a free All-American Smashburger on Nov. 11 at participating restaurants with proof of service.
Yard House: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free appetizer Nov. 11.
Other announced restaurant promotions include a free burger at Bar Louie on Nov. 10-11, a free taco and drink at Torchy's Tacos on Nov. 11, and a free burger with fries at participating WOB Bar & Kitchen locations.
Kohl's: Veterans, military members and eligible family members can receive 30 percent off qualifying in-store purchases Nov. 10-11. Military identification is required, and exclusions apply.
Walgreens: Veterans, active-duty military members and their immediate families can receive 20 percent off eligible regularly priced merchandise in stores. Restrictions and exclusions apply.
Publix: Veterans, active-duty service members and eligible family members can receive 10 percent off qualifying grocery purchases Nov. 11 with proof of military service.
Rack Room Shoes: Veterans, active-duty military members and dependents can receive 20 percent off in-store purchases on Veterans Day with military identification.
Tractor Supply: Eligible military customers verified through the Hometown Heroes program can receive 10 percent off on Veterans Day.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service: Military shoppers can find discounts on electronics, clothing, shoes and other merchandise Nov. 6-12, with additional savings available on select items for MILITARY STAR cardholders.
Great Clips will offer free haircuts Nov. 11 to veterans and active-duty military members at its U.S. salons. Eligible customers can get a haircut that day or receive a card for a future haircut. Other customers can obtain a free haircut card to give to a veteran or active-duty service member. The cards are redeemable through Dec. 4. Great Clips announcement.
Sport Clips will offer free or discounted haircuts to veterans and service members with valid military identification at participating locations Nov. 11.
AutoNation is offering veterans and active-duty service members 15 percent off eligible services, parts and accessories at AutoNation-branded locations. The discount is available year-round, with a corresponding mobile service promotion during November.
Veterans Day also brings complimentary admission to parks, museums and other attractions.
American Victory Ship and Museum: All veterans and active-duty military personnel will receive free admission on the holiday.
The Dalí Museum: This St. Petersburg museum dedicated to the works of Salvador Dalí is offering free entry to veterans and active-duty military personnel, as well as one guest, on Veterans Day.
Florida Aquarium: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa offers free general admission for active-duty military, veterans, retired or drilling reservist, National Guardsmen or honorably/medically discharged service member with valid U.S. Military ID or DD Form 214.
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts: This Tampa museum is offering free admission to all veterans and active-duty military members.
Florida State Parks: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is offering free day-use admission to all visitors across the Florida State Park system on Veterans Day, according to Florida Today. This deal excludes specialty parks, including Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
Gatorland: This Orlando attraction offers veterans, as well as active and retired military personnel with ID through Nov. 30.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: U.S. military veterans, active-duty, retired and reserve personnel are offered free one-day admission through Nov. 15, according to WESH. They may also get 50 percent off one-day admission for up to four accompanying guests.
LEGOLAND Florida and New York: Eligible military personnel, veterans and first responders can receive free admission through Nov. 30, with discounted admission available for accompanying guests.
National parks: The National Park Service is offering free entrance to all visitors Nov. 11. Veterans and eligible military members also qualify for separate annual or lifetime park passes.
Most Veterans Day promotions require proof of military service, such as a military identification card, veteran identification card, Department of Veterans Affairs identification or other accepted documentation. Individual businesses determine which forms of identification qualify.
Offers may be limited to participating locations, specific hours or select menu items. Some require customers to dine in, and additional purchases, taxes and gratuities may not be covered.
The VA will update its national list of Veterans Day discounts and free offers as additional businesses announce promotions.
Veterans and military families in Florida should check with local businesses for participation, restrictions and additional Veterans Day offers.
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