For Veterans Day 2026 on November 11, San Antonio businesses are offering free meals, shopping discounts, and complimentary admissions to veterans and active-duty military members, with some promotions extending through November. The San Antonio Zoo provides free admission all month for eligible military personnel and discounts for their families.
- Several San Antonio restaurants offer free meals to veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11, often requiring proof of service and dine-in only.
- National retailers like Kohl’s, Walgreens, and Rack Room Shoes provide discounts to military members and their families around Veterans Day.
- Great Clips and Sport Clips offer free or discounted haircuts for eligible military personnel on Veterans Day.
- The San Antonio Zoo offers free admission to active-duty, retired, and veteran military members throughout November 2026, with family discounts available.
- Veterans are advised to confirm individual offer details with local businesses as promotions may vary and have specific requirements.
Free Meals and Shopping Discounts to San Antonio Zoo Admission, Here’s Where Veterans and Active-Duty Military Can Save This Veterans Day
Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and restaurants, retailers and attractions across San Antonio are showing their appreciation for military service members with free meals, discounted shopping, complimentary admission and more.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has released its annual 2026 Veterans Day discounts and freebies list, featuring offers from businesses across the country, including several with locations in Military City, USA.
Whether you’re looking for a free breakfast, lunch, dinner or a family outing, here are some of the Veterans Day 2026 deals available through participating San Antonio-area businesses.
Veterans Day 2026 Free Meals in San Antonio
Several popular restaurants are offering complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty military members on Nov. 11.
- Applebee’s: Free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu. Dine-in only, with proof of service required. Drinks and gratuity are not included.
- Chili’s: Free entrée from a select Veterans Day menu at participating restaurants. Military identification is required, and the offer is available for dine-in customers.
- Denny’s: Free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon. Available for dine-in with proof of military service.
- Golden Corral: Complimentary buffet during its annual Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
- In-N-Out Burger: Free burger, fries and beverage for veterans, active-duty military, reservists and National Guard members with proof of service.
- Red Lobster: Free Shrimp & Chips meal for veterans, active-duty service members and reservists. Dine-in only with identification.
- Red Robin: Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless steak fries for eligible military members. Dine-in only.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Free combo meal card distributed Nov. 11, redeemable through Nov. 25.
- Torchy’s Tacos: Free taco and drink for veterans and active-duty military. Proof of service required.
- Starbucks: Free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, service members and military spouses at participating stores.
- Chipotle: Free chips with a choice of guacamole, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase at participating locations.
- Yard House: Free appetizer for veterans and active-duty military.
These offers are included in the VA’s 2026 national Veterans Day list. Availability at individual San Antonio restaurants should be confirmed before visiting.
Veterans Day Discounts on Shopping and Haircuts
Veterans Day savings extend beyond restaurants, with several national retailers and personal care businesses offering discounts.
- Kohl’s: 30% off eligible in-store purchases Nov. 10–11 for military members, veterans and families with valid identification.
- Walgreens: 20% off eligible regular-priced merchandise in stores for veterans, active-duty military and immediate family members.
- Rack Room Shoes: 20% off in-store purchases for veterans, active-duty military and dependents.
- Tractor Supply Co.: 10% off for verified military members enrolled in its Hometown Heroes program.
- Great Clips: Free haircut for veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11. Other customers can request a free haircut card to give to a veteran.
- Sport Clips: Free or discounted haircuts for eligible military members at participating locations.
San Antonio Zoo Offers Free Admission to Veterans All November
One of San Antonio’s biggest local offers extends well beyond Veterans Day.
The San Antonio Zoo is offering free admission throughout November to active-duty, retired and veteran military members, including National Guard and Reserve personnel.
As part of its Zoo Salutes program, up to four immediate family members can also receive 50% off admission tickets.
Eligible visitors must present valid military identification. The promotion runs through Nov. 30, 2026, during regular zoo operating hours.
Veterans and their families can also take advantage of free admission to National Park Service sites nationwide on Nov. 11. The agency additionally offers qualifying veterans free lifetime passes to federal recreation areas.
What Veterans Should Know Before Claiming Freebies
While many businesses are participating nationwide, the VA cautions that individual offers may vary by location and are subject to change.
Some restaurants require customers to dine in, show military identification or choose from a limited menu. Others exclude beverages, taxes or gratuity. Veterans should contact their preferred San Antonio location before visiting, especially when planning to use an offer with family members.
For a complete and updated list of nationwide promotions, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Day 2026 guide.
