Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11th, honoring the people who have served our country and recognizing their contributions to our communities. This year, Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday and local communities will mark the occasion with special events. Many restaurants will also offer free meals or discounts to veterans as a thank-you for their service. Whether you’re looking for a community gathering, a delicious meal, or a chance to spend time with fellow veterans, check out these Veterans Day events and offers!

 

Ann Arbor 

• University of Michigan Veterans Week (Click here to see a complete list of events) 
  • Zoom presentation on Veteran Disability and Claims 
    • Date: Monday, November 9th  
    • Time: 10:00 –11:00 am 
    • The Washtenaw County Department of Veterans Affairs (WCDVA) assists veterans, their survivors, and dependents in filing claims for benefits from federal, state, and local governments that may result in disability compensation, VA pension/survivors pension, and education benefits. They also help with financial assistance (emergency relief), rent/mortgage, food, utilities, transportation needs, and more. Click here for link.  

• • Women Veterans Appreciation Breakfast 
    • Date: Tuesday, November 10th  
    • Time: 9:00-11:00 am 
    • Have breakfast, socialize, and network with women who have served or are serving in the U.S. military! This breakfast, in the Michigan League, celebrates women’s contribution and service in the United States military. RSVP required (click here to RSVP). 

• • The Veterans for Peace – 92 Peace Scholarship Concert 
    • Date: Tuesday, November 10th 
    • Time: 7:30-9:30 pm 
    • Tickets can be acquired from The Ark and VFP members ($20) or at The Michigan Ticket Office or online ($24). For any questions, contact Bill Shea at [email protected] or 734-662-0818. 

• • Flag Raising on the U of M Diag 
    • Date: Wednesday, November 11th  
    • Time: 8:00-8:30 am 

• Ann Arbor VA Resource Fair
  • Date: Tuesday, November 19th
  • Time: 9:30 am-1:00 pm
  • Held at the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center Auditorium (2215 Fuller Rd)
  • Includes an opportunity for veterans to reflect on their service at 9:30 am.

• Free Activities for Veterans 
  • Date:  Wednesday, November 11th 
  • Ann Arbor Parks and Rec offers active and retired military members the opportunity to enjoy free skating, swimming and golf at select city facilities on the holiday: 
    • Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena (2751 Packard Rd) 
    • Huron Hills Golf Course (3465 E. Huron River Drive) 
    • Mack Indoor Pool (715 Brooks St) 
    • Veterans Memorial Park Indoor Ice Arena (2150 Jackson Ave) 

Call ahead for hours. Make sure to mention that you’re a veteran upon check-in! 

 

Chelsea 

• Veterans Day Community Tribute
  • Date: Wednesday, November 11th
  • Time: 8:00-10:30 am 
  • Location: Chelsea Senior Center  
  • The event begins at 8:00am at Veterans Park with coffee and donuts, then moves to the senior center for breakfast.
  • This free community event honors veterans of all ages. More info to come! Call (734) 475-9242.   

 

Dexter 

• Veterans Lunch 
  • Date: Wednesday, November 11th  
  • Time: 1:00 pm 
  • Location: Dexter Senior Center 
  • Join us for a free lunch and dessert. Veterans may invite one guest. Sponsored by The Willows at Mill Creek. Please Sign up if a Veteran by November 4th by calling (734)-426-7737. 

 

Pittsfield Township

• Veterans Lunch
  • Date: Thursday, November 12th
  • Time: 11:30 am
  • Location: Pittsfield Township Community/Senior Center
  • Veterans luncheon sponsored by Visiting Angels. In honor of our veterans, join us for lunch celebrating you and a guest. Registration for both attendees is required, either by registering online or by calling (734) 822-2117.

 

Saline

• Saline Area Senior Center- to be announced!
  • As of the writing of this post, details are not yet available. Watch for updates in weekly emails from the senior center or call (734) 429-9274 for more information.

 

 

Free Meals for Veterans 

Note: Because so many restaurants are franchises, it’s best to call ahead and ask whether they are participating in Veterans Day programs/discounts. Proof of military service may vary by location (click here for a list of common proof of service- near bottom of page)

• Applebee’s– offers one free entree from a special menu. As of the writing of this post, details are not yet available. Check the website or call the restaurant for more information. 

• Biggby Coffee– offers veterans any 16-ounce beverage for just $1.99 on November 11. 

• Bob Evans– offers a free meal to veterans and active-duty troops. As of the writing of this post, details are not yet available. Check the website or call the restaurant for more information. 

• Bruegger’s Bagels– offers veterans a free hot or iced coffee.  

• California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)– offers veterans and active-duty military members a free entree and drink from a special menu on November 11th.  

• Chilis– offers veterans and active military a free meal from select menu items on Veterans Day, November 11th.  

• Circle K– offers veterans and current active military members one free medium hot or iced coffee.  

• IHOP- offers a free Red, White, & Blueberry pancake combo for veterans and active-duty military. Call (734) 528-4467 for more information. 

• Little Caesar’s– offers a free Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo from 11am-2pm on November 11th. Call your local store for details.  

• Olive Garden– offers veterans and current military members a free entree from a special menu. As of the writing of this post, details are not yet available. Check the website or call the restaurant for more information. 

• Red Lobster- offers a free entree for veterans and active-duty military. In 2025, it was a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp & Chips meal.  As of the writing of this post, details are not yet available. Check the website or call the restaurant for more information. 

• Red Robin– offers veterans and active military members a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with fries for dine-in on Veterans Day. Must sign up for Red Robin Rewards.  

• Starbucks– offers veterans, active military members, and their spouses one free tall (12 oz) hot or iced brewed coffee on November 11th.  

• Texas Roadhouse– offers veterans and current limitary members free meal vouchers for one entree, two sides, a non-alcoholic beverage on November 11th.  

• Wendy’s– offers veterans and active-duty military a free breakfast combo during breakfast hours on November 11th.  

 

Thank you for your service!