The short answer
Veterans Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. It is a federal holiday, so federal offices, post offices and the Federal Reserve close, while the stock market stays open. The day honors everyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces, especially living veterans.
- Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (no weekend shift needed)
- Federal holiday: Yes, one of 11 on the OPM 2026 list
- Closed: Federal offices, USPS retail and regular delivery, Federal Reserve Banks, the bond market
- Open: NYSE and Nasdaq, most stores and restaurants
- Free that day: Entrance to fee-charging national parks for U.S. citizens and residents
- Free meals: Chains confirmed for 2026 include Chili’s, Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden, Applebee’s, Denny’s, IHOP, Red Lobster and Golden Corral; usually dine-in with proof of service
Nov 11
Veterans Day 2026, a Wednesday
15.7 million
U.S. veterans in 2024 (Census)
1919
First Armistice Day commemoration
11 a.m.
National ceremony start at Arlington
In this article
Veterans Day is the U.S. federal holiday that honors all Americans who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime. It began as Armistice Day, which marked the end of fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918. Because the date never moves, Veterans Day 2026 lands midweek, which affects what is closed, how parades are scheduled and when restaurants run their offers.
This guide covers the date, closures, 2026 free meals and deals, the history and the difference from Memorial Day. In addition, we list dates through 2030 so you can plan ahead. Every date below comes from an official source such as the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the federal agency that sets government holiday schedules, or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
When Is Veterans Day 2026?
Veterans Day 2026 is on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The OPM 2026 federal holiday list shows it on that date with no adjustment, because the holiday only shifts for federal workers when November 11 falls on a weekend.
Since it falls in the middle of the week, there is no long weekend this year. However, the VA notes that many communities hold their parades on the weekend before or after November 11 so more people can attend. So if you are looking for a local parade, check dates around Saturday, November 7, and Saturday, November 14, as well as the 11th itself.
Is Veterans Day always on November 11?
Yes. According to the VA, Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week. That said, when the 11th lands on a Saturday or Sunday, federal employees get the nearby Friday or Monday off for pay and leave purposes.
Veterans Day dates 2026 to 2030
| Year | Veterans Day | Federal day off (if different) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday, Nov 11 | Same day |
| 2027 | Thursday, Nov 11 | Same day |
| 2028 | Saturday, Nov 11 | Friday, Nov 10 |
| 2029 | Sunday, Nov 11 | Monday, Nov 12 |
| 2030 | Monday, Nov 11 | Same day (a three-day weekend) |
Is Veterans Day a Federal Holiday?
Yes, Veterans Day is one of the 11 federal holidays set in federal law, and OPM lists Wednesday, November 11, 2026, among its 2026 holidays. As a result, most federal employees have a paid day off.
However, a federal holiday only binds the federal government. The VA explains that state and local governments, including schools, decide for themselves whether to close. Likewise, private businesses are free to stay open or close.
Is Veterans Day a paid holiday for private employers?
Not by law. Private employers are not required to give the day off or pay holiday rates, so it depends on your company policy or union contract. As a result, some employers close for the day; meanwhile, most retailers and restaurants stay open.
Is Veterans Day a federal holiday for schools?
Schools set their own calendars. Some districts close for the day; others stay open and hold assemblies instead. Therefore, check your district calendar rather than assuming a day off.
What Is Open and Closed on Veterans Day 2026?
On Veterans Day 2026, federal offices, post offices, the Federal Reserve and the bond market close, but the stock market and most stores stay open. Here is the full rundown. For the next big holiday closures, see which stores are open on Thanksgiving 2026.
| Service | Status on Nov 11, 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal government offices | Closed | OPM federal holiday |
| USPS post offices and regular mail | Closed / no regular delivery | Veterans Day is a postal holiday |
| Federal Reserve Banks | Closed | Listed on the Fed holiday schedule |
| Banks and credit unions | Many closed | Each bank decides; check yours |
| NYSE and Nasdaq | Open | Not on either exchange holiday list |
| Bond market | Closed | SIFMA recommends a full close |
| Public schools | Varies | Set by state or local district |
| State and local offices | Varies | Set by each state, county or city |
| Stores and restaurants | Mostly open | Private businesses choose |
| National parks | Open, free entry | Free for U.S. citizens and residents |
Is mail delivered on Veterans Day?
No. The USPS holidays page lists Veterans Day among its postal holidays, so post offices close and regular mail is not delivered. Instead, mail resumes on Thursday, November 12.
Are banks open on Veterans Day 2026?
Many are not. The Federal Reserve holiday schedule shows the Federal Reserve Banks closed on November 11, 2026, and many banks follow that calendar. Still, each bank sets its own branch hours, so check yours before you go. Also, plan around the closure if you need a wire or check deposit to clear that week.
Is the stock market open on Veterans Day?
Yes. Neither the NYSE holiday calendar nor the Nasdaq holiday schedule lists Veterans Day, so stocks trade normally. By contrast, the SIFMA holiday schedule recommends a full close for U.S. bond markets on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Veterans Day 2026 Free Meals, Deals and Freebies
The Veterans Day 2026 free meals and deals below are stated for 2026 by the brand itself, a brand-supplied news list, or one of the major veterans lists. In fact, many chains are offering free entrées on Wednesday, November 11, with most requiring dine-in and proof of service. We label the source of every row, because most chain sites block automated checks and only Chili’s and Outback could be read directly on the brand’s own page.
Veterans Day 2026 free meals: restaurants confirmed so far
| Brand | 2026 offer | Who qualifies / proof | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chili’s | Free entrée on Nov. 11 from four choices: Chicken Crispers, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Oldtimer Burger with Cheese, or Soup & House Salad. Dine-in at participating restaurants; drinks and tip not included. | Veterans and active military. VA News says ID required. | Chili’s page; VA News |
| Outback Steakhouse | Free Bloomin’ Onion plus a Coca-Cola product or 16 oz. domestic draft, Nov. 10–11, dine-in. Dine Rewards members also earn a free Hero’s Meal for a return visit, Nov. 16, 2026 to May 2, 2027. | Veterans and service members. FOX 5 DC reports no ID needed; just tell your server. | Outback page; FOX 5 DC |
| Texas Roadhouse | Meal voucher handed out Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for one of 10 entrées plus a drink. Redeem through May 31, 2027. | Veterans and active U.S. military. Military or VA card, or discharge papers. | American Legion; Military.com |
| Olive Garden | Free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu, Nov. 11, dine-in. | Military members. Proof not spelled out, so bring ID. | American Legion; Military.com |
| Golden Corral | Free buffet and drink at Military Appreciation Night, Nov. 11, 4 p.m. to close, dine-in. | Veterans, active duty, Reserve and National Guard. Bring proof of service. | VA News; American Legion; FOX 5 DC |
| Applebee’s | Free entrée from a Veterans Day menu, Nov. 11, dine-in. Drinks and tip not included. | Veterans and active duty. Military ID, DD-214, veterans organization card or similar. | VA News; FOX 5 DC |
| Denny’s | Free Original Grand Slam, Nov. 11, 5 a.m. to noon local time, dine-in, while supplies last. No drink included. | Active, non-active and retired military. Military ID or DD-214. | VA News; FOX 5 DC |
| IHOP | Free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo, Nov. 11, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., dine-in. | Veterans and active duty. Bring proof of service. | American Legion; Military.com |
| Red Lobster | Free Shrimp & Chips, Nov. 11, dine-in. | Veterans, active duty and reservists. ID required. | VA News; Military.com |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | 10 free boneless wings and fries, Nov. 11, dine-in at sports bars; GO locations have a $5 minimum. | Veterans and active duty. Proof of service. | American Legion |
| Cracker Barrel | Free Sunrise Pancake Special, Nov. 11, at participating locations. | Veterans and active duty. Proof not stated, so bring ID. | FOX 5 DC |
| Bob Evans | Free meal from a Veterans Day menu, Nov. 11, dine-in. Drink and tip not included. | Veterans and active duty. Valid service ID. | VA News; FOX 5 DC |
| Starbucks | Free 12 oz. (tall) hot or iced brewed coffee, Nov. 11, participating U.S. stores. | Veterans, service members and military spouses. | VA News; Military.com |
| Dunkin’ | Free donut, Nov. 11, in-store only, one per guest. | Veterans and active duty per the list. Bring proof of service. | Military.com |
| Red Robin | Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries, Nov. 11, dine-in. | Veterans and active duty. ID or proof of service. | VA News; FOX 5 DC |
| In-N-Out Burger | Free burger, fries and drink, Nov. 11. | Veterans, active duty, Reserve and National Guard. Proof of service. | FOX 5 DC; Military.com |
| Ruby Tuesday | Free Everyday Fresh Meal, Nov. 11, dine-in. | Veterans, active duty, Reserve and National Guard. Proof of service. | FOX 5 DC; Military.com |
| Logan’s Roadhouse | Free entrée from a Veterans Day menu, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., dine-in at participating locations. | Veterans and active duty. Military ID or proof of service. | FOX 5 DC; American Legion |
| LongHorn Steakhouse | 10% off the meal plus a free appetizer or dessert with an adult entrée, Nov. 11. | Veterans and active duty. Valid military ID. | FOX 5 DC; American Legion |
| Chipotle | Free chips and guac, queso or salsa with a $5 purchase, Nov. 11. | Veterans and active duty. Military ID, VA ID, state ID with veteran designation or discharge papers. | VA News; FOX 5 DC; American Legion |
| Bonefish Grill | Free Bang Bang Shrimp and a nonalcoholic drink, Nov. 11. | Veterans, active and retired military, first responders and families. ID. | VA News; FOX 5 DC |
| Dave & Buster’s | Unlimited play on eligible swipe games (no tickets earned) and a free dessert, Nov. 11. | Veterans and active duty. Valid military or veteran ID. | FOX 5 DC; American Legion |
Verify with your local restaurant. Franchise participation varies, offers can change and some locations run out, so call your local restaurant before you go. Also, carry proof of service even where a list does not mention it: a military ID, VA card, DD-214 or a state ID with a veteran designation.
Veterans Day 2026 store discounts and services
| Brand | 2026 offer | Who qualifies / proof | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | 20% off storewide, Nov. 5–11. | Military community members verified through Target Circle Military Appreciation. | FOX 5 DC |
| Kohl’s | 30% off in-store, Nov. 10–11; exclusions apply. | Military, veterans and families. Valid ID. | VA News |
| Walgreens | 20% off eligible regular-priced items in-store, Nov. 8–11. | Veterans, active duty and families. Proof of service; myWalgreens member. | FOX 5 DC; VA News |
| Publix | 10% off groceries, Nov. 11; exclusions apply. | Veterans, active duty and families. Proof of service. | VA News |
| Great Clips | Free haircut, or a free haircut card for later, Nov. 11. Anyone getting a cut can request a card to give a veteran. | Veterans and active duty. | VA News; American Legion |
| Academy Sports + Outdoors | 10% off entire purchase, online or in-store, through Nov. 11. | Active duty, veterans, Reserve and National Guard. ID.me verification per FOX 5 DC. | American Legion; FOX 5 DC |
| Tractor Supply | 10% off on Veterans Day. | Verified military through its Hometown Heroes program. | VA News; American Legion |
Offered in 2025, not yet confirmed for 2026
Krispy Kreme gave veterans and active-duty service members a free small coffee and doughnut on Veterans Day 2025 (WBTV, Nov. 11, 2025). However, we could not find a 2026 offer on its site or in the VA, Legion or Military.com lists as of November 6, 2026, so treat this as last year’s deal and ask your shop.
National parks: free entry on November 11
As announced by the National Park Service, every NPS site that charges an entrance fee is free on Veterans Day. It is one of the simplest ways to spend the day outdoors.
- Who: Everyone who is a U.S. citizen or resident (new for 2026)
- Not covered: Timed-entry or reservation fees may still apply
- Nonresidents: Pay regular entrance and any nonresident fees
- Source: NPS fee-free days page
Free lifetime national park pass for veterans
Beyond the one-day freebie, veterans and Gold Star Family members qualify for a free Military Lifetime Pass, while current military members and dependents get a free Military Annual Pass.
- Cost: Free
- Use: Covers entrance at national parks and other federal recreation sites
- ID: Passholders must show valid photo ID
- Source: NPS pass information
Year-round military discounts
Home Depot and Lowe’s run ongoing military discounts rather than a Veterans Day 2026 promotion we could confirm. For instance, a May 2026 Lowe’s release describes an Everyday 10% Military Discount that requires ID.me verification, applies to eligible items only and excludes sale items and major appliances. Similarly, a May 2025 Home Depot release describes 10% off full-priced, non-appliance merchandise for military shoppers, including on homedepot.com. Neither release is specific to Veterans Day, so confirm the current terms and eligibility with the store.
Watch out. Many viral “Veterans Day freebie” lists recycle last year’s terms. So if an offer is not in the table above, confirm it on the brand’s own site or with your local store first, and check the year on any list you read.
Pro tip. Veterans Day lands about two weeks before Thanksgiving, and early holiday sales often start the same week. Our Black Friday 2026 guide tracks when the big sales begin.
Why Is Veterans Day on November 11?
Veterans Day is on November 11 because the armistice that stopped World War I fighting took effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. The VA notes the war officially ended later, with the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, but November 11 is regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Over the following decades, the day changed names and, briefly, dates. Here is the timeline from the VA history of Veterans Day.
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1918 | Armistice takes effect on November 11, ending World War I fighting |
| 1919 | President Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day commemoration |
| 1926 | Congress passes a resolution recognizing November 11 |
| 1938 | Act of May 13, 1938, makes November 11 a legal holiday, Armistice Day |
| 1954 | Law signed June 1 renames it Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars |
| 1968 | Uniform Holiday Bill moves Veterans Day to a Monday |
| 1971 | First Monday observance held on October 25, with much confusion |
| 1975 | President Ford signs a law returning the holiday to November 11 |
| 1978 | Observance returns to November 11 for good |
Is it Veterans Day or Veteran’s Day?
The correct spelling is Veterans Day, with no apostrophe. The VA Veterans Day facts page explains that the day does not “belong” to veterans; instead, it is a day for honoring all veterans.
Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day: What Is the Difference?
Memorial Day honors service members who died in service, while Veterans Day thanks everyone who served honorably, and it is largely aimed at living veterans. As the VA puts it, many people confuse the two, yet their purposes differ.
| Veterans Day | Memorial Day | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it honors | All who served honorably, especially living veterans | Those who died in service, particularly in battle |
| Date | November 11 every year | Last Monday in May |
| 2026 date | Wednesday, Nov 11 | Monday, May 25 |
| Poppies | Not traditional in the U.S. | Traditional, from the poem In Flanders Fields |
| Origin | Armistice Day, end of World War I fighting | Honoring the war dead |
So a simple rule works: on Memorial Day you remember those who did not come home; on Veterans Day you thank the veterans who are still with us. In addition, the VA notes that Canada and Australia mark November 11 as Remembrance Day, while Britain observes Remembrance Day on the nearest Sunday.
How Can You Honor Veterans on Veterans Day 2026?
The most meaningful way to honor veterans is to thank them directly and support them with your time. Here are practical ideas that work for families, schools and workplaces.
- Watch or attend a ceremony. The Veterans Day National Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery starts at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns, according to the VA.
- Go to a local parade. Because the day falls on a Wednesday, check for weekend events on November 7 or 14.
- Say thank you in person. A handwritten card to a veteran in your family or neighborhood goes a long way.
- Volunteer. VA medical centers and veterans service organizations, such as the VFW and The American Legion, rely on volunteers.
- Display the flag. Fly the U.S. flag at home or work for the day.
- Visit a national park. Entry is free on November 11 for U.S. citizens and residents, which makes it an easy family outing.
- Teach the history. The VA publishes a free Veterans Day Teachers Resource Guide for classrooms.
Meanwhile, if you know a veteran who is struggling, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7: call 988 and press 1, or text 838255, as listed by the VA.
Who are America’s veterans?
According to the Census Bureau, there were 15.7 million veterans in the U.S. in 2024, or 5.9% of civilian adults. About 1.7 million were women, 31.3% served during the Vietnam War and 29.9% served in the post-9/11 period. In fact, 29.1% of veterans were 75 or older.
Our verdict
Mark Wednesday, November 11, 2026, on your calendar. It is a full federal holiday, so expect closed post offices, federal offices and many banks, but an open stock market and normal shopping hours. For veterans, the confirmed 2026 perks now include free national park entry and free meals at a long list of chains, from Chili’s and Texas Roadhouse to Denny’s and Golden Corral; still, confirm the offer with your local restaurant first.
Above all, remember the purpose. Veterans Day is about thanking living veterans, so a ceremony, a card or a few hours of volunteering matter more than any freebie.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Veterans Day 2026?
Veterans Day 2026 is on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The holiday is always observed on November 11, whatever the weekday. Because it falls midweek this year, federal workers get only that Wednesday off, with no long weekend. Many towns hold parades on the nearby weekends instead, so check your local schedule for November 7 or November 14 as well.
Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?
Yes. Veterans Day is one of 11 federal holidays, and OPM lists November 11, 2026, on its official calendar. Federal offices, post offices and the Federal Reserve close. However, state governments, schools and private employers decide for themselves, so some stay open. Private companies are not legally required to give employees the day off or holiday pay.
Is there mail on Veterans Day 2026?
No. Veterans Day is a USPS postal holiday, so post offices close and regular mail is not delivered on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Normal delivery resumes on Thursday, November 12. If you have a time-sensitive package, check the shipping options with your carrier ahead of time, since private carriers set their own holiday schedules.
Are banks open on Veterans Day?
Many banks close on Veterans Day because the Federal Reserve Banks are closed on November 11, 2026. Still, each bank sets its own schedule, and some branches open. So check your bank holiday calendar or call ahead before making a trip to a branch, and plan around the closure if a deposit or wire needs to clear that week.
What restaurants have free meals on Veterans Day 2026?
Chains listing free Veterans Day 2026 meals include Chili’s, Applebee’s, Texas Roadhouse (voucher for later), Olive Garden, Denny’s, IHOP, Red Lobster, Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel and Golden Corral. Most offers run Wednesday, November 11, are dine-in and require proof of service. However, participation varies by franchise, so call your local restaurant before you go.
What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
Memorial Day, on the last Monday in May, honors service members who died in service, especially in battle. Veterans Day, on November 11, thanks everyone who served honorably in war or peace and is aimed largely at living veterans. So on Memorial Day you remember the fallen, while on Veterans Day you thank veterans who are still with us.
