VETERANS DAY 2025 | Restaurants and businesses offer discounts, freebies to honor vets | Community events

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Veterans Day is a time to recognize U.S. veterans and service members for their service, valor and sacrifice.

Many businesses show appreciation to vets on or around Nov. 11 each year with free or discounted meals or services. Double-check with businesses in your area to make sure they are participating in the offer and what proof of service they require.

We continue to add to the growing list of businesses honoring veterans in 2025. If you know of an additional business that's not included in our list, please send WDRB a link or contact, so we can verify. Please email webteam@wdrb.com.

Here's the list:

Aspen Grill: In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Aspen Creek Grill will offer free meal vouchers to all veterans and active-duty military. The $15 vouchers will be eligible for redemption at any Aspen Creek Grill restaurant starting immediately on Tuesday, Nov. 11 through Wednesday, Dec. 24.

Biscuit Belly: Veterans eat free on Tuesday, November 11 with choice of Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, or Chicken Biscuit Sandwich and a hot drip coffee or fountain drink. All Biscuit Belly locations are participating. Dine in only.

Bubba's 33: Bubba’s 33 locations in Fern Creek and Clarksville will continue their annual Veterans Day tradition of welcoming veterans and active U.S. military to enjoy FREE lunch on Tuesday, November 11 from open to 4:00 pm. For veterans and active military unable to attend this year’s event, the restaurant will distribute raincheck vouchers from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Veteran’s Day, good through May 31, 2026.

Chili's: Chili's looks forward to once again showing our gratitude with a FREE* Veterans Day meal as a small way to honor your service and the sacrifices you’ve made for our country. All veterans & active military members are welcome at all participating Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items.

Freddy's: As a small token of our appreciation for their service to our country, all Veterans and active military personnel who visit Freddy’s on Veterans Day will receive a FREE Freddy’s Combo meal card. No purchase is necessary to receive this special offer. Cards may be redeemed through December 31, 2025

Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Night will be held on Tuesday, November 11 from 4 p.m. – close. For the 25th year, Golden Corral will once again honor our military heroes with a free “thank you” meal. Any person who has served in the U.S. Military (retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves) is included.

Indiana State Parks: The Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources is offering free admission to all veterans and active-duty military personnel and everyone in their vehicle on Veterans Day. This in includes reservoir properties, state forest recreation areas and off-road recreation areas. This includes admission to the Falls of the Ohio State Park's Interpretive Center

Joella's: Joella’s Hot Chicken will offer a complimentary meal to all veterans, and active duty military personnel on Veterans Day at all three locations. The meal will include two Jumbo Tenders, a Southern side, one dippin’ sauce, and a drink. To receive the offer, active-duty and retired service members must present valid military identification or be in uniform. Joella’s also proudly offers a 10% “Heroes” discount to veterans and military personnel every day.

Metro Diner: On November 11, Metro Diner is showing appreciation for those who served by offering 50% off to active and retired military members with a valid military ID. Additionally, veterans can enjoy 10% off their meal year-round. The location in Louisville is at 4901 Outer Loop. To find additional locations, click here.

Mission BBQ: Veterans and Active Duty Military are welcome to stop by either area location on November 11 to receive a complimentary sandwich as a small token of thanks for their dedication to our country. Their restaurants are located at 4607 Shelbyville Road, St. Matthews, KY and 1213 Veterans Parkway, Clarksville, IN. For information, click here.

O'Charley's - All veterans and active military with valid ID will receive a free entree from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Nov. 10 and 11. Guests dining in can choose any entrée from the Daily Dinner Deals Menu, which includes: salisbury steak, shrimp scampi, teriyaki chicken, tuscany chicken or chipotle pork loin.

From Nov. 3 to 11, guests can show their support by donating $5 to Folded Flag, which gives scholarships and support grants to the spouses and children of fallen service members. In return, guests will receive a $5 off $20 coupon valid for their next visit, dine-in or online, through Dec. 21.

White Castle: White Castle is celebrating Veterans Day by offering a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal to all veterans and active-duty service members who dine at a participating White Castle restaurant. The special offer is valid on Tuesday, Nov. 11. No purchase necessary, but must show a military ID.

Veterans Day parades and events

Kentucky Veterans Parade in NuLu

Saturday, Nov. 8
11 a.m.

This year, the parade will be moving from downtown to NuLu. It will travel along East Market Street from Campbell to Hancock. After the parade, families are invited to check out the "Touch a Tank" display to see military vehicles up close. For information, click here.

Elizabethtown Veterans Day Tribute

Tuesday, Nov. 11
9:45 a.m. Active duty and military veterans welcome to line-up for the motorcade. The public is encouraged to line the route.
10:15 a.m. Motorcade begins at American Legion Park on N. Miles St.
11 a.m. Ceremony at the Elizabethtown Nature Park on Ring Road.

The ceremony is a coordinated effort between the City of Elizabethtown and American Legion. Hardin Post 113. Posting of the Colors will be sharply at 11:00 a.m. to commemorate the signing of the Armistice (first Veterans Day) on November 11, 1918 at the end of World War I. The keynote speaker will be Joe Garrett, the Department of Kentucky American Legion Commander. The ceremony will include musical selections performed by the Heart of Kentucky Chorus. The ceremony will last 30-45 minutes. For information, call American Legion Hardin Post 113 at 270-737-9949.

Jeffersontown 30th annual Veterans Day program

Sunday, Nov. 9
4 p.m.
Jeffersonian (Jtown Community Center) 10617 Taylorsville Road.
Parking onsite and at the Jeffersontown Christian Church

The annual program hosted by the American Legion, G.I. Joe Post 244 and the City of Jeffersontown will feature keynote speaker Lt. Col. Kevin Combs, U.S. Army (retired). There will be a Posting of Colors, Color Guards, Patriotic music and opening and closing prayers.