Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and with Fort Benning next door, few places in America have more veterans and military families than Columbus and Phenix City. Here's how the community is saying thank you, from free meals to parades and ceremonies.

Free meals and deals for veterans

Many national restaurant chains with Columbus-area locations offer free meals or discounts to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. Most offers are dine-in only and require proof of service, such as a military ID, VA card, DD-214 or a photo of you in uniform. Participation can vary by location, so call ahead.

Confirmed for 2026

- Chili's: a free meal from a limited Veterans Day menu (Chicken Crispers, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Oldtimer Burger with Cheese, or soup and house salad) on Nov. 11. Dine-in only; drinks and tip not included.

Offered last year. Watch for 2026 announcements:

• Applebee's: free entrée from a special menu, dine-in
• Olive Garden: free entrée from a set menu, dine-in
• Golden Corral: free dinner
• Denny's: free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast
• IHOP: free Red, White & Blue Pancakes or a pancake combo, dine-in
• Red Robin: free Big Tavern Burger with bottomless steak fries, dine-in (5550 Whittlesey Blvd.)
• Dave & Buster's: free entrée up to $20 plus a $10 game card (5700 Whittlesey Blvd.)
• Buffalo Wild Wings: free 10 boneless wings and fries
• Cracker Barrel: free slice of Double Fudge Coca-Cola Cake with a meal
• Little Caesars: free lunch combo at select locations
• Starbucks: free tall hot or iced coffee for veterans, service members and military spouses

We'll update this list as restaurants confirm their 2026 offers.

Events honoring veterans

Tri-City Veterans Day Parade

• When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.
• Route: Steps off in Phenix City, comes down Broad Street, crosses the 13th Street Bridge into Uptown Columbus and continues down Broadway, ending with a ceremony at the Eternal Flame at 9th Street.
• Best viewing: along Broadway in Uptown Columbus. In past years, a viewing stand has been set up between 11th and 12th streets.
• The parade features military vehicles, bands, floats and veterans' groups from across the Chattahoochee Valley.

National Infantry Museum

• Open on Veterans Day (Wednesday, Nov. 11), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is always free, with a suggested $5 donation.
• The museum has hosted Veterans Day ceremonies for veterans, service members and families in past years. Check nationalinfantrymuseum.org or call 706-685-5800 for this year's schedule.
• 1775 Legacy Way

What's closed on Veterans Day

Veterans Day is a federal holiday. Post offices and federal offices will be closed, and many banks will be closed too. Check with your bank, and with your child's school or your local government office, for their schedules.

For veterans who need support

If you or a veteran you love is struggling, help is available 24/7 through the Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255.

Thank a veteran

Know a Columbus-area veteran whose story should be told? Email [email protected]. We'd like to feature local veterans in an upcoming story.