Veterans Day is a time to honor veterans who have served honorably, and Chicago businesses, politicians, and restaurants are coming together this Friday, November 11th to honor the members who bravely served this country. From a ceremony at Soldier Field, to free morning coffee, there’s a bevy of free items, discounts, and other well-earned perks available. Keep reading to find out more.
Attend a ceremony at Soldier Field
This Friday, Soldier Field is proud to host the City of Chicago Veterans Day Ceremony. Doors open at 10am with the ceremony beginning at 11am inside the South Courtyard. Complimentary parking is available inside the Waldron Deck. pic.twitter.com/NAAvfPTcQv
— Soldier Field (@SoldierField) November 9, 2022
Veterans will gather at the Doughboy Statue for the official Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony. The ceremony doors open at 10 AM and start at 11 AM. Address: Soldier Field, Gate O, 1410 S. Special Olympics Drive.
Visit the Pritzker Museum for free
After the ceremony, head over to the Pritzker Military Museum & Library as there’s free access to the museum on Thursday, November 10 and 11th. Address: 104 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Current military service members, veterans, and gold star families have lifetime free access to national parks, wildlife refuges, and federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior.
Free food choices this Veterans Day:
Start your morning with a tall hot coffee from Starbucks this Friday, and grab a free tall hot brewed coffee free for any veterans, military service members, and spouses.
If you’re not a Starbucks fan, head over to Peet’s Coffee and grab a free small drip coffee or tea– free for all members of the U.S. military and veterans. https://www.google.com/search?q=peetes+coffee+chicago&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS999US999&oq=peetes+coffee+chicago&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i13i512l4j0i22i30l5.3071j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Lunch is on the house at Bar Louie. Veterans can grab a free burger at any Bar Louie location this Friday.
Or if you’re in the mood for wings, Buffalo Wild Wings is giving all past and present armed services members a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries this Friday.
Chic-fil-A is also offering veterans and active-duty military a complimentary meal from a select menu this Veterans Day. Because Chick-fil-A restaurants are locally owned, some restaurants may be offering discounts in their communities but it is not guaranteed. Find your nearest location here.
Krispy Kreme always shows up and this Veterans Day is no exception. To celebrate veterans this Friday, Krispy Kream is giving away a free doughnut and small brewed iced or hot coffee at participating locations.
Looking to start holiday shopping a little early? Grab the perfect gift for the kids in your family at The American Girl Doll Factory. The company is giving all active duty military, retirees, veterans, and dependents a 15% discount at American Girl retail locations. Address: 835 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
FYI: Discounts will require proof of a military ID.