Veterans Day
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Veterans Day 2025: Celebrations, Deals, and Freebies Across Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County

Veterans and active-duty military members across Reno, Sparks, Washoe County, and surrounding areas have numerous ways to be recognized this Veterans Day, from parades and community ceremonies to free meals, services, and cultural events.

Community and Ceremonial Events

City of Reno Veterans Day Parade
The City of Reno will host its annual Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, Nov. 11, starting at 11:11 a.m. downtown. The parade’s theme, “Service to Our Nation,” honors all branches of the military.

The opening ceremony will include a prayer and the National Anthem performed by Xochilt Luna, followed by an official City of Reno Proclamation read by City Park Ranger Scott Hoffman near the Virginia Street Bridge. Spectators are encouraged to line Virginia Street from Liberty Street to 6th Street. This event has been held annually since 1998.

Washoe County Senior Services Community Salute
On Friday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Washoe County Senior Services will host a community salute to veterans at Sparks Senior Center, 97 Richards Way. Guests will enjoy music from the Reno Silver Dollar Chorus and a ceremonial toast with root beer. Commissioner Clara Andriola encouraged residents to attend, calling it a “fun morning of festivities” honoring veterans’ sacrifices.

University of Nevada, Reno Veterans Week
UNR will mark Veterans Week with two campus events organized by its Veteran Services department and the Wolf Pack Vets club:

  • Flag Planting: Monday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., students, faculty, and staff will plant over 1,600 flags in the shape of Nevada at the Joe Crowley Student Union (JCSU) Plaza, honoring service members and their families.

  • Flag Retirement Ceremony: Thursday, Nov. 6, at 11:30 a.m., the department will retire worn flags in a dignified manner.

Chai Cook, director of Veteran Services, said these events highlight the contributions of veterans to campus life.

Nevada Museum of Art Free Admission
The Nevada Museum of Art will honor veterans with free admission on Tuesday, Nov. 11, the first year of this annual initiative, allowing veterans to enjoy galleries and exhibitions at no cost.

Dragon Lights Reno donating tickets

Dragon Lights Reno donating free tickets for veterans and first responders from November 11-13. Tickets can be found at the VetTix website.

 

Restaurant, Service, and Business Offers

Many local businesses are offering free or discounted items to veterans and active-duty military members:

  • Great Clips & Sports Clips: Free haircuts or future-visit cards.

  • Atlantis Casino Resort Spa: One complimentary lunch buffet at Toucan Charlie's Nov. 11–13, with a Monarch Rewards card and valid military ID/DD-214.

  • Applebee’s: Free dine-in meal from a special menu; show Military ID before ordering.

  • Texas Roadhouse: One free meal voucher per veteran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Chili’s: Free meal at participating locations, in-restaurant only.

  • BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie per veteran, dine-in.

  • Buffalo Wild Wings: 10 free boneless wings and fries, dine-in or walk-in.

  • In-N-Out Burger: Complimentary meal including burger, fries, and drink; show Military ID.

  • Red Robin: Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries.

  • Starbucks: Free tall brewed coffee, hot or iced, for veterans, military personnel, and spouses.

  • IHOP: Free red, white, and blueberry pancake combo; dine-in only, hours vary.

  • Little Caesars: Free Hot-N-Ready lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Olive Garden: Free entrée from Veterans Day menu, dine-in only.

  • Red Lobster: Free Veteran’s Shrimp & Chips or voucher for later use, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

  • Wendy’s: Free Breakfast Combo during breakfast hours; show VetRewards Card or notify crew.

  • Denny’s: Free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.; valid military ID or DD-214 required.

  • Firehouse Subs: Free second sub of equal or lesser value with any sub purchase; valid military ID required.

  • Dave & Buster’s: Free entrée (up to $20) and $10 Power Card; valid veteran ID required.

  • Chipotle: Free second entrée from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; bowls, burritos, salads, or tacos; dine-in only; valid military ID required.

  • Cracker Barrel: Free Sunrise Pancake Special; dine-in only, while supplies last; proof of service required.

  • Outback Steakhouse: Free Aussie 3-course meal on Nov. 10–11; starter, select entrée, and dessert; valid military ID required.

  • Marked Studios: 13th Annual Veterans Day event on Nov. 11; free tattoos for veterans, active-duty, and retired military; doors open at 8 a.m.; Coffee N Comics on-site; valid DD-214, military, or retired ID required.

  • Wienerschnitzel: Free Original Chili Dog, small fries, and small soda; all day Nov. 11; valid military ID or proof of service required.

  • Jiffy Lube: Free conventional oil change at participating Northern Nevada locations.

  • Grand Sierra Resort Grand Buffet: 50% off brunch and dinner for veterans and active-duty members on Nov. 11.

  • Grimaldi's Pizzeria: 25% off for all active, retired and off duty military on November 10 and 11.

Transportation

Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County will provide free rides on all RTC transit services on Nov. 11, including RTC RIDE, ACCESS, and FlexRIDE, helping people reach events like the parade or Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza at Sparks Marina.