Veterans Day 2026: what's open and closed today, plus free meals for veterans

Today, Wednesday, November 11, is Veterans Day, a federal holiday. That means some things you count on are closed today and others run like normal. Here's a quick, plain list of what's open, what's closed, and where veterans can get a free meal today.

Closed today

• Post offices. The Postal Service is closed and there's no regular mail delivery. It's back to normal on Thursday, November 12.
• Most banks. The Federal Reserve lists Veterans Day as a holiday, and most big banks, including Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, follow it and close their branches. ATMs, mobile apps and online banking still work. A deposit or payment you make today will usually be processed on Thursday.
• Federal offices. Veterans Day is on the official federal holiday list from the Office of Personnel Management. Social Security offices, IRS offices and passport offices are closed.
• The bond market. SIFMA, the group that sets the bond market's holiday calendar, recommends a full close today.

Open today

• The stock market. Veterans Day isn't on the New York Stock Exchange's holiday list, so the NYSE and Nasdaq are open with normal hours, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern. It's one of the few days a year when stocks trade and bonds don't.
• UPS and FedEx. UPS pickups and deliveries run as usual, and UPS Store locations are open. FedEx is operating, but some services may change, and FedEx Office stores are open. Amazon deliveries continue.
• Stores. Big retailers and grocery stores such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot and Kroger are expected to be open. Hours can vary by store.
• National parks. Entrance is free today at national parks that charge a fee, for U.S. citizens and residents, according to the National Park Service. Visitors from other countries still pay.

Depends where you live

• Schools. Some districts close for Veterans Day and others hold classes. Colleges vary too. Check your district's calendar.
• Trash and recycling. This is set by your city or hauler, not the federal government. Many cities pick up as usual, while some shift pickup by a day. Check your city's website or app.
• State and local offices, DMVs and libraries. Many close, but not all. Call or check online before you drive over.

Free meals and deals for veterans

Lots of restaurants say thank you today. Each offer below appears on at least two 2026 lists, such as the American Legion's and Fox News'. Most are dine-in only, most need proof of service (a military or VA ID, a veteran's driver's license, or a DD-214), and not every location takes part. It's worth a quick call before you go.

• Applebee's: free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu, dine-in, for veterans and active duty.
• Chili's: free meal from a select menu, in restaurant only.
• Denny's: free Original Grand Slam, 5 a.m. to noon local time, dine-in, with a military ID or DD-214.
• IHOP: free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at participating locations.
• Outback Steakhouse: free Bloomin' Onion and a drink (November 10 and 11).
• Red Robin: free Red's Big Tavern Burger with fries, dine-in, with proof of service.
• Texas Roadhouse: meal vouchers handed out from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., good through May 31, 2027, with a military or VA card or discharge papers.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: 10 free boneless wings and fries, dine-in, with proof of service.
• Smashburger: free All-American Smashburger at participating locations, ID required.
• Wendy's: free Dave's Single at participating U.S. locations.
• Red Lobster: free shrimp meal, dine-in.

The American Legion's full list has more than 100 offers, including many local and regional restaurants.

Why today matters

Veterans Day started as Armistice Day. The fighting in World War I stopped at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, November 11, 1918. In 1954, Congress renamed it Veterans Day to honor everyone who has served, not just those who served in that war.

It's different from Memorial Day. Memorial Day remembers those who died in service. Veterans Day thanks the living, the neighbors, coworkers and family members who wore the uniform and came home. A free pancake is nice. But the best thing most of us can do today is simpler: if you know a veteran, tell them thank you, and mean it.

What it means for your wallet

• If you need to mail something, deposit a check at a branch, or visit a federal office, it waits until Thursday.
• Bills you pay online today will usually post Thursday, so if one is due today, pay it now and keep the confirmation.
• If you're a veteran, bring your ID and enjoy a free meal. You earned it.