Veterans Day Brings Free Museum Admission and Free Meals in Philadelphia

Wednesday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, and Philadelphia has free admission and free meals lined up for service members and their families. Most offers require proof of service, and some apply only today.

The Museum of the American Revolution is offering free admission from Nov. 8 through Nov. 11 to active-duty service members, veterans and Blue Star Families. The first 25 eligible visitors admitted today receive a commemorative coin. The museum is at 101 S. 3rd St. in Old City.

National parks are free today as well. The National Park Service is waiving entrance fees at all fee-charging sites on Nov. 11. The free day applies to U.S. citizens and residents, and veterans and Gold Star Families can receive a free lifetime pass valid year-round.

Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia is giving a free Classic Smashed Burger to service members from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, with a military ID. Food, drinks and retail purchases are 15 percent off. A Veterans Day brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free meals are also on the menu at national chains. Applebee’s, Chili’s, Olive Garden, Denny’s, IHOP, Red Lobster, Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse, Golden Corral, Outback, Cracker Barrel, Wendy’s and dozens more are serving free meals today. Most are dine-in only and require proof of service.

The parade and festival already happened. The 12th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade and Festival marched down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sunday, Nov. 8, with a festival at Eakins Oval.

Offers vary by location and can run out early. Call ahead before going, and bring a military ID, DD-214, VA card or other proof of service.