Veterans Day in South Bend & Mishawaka: Free Meals, Discounts & Things to Do

From free museum admission and community celebrations to complimentary meals and special discounts, here's how to spend Veterans Day in The Bend.

Explore a little local history while enjoying a special Veterans Day offer. On November 11, the Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum are offering free admission to all veterans and those currently serving in the Armed Forces.

Located in downtown South Bend, these two museums offer an opportunity to discover the people, stories, and history that helped shape the region. From the iconic Studebaker automobile collection to the area's rich local heritage, it's a great way to spend part of the day.

Music brings people together, and the Michiana Concert Band will do just that with a special Veterans Day performance.

The concert begins at 11 a.m. on November 11 at VFW Post 360, located at 1307 E. Jefferson Boulevard in Mishawaka. Veterans and their families are invited to attend and enjoy a light meal following the performance.

The University of Notre Dame will recognize Veterans Day with a special ROTC ceremony at 5 p.m. on November 11 at Clarke Memorial Fountain, near the LaFortune Student Center. The ceremony is part of a larger tribute involving Notre Dame's Navy Midshipmen and Army and Air Force cadets, who will begin a 24-hour vigil around the fountain on November 10. It's a meaningful opportunity to recognize the university's military community and honor those who have served.

One of the ways local restaurants are saying thank you this year is by offering complimentary meals, special discounts, and other treats for veterans and active-duty military members.

If you're looking for a place to grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a little something sweet, check out these Veterans Day offers around Michiana.

Hacienda Mexican Restaurants

Enjoy a little local flavor with a complimentary large wet burrito! All U.S. veterans and active-duty military members can receive one free large wet burrito on November 11 with proof of service. The offer is available for dine-in or carryout at Hacienda locations. Hacienda also offers a 10% military discount throughout the year.

Mission BBQ – Mishawaka

Stop by Mission BBQ at 5230 N. Main Street in Mishawaka between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. on November 11 for a complimentary sandwich. The restaurant will also host a live national anthem ceremony at noon.

Martin's Super Markets

Martin's is offering veterans and active-duty service members a complimentary Honor Meal at all Indiana and Michigan locations on November 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The meal includes two pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, a roll, beverage, and dessert. Valid military identification is required.

McDonald's – South Bend Area

Veterans can enjoy a complimentary Breakfast Value Meal on November 11 at participating South Bend-area McDonald's locations. The meal includes an Egg McMuffin, hash brown, and small roast coffee. The offer is available through dine-in or drive-thru until 10:30 a.m. Proof of service is required.

Scooter's Coffee

Need a little caffeine to start the day? Scooter's Coffee locations are offering veterans and active-duty military members a complimentary medium drink on November 11. The offer includes any drink on the menu and is limited to one per customer. Mobile orders and third-party delivery are excluded.

Metro Diner – Granger

Veterans and active or retired military members can enjoy 50% off a dine-in meal at Metro Diner, located at 423 E. University Drive in Granger, on November 11 with a valid military ID. Metro Diner also offers veterans 10% off their meals throughout the year.

Texas Roadhouse

Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a complimentary meal voucher at participating Texas Roadhouse locations on November 11 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The voucher is redeemable through May 31, 2027, and includes a choice of select entrees, two sides, and a drink. Proof of service is required.

Wings Etc. Grill & Pub

Participating Wings Etc. locations throughout Michiana are offering veterans and active-duty military members a complimentary entree valued up to $13.99 on November 11.

Golden Corral – Mishawaka

Golden Corral's annual Military Appreciation Night returns November 11! Current U.S. service members, retired military, and veterans can enjoy a complimentary dine-in buffet and beverage from 4 p.m. until closing. The Mishawaka location is at 135 E. Douglas Road.

Applebee's

Participating Applebee's locations are offering veterans and active-duty military members a complimentary dine-in entree from a special Veterans Day menu on November 11. Proof of military service is required. Check with your local restaurant for participation and menu details.

Four Winds Casinos

For veterans looking for a little entertainment, Four Winds Casinos is offering an additional reason to stop by on November 11. Veterans Club members can enjoy 50% off at participating dining venues on Veterans Day for themselves and one guest at all four Four Winds locations. Veterans and active-duty military members can obtain a Veterans Club card.

It's a great opportunity to enjoy a meal and explore one of the region's entertainment destinations.

What better way to celebrate Veterans Day week than with some Fighting Irish basketball? Notre Dame is welcoming fans to Purcell Pavilion for a pair of home games featuring its men's and women's basketball teams.

Notre Dame Women's Basketball vs. Detroit Mercy - Military Appreciation Night
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center

Notre Dame Men's Basketball vs. South Carolina State - Veteran's Day/Red, White, & Navy Poms
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (Veterans Day)
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center

Make an evening of it by exploring the Notre Dame campus, grabbing dinner at a local restaurant, and cheering on the Irish. For tickets and additional game-day information, visit Notre Dame Athletics.

Veterans Day is also a great opportunity to get out and enjoy some of the things that make our community special. Whether you're visiting from out of town or looking for something different to do close to home, here are a few ways to explore The Bend.

Take a Walk Along the Mishawaka Riverwalk

Enjoy the natural beauty of the St. Joseph River with a stroll along the Mishawaka Riverwalk. The scenic trails wind along the river and connect visitors to beautiful green spaces, bridges, and downtown Mishawaka.

Make a stop at Robert C. Beutter Riverfront Park to enjoy the river views and explore the surrounding downtown area.

Discover South Bend's History

Beyond the special Veterans Day museum admission, South Bend offers plenty of opportunities to explore its history. Take a closer look at the region's industrial roots, historic architecture, and the stories that helped make this community what it is today.

The Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum make a particularly great pairing for history enthusiasts.

Explore Military Parks and Memorials

See our blog below to find the best places to honor military past and present.

Looking to venture beyond the immediate South Bend area? The South Shore Line is offering free rides for veterans and active-duty military members November 7–11. No identification is required; simply notify train personnel of your military status.

With regular weekday service on Veterans Day, it's an opportunity to between South Bend and Chicago, and other destinations along the line.

Whether you spend the day exploring a local museum, attending a community tribute, enjoying a complimentary meal, or simply spending time with family and friends, Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the people who have given so much in service to our country.

From all of us at Visit South Bend Mishawaka, thank you to the veterans and active-duty service members who have served and continue to serve. We are grateful for you!