Memorial Day Weekend freebies and deals

Memorial Day is a day for parades and remembrance, picnics and barbecues — and lots of deals!

A number of restaurants are offering discounts and freebies over the Memorial Day weekend. A few of the deals are only for military personnel or veterans, but most are available to anyone. Some of these deals aren’t specifically for Memorial Day, but they’re good this weekend. As more deals come in we’ll add them to the list, so make sure to check back often.

We’ve broken down the Memorial Day offers by restaurant deals, shopping deals and gift card bonuses.

The offers are available at participating locations, while supplies last. Limit one per person. 

This post is currently being updated for 2023.

Memorial Day restaurant and food deals

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: In honor of Memorial Day (and all year long), military service members receive 10% off at Carrabba’s Italian Grill with the restaurant’s Heroes Discount. 

McDonald’s : Celebrate the holiday weekend with bargain burgers! McDonald’s is offering a big deal — buy one Big Mac, 10-count Chicken McNuggets or Quarter Pounder with Cheese and get a second for just $1. There’s no limit, so everyone can chomp on the cheap for a family picnic or gathering. 

Get two of the same items or mix-and-match! The special runs through June 12 and is available in-restaurant or online via McDonald’s site or app. 

Olive Garden: If you take the whole family to Olive Garden, enjoy an extra take-home entrée for just $6. Pick up enough extra meals to enjoy over the holiday weekend. Choose from Fettuccine Alfredo, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Outback Steakhouse: All service men and women receive 10% off their meal all day, every day (including Memorial Day), thanks to Outback Steakhouse’s Heroes Discount.

Pizza Hut: Pizza is perfect for every holiday, including Memorial Day. Have an inexpensive pizza party over the holiday weekend, thanks to Pizza Hut’s ongoing deals and discounts. Share a slice of pizza and fun with the family…plus, it’s an easy set-up (and clean-up) for the party planner. 

Red Lobster: Present your military ID on Mondays at Red Lobster and receive 10% off your meal, every Monday. Restrictions apply.

Texas de Brazil: Active duty military and veterans with valid badge or ID receive 15% off their lunch or dinner prices at Texas de Brazil. The offer applies to accompanying diners — up to four at the table. The offer is available year-round, but not on holidays. (Don’t worry, Memorial Day is not one of the blackout dates.) 

Wendy’s: Grab a penny for a bargain burger! From May 26 to June 1, Wendy’s is offering a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger for just 1¢ with any purchase. The offer is only valid via the Wendy’s app. 

Dive-In Movies at the Cosmopolitan: Every Monday, the pool at the Cosmo shows family friendly movies.  This Memorial Day the film is a DC hero story- Aquaman.

Memorial Day shopping deals

Ace Hardware: As part of its annual One Million Flag Giveaway every Memorial Day weekend, Ace Hardware is again giving away a FREE 8″ x 12″ U.S flag on May 27 — no purchase necessary. The flags are available at participating locations, while supplies last. 

AMC Theaters: Go to the movies over the holiday weekend. AMC Theatres offers 30% off evening ticket prices every day before 4 p.m. See the latest summer blockbuster with blockbuster savings! 

BBQ Guys: Grilling on Memorial Day is an annual tradition for many — the perfect way to kick-off the start of summer. If you’re looking for hot deals on everything you need for outdoor cooking, BBQ Guys is holding a Memorial Day Sale with lots of summery savings on grills, equipment and more — up to 60% off. Check back often, as new deals are added daily up to May 30. 

Big Lots: Save big at Big Lots! The discount store is offering lots deals on everything you need for summer fun, including patio furniture, pools & accessories, outdoor lighting, grills and more. 

In addition, veterans, active military and their families can enjoy a year-round discount of 10% off all in-store and online purchases.

Ford: Rev up the savings for your service. Ford offers a special discount on vehicles for military personnel and first responders. This offer is valid year round. Enter your zip code to find the nearest Ford dealer for more details.

Kohl’s: Active duty members, retirees and family members as well as veterans can participate in “Military Mondays”, a 15 percent coupon for  in-store discount on purchases. Mondays only, and you will need to show your valid military ID, military dependent ID or a veteran ID at the checkout.

Sherwin-Williams : Military and veterans will receive an additional 15% off paints, stains and painting supplies. The offer is good in the US and Canada.  Click this link for details.

Walgreens: Military and veterans (and their families) receive 20% off eligible regular-priced items at Walgreens — from May 26 to 29. The offer is only valid in-store with myWalgreens membership and proof of service.

Home Depot: The Military Discount applies 10% off the price of select in-stock purchases made by eligible participants.  Eligible participants receive a $400 maximum annual discount which resets each calendar year. The Military Discount is also available to the current spouse of an eligible service member who is currently enrolled for The Home Depot Military Discount.

Memorial Day gift card bonuses 

Relax over the Memorial Day weekend by putting away the outdoor grill. Let one of these restaurants do all the work over the holiday weekend with a gift card bonus or discount. Buy the gift card as a way to celebrate the start of summer or a way to save when you take the whole family out to dinner.

Applebee’s: Buy a $50 gift card at Applebee’s and get a $10 bonus card — through June 24. The bonus card expires Aug. 6. 

Auntie Anne’s: Buy any gift card online and enjoy a FREE Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel through Auntie Anne’s Rewards. The bonus pretzel is available from April 3 to June 25. Each purchase of $5 or more in gift cards or eGift Cards in one transaction will receive one FREE pretzel eReward code. 

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Pizza and beer make for the perfect Memorial Day weekend. For a limited time, get 50% off any large deep dish or tavern cut pizza,  for takeout and delivery only.  Buy a $50 electronic gift card at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and get a $10 bonus card. The offer ends June 19.  The bonus card is valid June 19 to July 9. 

Bonefish Grill: Buy a $50 gift card at Bonefish Grill and get a $10 bonus card — from April 17 to June 18. The bonus card can be redeemed from June 19 to Aug. 20. 

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Gather the family and enjoy a meal at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. For every $50 spent in gift cards, receive a $10 bonus card — from April 17 to June 18. The bonus card can be redeemed from June 19 to Aug. 20.

Cinnabon: Summer is so sweet! For every $25 gift card purchased at Cinnabon, get a $5 Reward card — from May 18 to June 18. The bonus must be unlocked in the Cinnabon loyalty program and is valid June 19 to Aug. 31. 

Chili’s: Celebrate any occasion with lunch or dinner at Chili’s. Buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 bonus card — from April 19 to June 25. The bonus card is valid April 20 to July 31. 

 

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Need bagels for a celebratory brunch? All Einstein Bros. Bagels gift cards purchased online are 20% off — from May 1 to June 20. 

Fogo de Chão: Fogo de Chão can make springtime sizzle. For every $125 in gift cards purchased online, get a $25 bonus card — from April 18 to June 18. The bonus card is valid June 19 to Aug. 24. 

IHOP: Hop over to IHOP for breakfast for any holiday or celebration. From April 4 to July 9, buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 bonus card. The bonus card expires Aug. 20. 

Jamba: Get fresh and fruity for spring at Jamba. From April 30 to June 18, buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 reward card. The reward card is valid June 19 to Aug. 31. 

Johnny Rockets: Rocket your way to savings at Johnny Rockets. From May 2 to June 19, get a $5 digital bonus card with every $25 digital gift card purchase or a $20 digital gift card with every $100 digital gift card. The bonus card is valid June 19 to Aug. 31.

Miller’s Ale House: Raise a glass to Memorial Day! For a limited time, buy a $50 gift card at Miller’s Ale House and enjoy a $10 bonus card. The bonus card is valid July 1 to Aug. 31. 

Image: On the Border

On The Border: Enjoy a Mexican feast for any celebration! Through June 19, buy a $50 e-gift card at On The Border and receive a $10 Dine-In Reward. The bonus card is valid July 1 to 31.

Outback Steakhouse: Take a spring break “down under”. Buy a $50 gift card at Outback Steakhouse and enjoy a $10 bonus card — from April 17 to June 18. The bonus card is valid June 19 to Aug. 29. 

Panera Bread: Enjoy a fresh and hot deal from Panera Bread. Get a $10 bonus card for every $50 in gift cards purchased. The bonus offer is available April 19 to May 31. The bonus cards are valid June 1 to 30. 

RA Sushi: Buy a $60 gift card at RA Sushi and enjoy $10 promotional card. For a bigger bonus, buy a $200 gift card and receive a $60 promotional card. The bonus offer is available May 16 to June 18. The promo cards are valid June 19 to July 31. 

Red Lobster: There’s nothing fishy about saving money! From April 24 to July 2, buy a $50 gift card at Red Lobster and receive two coupons — each good for $10 off your next order of $40 or more. The first coupon is valid July 3 to 31 and the second coupon is valid Aug. 1 to 31. 

Red Robin: Get a juicy deal at Red Robin. Buy a $50 gift card and get $5 Bonus Bucks. The bonus offer is available April 24 to June 19.  The bucks are valid June 19 to Aug. 13.

Smashburger: Enjoy a burger and shake at Smashburger! From May 1 to June 18, get $5 in Smash Cash with the purchase of a $25 gift card. The bonus “cash” is valid June 19 to July 31. 

Subway: Stop at Subway for a great deal! Get a FREE 6-inch sub with the purchase of a $25 gift card — from April 30 to June 20. The complimentary sub voucher is valid through July 31. Limit four bonuses per transaction.