Veterans Day is a special tradition in the United States, a day to honor our Veterans for their patriotism, their service, and the sacrifices they made via that service for the good of our country. Celebrated each year on Nov. 11, this special day was first observed in 1918 in celebration of the end of World War I and was first called Armistice Day. The name was officially changed in 1954 so that Veterans from all wars would be included in the celebration of them and their service to our country.
To learn more about the celebration of Veterans Day including the full history of the holiday, click HERE.
Veterans Day Events in McKinney
Below are the events taking place in McKinney this weekend in observance of Veterans Day.
Red, White & Big Band IV Concert & Dance
McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee
Friday, Nov. 11, 7-9 p.m.; FREE
Celebrate Veterans Day at the McKinney Dance Band's free annual Veteran's Day concert honoring the "red, white, and the blues" and our cherished U.S. Armed Forces veterans, of course! Bring your dancing shoes if the music moves you to get up and "cut a rug". As always, no tickets are required. This concert is made possible in part by a grant from the McKinney Arts Commission.
Veterans Day Celebration
TUPPS Brewery, 721 Anderson
Friday, Nov. 11, 6-10 p.m.
TUPPS Brewery and The Warriors Keep will present a celebration of our Veterans that will include the National Anthem, a guest speaker, a silent auction, live music by Kevin Deal, a keg tapping ceremony and sales of TWK Beer, and a special meal of roast hog, beans, potato salad, and cornbread ($20 a plate until sold out). All proceeds go to The Warriors Keep.
Veterans Day Ceremony
McKinney Veterans Memorial Park, 6053 Weiskopf Ave.
Saturday, Nov, 12, 11 a.m.; FREE
Join the City of McKinney Parks and Recreation Department at its annual Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. This ceremony is always held the Saturday before Veterans Day. There will be a choral prelude, a guest speaker, and the presentation/posting of colors.
Alexis Cole with Texins Jazz Band & GDYO Jazz Orchestra
McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee
Sunday, Nov. 13, 7-8:30 p.m.; $19-32
It’s fitting that Alexis Cole is our guest artist for Veterans Day weekend. She may be the most talented singer to ever hold a top-secret military clearance. She was the featured vocalist for seven years with the U.S. Army's West Point Jazz Knights. She is currently based in New York City and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Birdland, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Blue Note. Alexis will perform songs from her recent release Sky Blossom with Texins Jazz Band. Opening the concert with be the GDYO Jazz Orchestra.
FREE or Discounted Meals/Offers at Small Businesses in McKinney
Several small businesses in McKinney communicated that they are offering discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day, and some, as noted, offer the discounts year-round.
Carpe Diem Comics
208 E. Louisiana
10% discount for Veterans year-round.
The Groovy Coop
109 S. Tennessee
10% discount for Veterans and service members year-round.
The Guava Tree Cuban Cafe & Cantina
104 S. Chestnut St.
10% discount for Veterans year-round.
Filtered
218 E. Louisiana
Always offers a year-round discount of 10% to veterans, and on Veterans Day (Friday, Nov. 11), they'll be offering a free premium drip coffee (any size).
Kelly's Art Shack & Events
312 E. Cloyd St.
In-store only 50% off any art painting that is 16in X 20in or smaller this weekend.
Red Zeppelin Records
206 E. Louisiana
10% discount for Veterans and service members year-round.
The Stix Icehouse
301 Eldorado Pkwy.
We are honored to serve those who have sacrificed so much for our great nation. Please join us this Friday, Nov. 11, for a free beer for all veterans or active duty and 15% off their meal. Also, if you bring in a framed photograph of a service member for our Wall of Heroes, we will take care of your entree (up to $15).
FREE or Discounted Meals at McKinney Restaurants
The following restaurants in McKinney are offering free or discounted meals on Veterans Day or a coupon for use by a given date. Ask or call ahead with any questions you might have.
54th Street Grill
3645 W. University
Veterans and active-duty military get up to $10 off any entrée on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
Applebee's
1820 W. University
Active-duty military, veterans, Reserves, and National Guard receive a free meal - when dining in - from a special menu on November 11. And when dining in on Nov. 11, military guests will receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for dine-in, To Go, or delivery within a three-week redemption window.
Buffalo Wild Wings
2035 N. Central Expwy.
Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary menu item of their choice on Nov. 11. Dine-in only at participating locations.
Chicken Salad Chick
3520 W. University
Chicken Salad Chick is offering a free meal to all veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. This offer is valid at all Chicken Salad Chick locations for service members in uniform or those with a valid military ID.
Cotton Patch Cafe
1925 S. Central Expwy.
Veterans and active-duty military get a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken Entrée with a valid military ID on Nov. 11.
Dickey's Barbeque Pit
Multiple locations in McKinney
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is offering veterans and active-duty military a Free Pulled Pork Sandwich on Nov. 11. Valid In-store, and Online/App for Carryout, with Code VETFREE.
Dunkin Donuts
Multiple locations in McKinney
Veterans and active-duty military get a free donut of their choice on Friday, Nov. 11 at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide; no purchase necessary.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
7645 S. Custer Rd.
Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on Nov. 11.
El Fenix
3450 S. Central Expwy.
Veterans, retirees, and active duty personnel eat free from a special Veterans Menu on Nov. 11.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
8850 W. Stacy Rd.
All veterans and active military personnel who visit Freddy’s on Veterans Day will receive a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card. No purchase is necessary to receive this special offer. Cards may be redeemed through Nov. 30, 2022.
Hooters
1775 N. Central Expwy.
Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu with the purchase of a beverage on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
IHOP
1960 N. Central Expwy.
Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes at participating locations on Thursday, Nov. 11. Dine-in only, one per guest. Restrictions apply. Military ID or proof of service is required.
Little Caesars Pizza
Three locations in McKinney
Veterans and active-duty military get a free Lunch Combo at participating stores on Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In-store only. Military ID or proof of service is required.
Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse
3705 W. University
To honor our veterans, we're offering a full-size entrée and fountain drink for FREE this Veterans Day! We'll have several delicious entrée options to choose from, so be sure to mention this special to your friends or family who served. To redeem, please show a valid Military ID or proof of service to a Parry's team member for dine-in or takeout. Since Veterans Day is on a Friday this year, we will also be offering the option of a "rain check" card during peak hours where you can come back in and redeem your free meal at a later date.
On the Border
8930 State Hwy. 121/Custer
Active and retired military get a free Pick 2 Combo on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
Schlotsky's
1521 W. University (by Winco)
Veterans and active-duty service members with a valid military ID get free chips and a small drink with an entree purchase Nov. 11-30 at participating locations, in-store only.
Scooters Coffee
Two locations in McKinney
Veterans get a free drink on Nov. 11 at participating locations.
Starbucks
Multiple locations in McKinney
Starbucks will offer a free tall (12-oz) hot brewed or iced coffee for veterans, military service members, and military spouses on Nov. 11.
Texas Roadhouse
3101 S. Central Expwy.
All active and retired military or military veterans can receive a meal voucher on Nov. 11, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Please be prepared to provide a Military ID Card, Veterans Affairs Card, or Discharge Papers. These vouchers are good for dine-in or carry-out. If it cannot be used that day during those times, the voucher is good until May 30, 2023. There will be a specific menu to select from. Be sure to call your local Texas Roadhouse for details.
Wendy's
Multiple locations in McKinney
Active-duty military and veterans get a free breakfast combo on Nov. 11 at participating locations from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.
For a full list of Veterans Day dining deals across the country, visit Military.com.
