Reporting by Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun
The United States is gearing up to honor those who served and active-duty military members on Veterans Day in California.
Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, which commemorated the end of World War I when fighting stopped after an armistice between Germany and the Allies took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
Armistice Day became a federal holiday in 1938, but Congress later changed the name to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor American veterans of all wars.
Because it is a federal holiday, most federal offices and services will not be in operation on the holiday. However, certain restaurants and stores are offering discounts for military members.
When is Veterans Day in 2026?
Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.
Is the post office open on Veterans Day in California?
No, post offices will be closed on Veterans Day, and mail will not be delivered because of the federal holiday.
Are banks open on Veterans Day?
Brick-and-mortar locations of Bank of America, PNC, Capital One, Wells Fargo, CitiBank, JPMorgan Chase and other banks will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Is the stock market open on Veterans Day?
The New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq will be open on Veterans Day. The U.S. bond market, however, will be closed, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.
Are government buildings open on Veterans Day?
Most federal, state and local government offices are closed on Veterans Day.
Are stores and restaurants open on Veterans Day? Are military discounts offered?
For the most part, stores (such as Target, Walmart, grocery stores, etc.) and restaurants are open on Veterans Day, and many are offering discounts to military members.
Here are just some retailers and eateries offering discounts on Wednesday, according to USA Today:
- Target: 20% off one storewide purchase
- Walgreens: 20% off
- Home Depot: Free Husky tool bag with qualifying military purchase on top of year-round 10% discount
- Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop: Free small sub for veterans and active-duty military members on Nov. 11 with valid military ID.
- Cracker Barrel: Free Sunrise Pancake Special for veterans and active-duty military members on Nov. 11 at participating locations with valid military ID. Military members can also save 25% on the retail military collection through Nov. 12 and get BOGO deals on select Duke Cannon products through Nov. 30.
- Dave & Buster’s: Free unlimited gameplay for veterans and active-duty military members on Nov. 11 with valid ID. A complimentary dessert is also available with an entree purchase.
- Golden Corral: Free buffet and beverage for current service members, retired military members and veterans from 4 p.m. to close Nov. 11.
- Great Clips: Veterans and active-duty service members can get a free haircut or a free haircut card at all U.S. Great Clips salons on Nov. 11. Non-military customers who get a haircut that day can also receive a card to give to a veteran or service member. Cards can be redeemed through Dec. 4.
- Hard Rock Cafe: Free Classic Smashed Burger for active and retired military members on Nov. 11 with valid ID.
- Outback Steakhouse: Military service members and veterans can get a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola beverage or domestic draft beer on Nov. 10-11, with no purchase or military ID required. Guests who order the offer and are Dine Rewards members, or enroll during their visit, will also receive a free Hero’s Meal reward for a future visit from Nov. 16 through May 2.
- Sizzler: Veterans and active-duty service members can get a free meal and nonalcoholic beverage from opening until 4 p.m. on Nov. 11. Choose from tri-tip sirloin steak, Malibu chicken or a half-dozen jumbo crispy shrimp.
- Sport Clips: Free haircut for veterans and active-duty service members on Nov. 11 at participating locations.
- Starbucks: Free tall hot or iced coffee for veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses at participating locations on Nov. 11.
- Topgolf: Active-duty military members and veterans can get one free hour of game play in one bay for up to six people plus a complimentary order of Donut Holes-In-One at participating U.S. locations on Nov. 11. The offer is walk-in only, requires proof of service and is subject to bay availability. A $6 Account Activation Fee applies to first-time players. Eligible military members can also get the free Donut Holes-In-One without playing.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com, on X @ema_sasic or on Instagram @emasasic. USA Today’s Trisha Easto contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun.
