Black Friday 2026 falls on November 28, while Veterans Day lands on November 11. Together they create a long window of sales, free meals, and military discounts that Veterans can stack for major savings when they plan ahead.
- Black Friday 2026 is on November 28; Veterans Day is November 11, with many deals running the full surrounding week.
- Major retailers launch “early Black Friday” sales from mid‑November, overlapping with Veterans Day restaurant offers and military discounts.
- Veterans can often combine general doorbusters, year‑round military discounts, and Veterans Day freebies for the lowest prices all year.
Quick Veterans Black Friday facts
- Target, Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy and Home Depot all run multi‑day Black Friday events spanning the week of Thanksgiving.
- Many restaurants offer at least one free or discounted meal to Veterans and active duty members on or around Veterans Day.
- Some benefits, like free haircuts or future‑use meal vouchers, can be redeemed after Veterans Day, stretching savings further.
Mini‑FAQ
What other retailers or businesses offer Veterans Day discounts?
Beyond big‑box stores, many regional grocery chains, local hardware stores, car washes, tire shops and independent restaurants participate in Veterans Day promotions. Offers change yearly, so Veterans should always confirm details with the specific location before going.
Which retailers had early Black Friday sales in 2026 and on what dates?
Large retailers staggered their 2026 events. Some launched “early Black Friday” sales in mid‑November, while others began the week of Thanksgiving. Many then extended pricing through Cyber Monday or the first days of December, especially online.
Where else do people find savings besides Black Friday?
Veterans and families also save using year‑round military discounts, loyalty programs, coupon apps, deal‑tracking sites, and cash‑back portals. Commissaries, Exchanges, American Forces Travel and programs like ID.me or Veterans Advantage can stack with seasonal promotions for even better value.
Key Takeaways
- Black Friday 2026 runs November 28, with early deals starting mid‑November at major national retailers.
- Veterans can stack year‑round military discounts with Black Friday doorbusters for deeper savings on essentials.
- Electronics, laptops, gaming gear and smart‑home tech offer some of the highest percentage markdowns.
- Home improvement, tools and auto retailers bundle rebates, financing incentives and service discounts around Black Friday.
- Veterans Day brings extensive free‑meal offers and services that frequently overlap with early Black Friday promotions.
- Beyond Black Friday, Veterans save using Exchanges, commissaries, ID.me, American Forces Travel and ongoing retailer programs.
How do Black Friday and Veterans Day deals work together for Veterans?
Black Friday and Veterans Day create a long window where Veterans can combine doorbuster prices with military‑only perks. Together, they span much of November, offering stacked savings on electronics, home needs, dining and travel.
In 2026, Black Friday falls on November 28, while Veterans Day is November 11, and many businesses run promotions throughout that period. Official round‑ups of Veterans Day discounts and free meals show that hundreds of restaurants and retailers participate annually, giving Veterans multiple ways to save when they shop strategically.
- Retailers increasingly stretch Black Friday into week‑long or multi‑week events, so Veterans often see “early Black Friday” pricing begin one to two weeks before Thanksgiving and continue through Cyber Monday.
- Many brands maintain separate military or Veterans Day offers, such as a percentage‑off coupon or a dedicated free‑meal menu, which can sometimes stack with regular coupons or reward programs depending on store rules.
- Installations, VA facilities and community organizations often publicize local Veterans Day discounts and free services, helping Veterans identify participating locations near them instead of guessing which businesses are involved.
- Because offers change every year, the most reliable strategy is to treat national round‑ups as a starting point and then confirm specifics directly with each retailer, restaurant or attraction before making a trip.
- Map out your needs for November and December, including gifts, home projects, travel and dining, so you can decide which purchases belong in Veterans Day or Black Friday windows rather than buying on impulse later.
- Check national Veterans Day and Black Friday round‑ups, then cross‑reference them against official retailer or restaurant pages, looking for date ranges, required promo codes and any mention of stacking with military discounts.
- Prioritize the limited‑time, in‑person freebies around Veterans Day first, then schedule larger online purchases for key Black Friday or Cyber Monday dates when electronics, appliances and travel packages tend to hit their lowest prices.
- Keep your ID, proof of service and any necessary digital accounts ready so you can redeem online verification, in‑store military discounts and Veterans Day meal offers quickly without holding up lines or missing short windows.
For a broad view of overlapping Black Friday and Veterans Day opportunities aimed at military families, Veterans can review curated guides such as Mission Roll Call’s 2026 Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals article, alongside official resources like VA News’ annual discounts lists and Amazon’s Black Friday calendar explanation. Mission Roll Call guide, VA News discounts overview, and Amazon Black Friday timing give helpful context even as individual deals change.
Which Black Friday electronics deals in 2026 are strongest for Veterans?
Electronics see some of the deepest Black Friday markdowns, and Veterans can often stack those with military discounts. Televisions, laptops, gaming systems and smart‑home gear at major retailers and Exchanges frequently hit their best prices of the year.
Shopping smart means comparing big‑box stores, manufacturer outlets and military‑focused retailers, then layering coupons or rewards where allowed. Veterans should pay attention to pre‑Black Friday events, limited “doorbuster” windows and bundled offers on accessories that would be expensive at full price any other time.
- Amazon’s Black Friday hub typically highlights lightning deals on smart TVs, streaming devices, e‑readers and tablets, with rolling time‑limited offers that reward checking in repeatedly over the event window instead of just on Black Friday itself.
- Best Buy’s Black Friday sale focuses on high‑ticket tech like 4K TVs, gaming laptops, soundbars and appliances, often with generous percentage discounts, bonus gift cards for members and special financing options that can lower upfront costs for bigger purchases.
- Camera‑focused retailers such as B&H Photo frequently run Black Friday specials on DSLR and mirrorless bodies, lenses, lighting and storage, giving Veterans who enjoy photography or content creation rare price cuts on gear that rarely sees deep discounts.
- Military shoppers with base access can compare Exchange deals on gaming consoles, laptops and tablets against off‑base prices, remembering that tax‑free purchases plus occasional coupon events can make Exchange pricing competitive even when percent‑off numbers look similar.
- List the specific electronics you need, including preferred models, and research typical non‑sale prices in advance so you can recognize a truly strong Black Friday discount instead of reacting to marketing language alone.
- Sign in to retailer accounts and rewards programs ahead of time, enabling early‑access pricing or member‑only deals, and ensure your payment methods and shipping addresses are updated for fast checkout when short‑window doorbusters go live.
- Compare total cost across retailers by including sales tax, shipping, membership discounts, open‑box options and any available military discounts, using calculators or spreadsheets if necessary so you do not overlook hidden savings or fees.
- Once you commit to a purchase, screenshot or save the offer details and keep your receipt handy, since some stores offer price‑match guarantees or extended return periods during the holidays that can protect you if prices drop further.
For concrete examples, Veterans can watch Amazon’s main Black Friday hub for timed tech deals, browse Best Buy’s dedicated Black Friday section for doorbusters on TVs, gaming and laptops, and monitor B&H Photo’s Black Friday camera and lens page for pro‑grade gear markdowns. See Amazon Black Friday, Best Buy Black Friday, and B&H Black Friday camera deals for current offers.
| Category | Retailer | Black Friday 2026 focus | Veteran‑friendly angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| General electronics | Amazon | Week‑long doorbusters on TVs, tablets, smart‑home gear and accessories with rotating lightning deals. | Great for price‑matching across brands and stacking with cash‑back portals or card rewards programs. |
| Big‑box tech | Walmart | Black Friday Deals events featuring budget‑friendly TVs, gaming bundles, printers and small appliances. | Useful for stretching benefits or fixed incomes on everyday tech, especially in areas with Supercenters. |
| Premium electronics | Best Buy | Heavy discounts on 4K TVs, gaming laptops, headphones and smart‑home systems, plus member doorbusters. | Good option when Veterans want higher‑end gear and need help comparing specs or protection plans. |
| Cameras & audio | B&H Photo | Specials on cameras, lenses, drones, microphones and storage during the Black Friday period. | Appealing for Veterans building creative side‑hustles or documenting family milestones with better equipment. |
| Computers | Dell & Lenovo | Brand‑direct sales on laptops, desktops and monitors with bundles and configuration options. | Helpful for transitioning to civilian careers that require reliable personal computers and accessories. |
| Exchange shoppers | Army & Air Force Exchange | Holiday promotions on electronics, gaming, appliances and accessories via on‑base and online Exchange. | Tax‑free pricing and exclusive card promotions can beat civilian stores, especially on large purchases. |
What home, tools and auto Black Friday deals should Veterans watch?
Home improvement, tools and auto retailers turn Black Friday into a major event, with sales on appliances, tools, décor and vehicle essentials. Veterans can combine store promotions with year‑round military discounts for significant home and car savings.
Planning ahead helps Veterans target practical items: winterizing equipment, emergency gear, major appliances and maintenance supplies. Focusing on long‑term needs rather than impulse buys ensures Black Friday spending supports household readiness, safety and comfort instead of straining the budget.
- Home improvement chains typically discount appliances, tool sets, ladders, storage solutions and holiday décor, which can help Veterans tackle long‑delayed projects or improve accessibility around the home at a lower overall cost.
- Black Friday is a strong time to buy power tools, battery systems and combo kits, since retailers often bundle extra batteries, chargers or accessories that would otherwise push the final price far beyond a typical monthly budget.
- Auto retailers and tire shops frequently run oil‑change bundles, battery promotions and tire rebates, letting Veterans prepare vehicles for winter driving or long road trips while maximizing their dollars per mile of safety and reliability.
- Discounts on generators, space heaters, weatherproofing supplies and emergency kits can be particularly valuable for Veterans living in areas prone to storms, extreme temperatures or frequent power outages.
- Inspect your home and vehicle in early November, listing items that truly require replacement or upgrade, such as worn tires, aging appliances or inadequate heating and cooling equipment, so you know what to target.
- Compare weekly ads and online Black Friday pages, focusing on total cost after rebates, gift cards and potential military discounts, and avoid letting “percent off” language distract you from the actual dollar amount you will pay.
- Schedule installation or service in advance when possible, especially for large appliances and tires, because appointment slots around Thanksgiving and early December can fill quickly at popular retailers and service centers.
- Keep receipts, warranty documentation and installation paperwork organized in one place so you can easily handle returns, warranty claims or future maintenance without digging for proof of purchase months down the road.
Veterans looking at big‑ticket projects can monitor Black Friday pages from major home centers and tire retailers, including The Home Depot’s Black Friday hub, Lowe’s Black Friday deals, and Discount Tire’s Black Friday tire promotions to time purchases when both sale pricing and financing incentives align.
Where can Veterans save on clothing, shoes and outdoor gear?
Black Friday is a prime time for Veterans to refresh wardrobes, outerwear and outdoor gear at deep discounts. Apparel, footwear and sporting‑goods retailers often advertise half‑off or better on select lines during the week of Thanksgiving.
Because clothing and footwear sizes sell out quickly, especially in popular brands, it pays to know your exact sizes and preferred fits before deals launch. Veterans and families who rely on durable outdoor gear can save substantially by focusing on core items like boots, base layers and all‑weather jackets.
- Big sporting‑goods chains usually offer broad discounts across hunting, fishing, camping and fitness categories, allowing Veterans to upgrade critical gear such as boots, rainwear, optics and coolers while prices are temporarily well below normal.
- Brand‑name athletic and lifestyle labels commonly use Black Friday to clear previous‑season colors and styles, giving Veterans who wait for sales a chance to buy high‑quality shoes, hoodies and training gear at entry‑level price points.
- Outdoor retailers often combine product markdowns with loyalty bonuses or gift cards on qualifying purchases, stretching budget further when outfitting family members for winter sports, hiking or other seasonal activities.
- Some brands run additional military or first‑responder discounts on top of sale pricing, accessed through verification platforms, so Veterans should always check eligibility pages before completing a purchase.
- Audit wardrobes and gear bins for gaps, such as worn‑out work boots, outdated rain gear or children’s clothing that no longer fits, so your Black Friday list aligns with real needs instead of impulse browsing.
- Subscribe to email or app notifications from key retailers in early November, because many send early access links, unique promo codes or member‑only pricing ahead of public Black Friday launches.
- Use size charts and reviews to choose between brands, especially for boots and outerwear, reducing the risk of returns and ensuring that items bought on sale will actually be comfortable and usable.
- Bundle purchases where possible to reach free‑shipping thresholds or extra discount tiers, but stay within a pre‑set spending cap so “threshold chasing” does not undermine your original budget discipline.
For apparel and outdoor deals, Veterans can start with broad sale hubs such as Academy Sports + Outdoors’ Black Friday sale, major brand portals like adidas Black Friday deals, and outdoor chains including Bass Pro Shops’ Black Friday All Week event, then compare offers with any available military discounts or verification‑based savings.
How can Veterans maximize free meals and service offers on Veterans Day?
Veterans Day brings a huge wave of free meals, coffee, desserts and services for Veterans and active duty personnel. With a little planning, Veterans can enjoy appreciation events without overspending or wasting time chasing overlapping offers.
Most deals are valid only on or around November 11 and require proof of service. Because participation can vary by location, confirming details directly with local restaurants or service providers is essential before heading out, especially when traveling or visiting unfamiliar areas.
- National chains frequently offer free entrées or limited menus for dine‑in guests, sometimes including a bounce‑back coupon or gift card that can be used later during the holiday shopping season.
- Coffee shops and fast‑casual chains may provide free beverages or breakfast items, which can be a convenient start to the day before work, appointments or other Veterans Day events.
- Many restaurants extend discounts to active duty, National Guard, Reserve and sometimes family members, but the details differ, so Veterans should carefully read each offer’s fine print before assuming everyone at the table is covered.
- Non‑restaurant services such as haircuts, car washes and oil changes occasionally join Veterans Day promotions, giving Veterans a chance to take care of routine needs at little or no cost.
- Create a realistic schedule of two to four stops that are convenient to your normal route that day, rather than trying to visit every possible location and risking fatigue or long wait times.
- Call ahead or check official websites and social channels for participating locations, hours, menu limitations and whether takeout, online orders or vouchers are allowed under each specific Veterans Day promotion.
- Gather acceptable proof of service, such as a Veteran ID card, retiree ID, discharge paperwork or driver’s license with Veteran designation, and carry a backup in case one form is not accepted at a particular business.
- Consider using bounce‑back coupons or gift cards during later Black Friday errands, combining free or discounted meals with holiday shopping to reduce overall out‑of‑pocket costs for the entire month.
For 2026, broad lists of restaurant and service offers can be found through national Veterans discount round‑ups and official brand announcements. Examples include Military.com’s detailed Veterans Day deals list, Applebee’s annual free‑meal press release, and local VA facility posts like Maryland VA’s summary of free meals and discounts, all of which help Veterans plan an efficient route. See Military.com Veterans Day discounts, Applebee’s Veterans Day free meals, and VA Maryland Veterans Day offers for examples.
| Type | Brand | Typical 2026 Veterans Day offer | Eligibility & timing notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual dining | Applebee’s | Free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu, often plus a small bounce‑back offer for a future visit. | Generally dine‑in only on Veterans Day, with proof of service required and participation varying by individual franchise location. |
| Sports bar | Buffalo Wild Wings | Free boneless wings and fries or similar combo meals offered to Veterans and active duty guests. | Typically limited to specific hours on Veterans Day, dine‑in only, and may require ordering from a restricted menu. |
| Coffee | Starbucks | Complimentary tall hot or iced brewed coffee for Veterans, service members and sometimes eligible spouses. | Usually valid only on Veterans Day at participating locations, with proof of military service recommended at the register. |
| Steakhouse | Texas Roadhouse | Free meal vouchers redeemable for select entrées, often distributed in person on Veterans Day. | Vouchers are typically good for a future visit within a limited date range, requiring proof of service when obtained. |
| Breakfast | IHOP and similar chains | Free or heavily discounted breakfast items such as pancakes or combo plates from a special Veterans Day menu. | Offers generally apply during breakfast or lunch hours on Veterans Day and may be dine‑in only at participating stores. |
| Haircuts | Great Clips | Free haircut or a free haircut card that can be redeemed later by Veterans and active duty personnel. | Cards usually must be picked up on Veterans Day, then redeemed within a specific window at participating salons. |
Where else can Veterans save money besides Black Friday?
Black Friday is only one piece of the savings picture for Veterans. Year‑round military discounts, travel programs, Exchanges, commissaries and verification platforms provide ongoing opportunities that can be just as valuable as seasonal sales.
Focusing on recurring benefits helps Veterans stretch budgets in every month, not just November. Combining everyday discounts with occasional Black Friday or Veterans Day promotions can reduce the overall cost of housing, transportation, travel, entertainment and essentials throughout the year.
- Verification platforms like ID.me aggregate discounts from hundreds of brands across apparel, travel, electronics and services, making it easier for Veterans to find offers without manually checking each retailer’s military discount page every time.
- Defense‑related travel portals such as American Forces Travel, along with Information, Tickets and Travel offices and other Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, often provide below‑market prices on hotels, rental cars, cruises and attraction tickets.
- Exchanges and commissaries deliver everyday savings on groceries, household items and occasional high‑ticket purchases while remaining tax‑free, which can be especially impactful for Veterans near installations or eligible for online ordering.
- Some membership‑based programs and nonprofit partners negotiate additional discounts on everything from theme‑park tickets to gym memberships, which can complement or exceed Black Friday‑level savings when used consistently.
- Enroll in a trusted verification service to confirm your Veteran or military status, keeping login details secure so you can quickly access eligible discounts whenever you shop online or in person.
- Review benefits through official channels such as Military OneSource and your service branch, noting travel, recreation and shopping programs that extend beyond holiday promotions and fit your family’s lifestyle.
- Set up a simple tracking system, such as a note on your phone, to record which retailers, attractions and services offer reliable military discounts you actually use, helping you focus on the most valuable benefits.
- Revisit your savings strategy a few times per year, especially before major trips or home projects, to check for new or updated programs that could meaningfully reduce your expenses beyond seasonal sales events.
Veterans looking beyond Black Friday can explore ID.me’s Black Friday and military discount hubs for ongoing brand offers, while official resources like Military OneSource’s American Forces Travel program and travel‑lodging pages outline discounted options for hotels, cruises and vacation packages that are available well after November. Start with ID.me Black Friday deals hub, American Forces Travel overview, and Military OneSource travel and lodging guidance for authoritative information.
The bottom line
Black Friday and Veterans Day together create one of the most opportunity‑rich periods of the year for Veterans and their families. With overlapping sales, stacked military discounts and extensive free‑meal offers, careful planning can unlock meaningful savings without sacrificing financial stability.
The key is to treat these events as part of a broader yearly strategy rather than one‑time shopping frenzies. By prioritizing real needs, verifying each offer and combining year‑round benefits with holiday promotions, Veterans can significantly reduce the cost of essentials, experiences and gifts while keeping spending aligned with long‑term goals.
References Used
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Veterans need to shop on Black Friday itself to get good deals?
No. Many retailers run “early Black Friday” and week‑long promotions that equal or beat day‑of prices. Veterans can often secure strong discounts before or after Black Friday, which helps avoid crowds and last‑minute pressure.
Can Veterans stack military discounts with Black Friday or Cyber Monday promo codes?
Sometimes, but not always. Some stores allow military discounts on top of sale prices but exclude coupon codes or doorbusters. Others treat military pricing as a separate promotion. Veterans should always read fine print or ask customer service before assuming stacking works.
What identification do Veterans usually need to access deals and free meals?
Most businesses require proof of service such as a Veteran ID card, retiree ID, DD‑214, state driver’s license with Veteran designation or other official documentation. Digital verification through platforms that confirm military status can substitute for physical documents in many online situations.
Are Black Friday deals at Exchanges and commissaries competitive with off‑base stores?
Often yes, especially when you factor in tax‑free pricing and occasional card promotions. Exchanges might not advertise huge percentage‑off numbers, but out‑the‑door costs can be lower. Comparing final prices including tax, shipping and rewards is the best way to decide.
How can Guard and Reserve families make the most of these sales?
Guard and Reserve families should confirm eligibility for each discount and enroll in verification platforms early. Then they can combine online deals with occasional trips to nearby bases or Exchanges, focusing on high‑value items that justify the travel time and effort.
Are online‑only Black Friday deals better than in‑store doorbusters?
Neither is always better; they complement each other. Online deals are convenient, stack well with reward programs and avoid crowds. In‑store doorbusters sometimes offer lower prices on limited quantities. Veterans can mix both approaches to fit needs and mobility.
How can Veterans avoid overspending during Black Friday and Veterans Day promotions?
Set a realistic budget in advance, list priority items and track spending as you go. Treat every promotion as optional, not automatic. If a deal doesn’t serve a real need or long‑term goal, skip it, even when the discount looks impressive.
Do VA or the Department of Defense endorse specific Black Friday deals?
No. VA and DoD may share information on discounts or free meals as a service, but they do not formally endorse specific businesses. Veterans should view such lists as informational and still evaluate each offer’s value and suitability independently.
What should Veterans check before traveling for a specific free meal or discount?
Always verify participation with the specific location, confirm date and hours, and ask about menu limitations or required reservations. It’s also wise to confirm acceptable proof of service and whether the offer applies to takeout, dine‑in or both.
Where can Veterans reliably find updated deal lists each year?
Veterans can monitor reputable military‑focused publications, official VA communications, Military OneSource, large verification platforms and respected nonprofits. Cross‑checking at least two sources and verifying details directly with businesses helps avoid outdated information or misleading social media posts.