looking for something to do to celebrate Veterans Day Near Greenville, SC? Our country has set aside a special day in honor of the military personal that have served, and are still with us, on Veterans Day. If you’ve served our country, Kidding Around wants to offer a heartfelt thank you for your service.
This year Veterans Day is on Saturday, November 11th, 2023.
Greenville, Spartanburg, and the surrounding areas of the Upstate have several ways you and your family can get out to honor our military. Please note the date and times where provided, as not all events are on Veterans Day.
Events Honoring Veterans
The Wall That Heals – Spartanburg
Thursday, November 9 – Sunday, November 12, 2023 | Open 24 hours
Located at the Spartanburg Memorial Downtown Airport. From the website:
The Wall That Heals, is a mobile replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. The traveling exhibit honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War, and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.”
Freedom Isn’t Free – Anderson
Saturday, November 11, 2023 | 7 pm
A concert honoring veterans at the Turner Chapel; free tickets required
Veterans Day Celebration – Landrum
Saturday, November 11, 2023 | 7 pm
Everyone is welcome to come a patriotic Veterans Day celebration at the Landrum Market Pavilion.
Upstate Salute at Fluor Field– Greenville
Sunday, November 12th, 2023 | Gates open at 3 PM
Featuring aerial flyovers, paratroopers, concessions, a free concert from Jefferson Starship, ending with a fireworks display. The event is free but you must grab a free ticket beforehand. Follow Upstate Salute on Facebook for the full agenda as it is announced.
Veterans Day Ceremony– Simpsonville
Friday, November 10, 2023 | 11 am – Noon
At Veterans Corner in Simpsonville, the city will honor veterans with a keynote speech and men’s choir performance.
Veterans Day Ceremony – Mauldin
Saturday, November 11, 2023 | 11 am
The event program at the Mauldin Veterans Memorial will include a welcome from City Administrator Seth Duncan, opening and closing prayers by Pastor Wade Leonard of Mauldin First Baptist, Posting of Colors by American Legion Post 271, a Quilts of Valor presentation, musical selections, and remarks by Mayor Terry Merritt, an Air Force veteran.
Spartanburg American Legion Post 28 Veterans Day Parade – Spartanburg
Saturday, November 11, 2023 | 4 pm
The annual Veterans Day Parade will take place on Saturday, November 11th from 4:30PM – 5:30PM. The parade route will begin at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, proceed down Church Street, and end at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. .
Pickens County Veterans Day Celebration & Parade – Pickens
Sunday, November 12, 2023 | 1:30-5:30 pm
A full day of celebrations in Pickens: 1:30-3 pm- food, vendors, kids zone; 3 pm – parade; 4:30 pm – show.
Memorials to Visit In Honor of Veterans Day
There are often wreath-laying ceremonies at local war memorials in honor of Veterans Day.
- The Korean War Veteran’s Memorial – Lake Conestee Nature Park
- The Vietnam Veterans Memorial – Cleveland Park, East Washington, and Cleveland Park Drive
- Major Rudolph Anderson Jr. War Memorial – Cleveland Park, Ridgeland Drive
- Greer All Wars Memorial – Downtown Greer, 16th & 17th Street
Battlefields & Parks to Visit
- Cowpens National Battlefield
Located in Gaffney, The Cowpens Battlefield is part of the National Park System. - King’s Mountain
Hike Through a Revolutionary War Battlefield & Living History Farm at This State & National Park - Musgrove Mill
Hiking Through History: Musgrove Mills State Historic Site - National Park System | Year Round
Veterans will receive FREE admission to any parks that charge an entrance fee. - Chimney Rock State Park | November 10th – 12th, 2023
Free admission only for military members with ID, military family members will receive standard discount rates of $15 for adults and $7 for youth ages 5-15.
Discounts and Free Admission for Veterans and Military Personnel
Active and retired military must show valid ID for these Discounts. Please see individual websites for discount details.
- Kids Play & Cafe | November 11, 2023 Noon-8 pm
Free admission for veterans and their families with ID - Takeoff Mini-Golf | November 11, 2023
Veterans enjoy 10% off their ticket - Zoo Atlanta | Ongoing Promotion
Free Admission for all Active Duty, reserves, veterans, and retired members of the US Armed Forces
Zoo Atlanta: Watch Adorable Panda Cubs Romp and Play in Atlanta, GA - National Parks
All National Parks that charge admission are free entry on Veterans Day for everyone - Climb@Blue Ridge | November 11, 2023
They are offering free climbing to any veteran or active duty military on Veterans Day - Dave & Buster’s | November 11, 2023
Veterans receive a free entree up to $20 + $10 playing card on Veteran’s Day
Free or Discounted Meals for Veterans for 2023
Active and retired military must show valid ID for these Discounts. Please check with local restaurants for discount details. Offers are only valid on Veterans Day unless otherwise noted.
- Craft Axe & White Duck Taco
Craft Axe Throwing and White Duck Taco are proud to honor our veterans and active military with free experience upgrades with purchase of a bundle November 8th-10th. On November 11th all veterans and active military throw free for 45 minutes and receive free chips and salsa/queso from White Duck Taco. - Chophouse ’47
On Nov. 11, any U.S. veteran or active-duty member of the armed forces with I.D. is invited to enjoy any entrée from the full menu at half price. - Texas Roadhouse | Veterans Day
Free dinner vouchers will be handed out from 11 am – 2 pm and can be redeemed through May, 30th, 2024. - Applebees
Free meal chosen from a limited menu - Buffalo Wild Wings
Free order of boneless wings and fries - Chicken Salad Chick
Free meal at all locations - Chili’s
Free meal chosen from a limited menu - Cracker Barrel
Free Double Chocolate coca-cola cake when dining in or online - Dunkin’
Free donut at participating locations - Joe’s Crab Shack
20% off Dine-in meal - Krispy Kreme
Free donut and coffee, in-shop of drive-thru only - Little Caesars
Free lunch combo from 11 am – 2 pm - Olive Garden
Free meal chosen from a limited menu - Outback Steakhouse
Free soft drink and Bloomin’ onion - Starbucks
Free 12 oz hot or iced coffee (Spouses included) - Yard House
One free appetizer - Red Lobster
Free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw from 11 am – 4 pm - Hooters
Free entree from a special menu with the purchase of a beverage. Dine-in only - 7-Eleven
Free coffee or Big Gulp - Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Free Big Daddy’s All-American burger and side from 11 am to 4 pm. Dine in only - Denny’s
Free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast from 5 am until noon - Golden Corral
Military Appreciation Night November 14th, 2022 at 5 pm. Free “thank you” meal - IHOP
Free Red, White, and Blueberry pancakes. Dine-in only - Logan’s Roadhouse
Free meal from the American Roadhouse menu from 3 pm to 6 pm - Smoothie King
Free 20-ounce smoothie with a military ID
Businesses with Discounts or Free Items For Veterans
Active and retired military must show valid ID for these Discounts. Please check with locations for discount details. Offers are only valid on Veterans Day unless otherwise noted.
- Target
10% discount for two transactions, must preregister with Target Circle - Sports Clips
Free haircuts to military with proper ID - Great Clips
Free haircut – one on Veterans day or a voucher to return - Rack Room Shoes
20% off on Veterans Day, 10% off year-round - Home Depot
10% off purchase - Big Lots | Year Round
Military members get a year-round discount when enrolled in the “Big Reward Program” - Walgreens
20% off eligible, regular-price purchases in-store when using a Walgreens membership