Memorial Day is a federal holiday for honoring military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Memorial Day weekend also (unofficially) markets the start of summer in Kansas City and elsewhere. We’re here to help you start your Kansas City summer for free or on the cheap.
Some Memorial Day Weekend deals and discounts are available to everyone while others are specific to members of the military or veterans.
We’ve got a list of deals, discounts and things to do this 2021 Memorial Day weekend in Kansas City that won’t bust your budget. Check back as we’re adding more to this list all the time. If your business has a deal or event, send us details at news@kansascityonthecheap.com and we’ll add it for FREE!
If you’re not doing this already, you can subscribe to Kansas City on the Cheap’s daily emails (just one a day), and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The ensures you don’t miss any deals and freebies this summer or any other time in Kansas City.
Check back regularly. Many Memorial Day Weekend deals, including freebies and discounts for military service members, will pop up at the last minute. We’ll add them as soon as we see them.
Kansas City 2022 Memorial Day Weekend Food & Drink Discounts & Specials
7-Eleven: Slice into a big deal over the holiday weekend. 7-Eleven is celebrating Memorial Day weekend with a pizza deal for first-time 7NOW customers. First-time customers can enjoy a FREE pizza with any order on 7NOW — use promo code PIZZA.
Bonefish Grill: Military service members and first responders get 10% off all year. Now through June 19th, 2022, if you purchase $50 in gift cards, you’ll receive a $10 bonus card to use on your next Bonefish Grill visit, from June 21 – August 21, 2022.
Caribou Coffee: Stir it up on Memorial Day. Caribou Coffee is offering active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses a FREE hot brewed Coffee of the Day on May 30.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: In honor of Memorial Day (and all year long), military service members and first responders will receive a 10% off HEROES discount at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. For those wanting to thank a service member or first responder, for a limited time, when guests purchase $50 in gift cards online, they receive a $10 bonus card. (Redemption period June 21-August 21, 2022).
Firebirds: Heroes get a FREE meal on Memorial Day at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. Dine with a veteran, active-duty service member or Gold Star family get their lunch or dinner if FREE (equal or less than your entrée purchase) on Monday, May 30, 2022. The offer is for dine-in only.
Fogo de Chão: Enjoy lots of meaty savings on Memorial Day. Fogo de Chão is offering 50% off the meals of all veterans and active-duty personnel on May 30. Plus, their guests enjoy 10% off their meals — valid for up to three additional people.
Jimmy John’s: Get sandwiched by savings over the holiday weekend at Jimmy John’s. Save $5 on an order of $20 or more with promo code 5OFF20. The deal is only available Monday through Friday after 5 p.m. and all day on Saturday and Sunday. The offer ends July 5.
Kona Grill: Leave the Memorial Day weekend grilling up to Kona Grill. The restaurant is offering all veterans, active-duty and reserve military 20% off their check, when they dine in-restaurant from May 27 to 30. In addition, Kona Grill will be serving a thirst-quenching and patriotic-themed Red, White & Blue Margarita Flight.
Lamar’s Donuts: All veterans, active and retired service members can get a FREE regular donut and small coffee on Memorial Day – May 30. Participating stores in Kansas City include:
- 8615 College Boulevard, Overland Park
- 12520 Quivira Road, Overland Park
- 9926 Holmes Road, Kansas City
- 722 N 7 Hwy, Blue Springs
- 705 S. E. Melody Lane, Suite G, Lee’s Summit
- 3395 Main St., Kansas City
- 5901 Johnson Dr., Mission
Marco’s Pizza: Save 20% off any pizza from Marco’s May 26-29 2022. Use promo code MEM20. Offer valid on menu-price pizza through Marco’s app and online orders.
Minsky’s Pizza: Enjoy the American Pie Memorial Weekend special from Minsky’s Pizza available May 27-30, 2022. Get 20% off your entire order for dine in, carry out, curbside pick up or delivery (excludes alcohol). For online ordering, enter code AmPie20.
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.
Sonic Drive-In: Leave the cooking to Sonic Drive-In over the holiday weekend. Get a buy-one-get-one FREE hot dog via the chain’s app — from May 27 to 30. Choose between Chili Cheese Coneys or All-American Hot Dogs.
Kansas City Memorial Day Retail, Services & Other Specials
Ace Hardware: Ace Hardware is honoring fallen heroes by giving away one million FREE 8″ x 12″ American flags for Memorial Day. Check out our post for more details.
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. Plus, through June 11, Big Rewards shoppers earn $10 Big Bucks for every $100 spent — get more details here. 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.
HyVee: Get groceries delivered for FREE this weekend through Hy-Vee Aisles Online. HyVee is working with DoorDash to offer FREE grocery delivery to your home for orders $25+. Use promo code: DELOVERFREEMD. The offer is valid May 25-31, 2022.
Office Depot: Get your home office ready with big savings. In-store and online, Office Depot‘s Memorial Day Sale runs from May 26 to June 4. Customers can save more than 50% on select furniture and chairs. Plus, save big on PCs, tech accessories, supplies and more.
Walgreens: Military and veterans (and their families) receive 20% off eligible regular-priced items at Walgreens — from May 27 to 30. The offer is only valid in-store with myWalgreens membership and proof of service.
Kansas City Memorial Day Weekend Activities & Celebrations
Memorial Day Weekend is a time for honoring, exploring and having fun. Here are some ideas for paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and making the most of the start of summer in Kansas City.
Drive-In Movies: The Boulevard Drive-In is open for business. Enjoy a double feature on Friday or Saturday.
Taps Across America: Veterans, musicians, teachers and students are invited to play Taps on their front lawns, porches and driveways on Monday, May 30 at 3 p.m. local time.
Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun: Start planning your visit to one of Kansas City’s favorite family destinations. Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun are open Memorial Day Weekend May 28-May 30. Kansas City on the Cheap readers can get great Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun discounts here.
Memorial Day Gift Card Bonuses
Many restaurants are offering Memorial Day deals on gift cards that help your money go further. Buy a 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 — from April 11 to June 26. The bonus card expires Aug. 7.
Bonefish Grill: From April 19 to June 19, buy a $50 gift card at Bonefish Grill and get a $10 bonus. The $10 off coupon can be redeemed June 21 to Aug. 21.
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 — from April 19 to June 19. The $10 off coupon can be redeemed from June 21 to Aug. 21.
Chili’s: Enjoy Tex-Mex and margaritas over Memorial Day weekend at Chili’s. Buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 bonus card — from April 21 to June 26. The bonus card is valid April 22 to July 31.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Need bagels for a Memorial Day brunch? All Einstein Bros. Bagels gift cards purchased online through June 24 are 20% off.
Fogo de Chão: Fogo de Chão can make Memorial Day sizzle with savings. For every $125 in gift cards purchased online, get a $25 bonus card — from April 19 to June 19. The bonus card is valid June 20 to Sept. 1.
IHOP: Hop over to IHOP for breakfast (or any other meal) on Memorial Day. From April 4 to July 17, buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 bonus card. The bonus card expires Aug. 21.
McAlister’s Deli: Slather on the savings for Memorial Day at McAlister’s Deli. Receive a $5 eReward (online) or physical reward voucher (in-store) for every $25 purchased in gift cards — from April 18 to June 19. The reward is valid June 30 to Aug. 31.
On The Border: Heat up Memorial Day at On The Border. Through June 30, buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 bonus card. The bonus card is valid July 1 to 31.
Outback Steakhouse: “Steak” your claim on Memorial Day! Buy a $50 gift card at Outback Steakhouse and enjoy a $10 bonus — from April 19 to June 19. The $10 off coupon is valid June 21 to Aug. 21.
Panda Express: Treat the family to orange chicken on Memorial Day at Panda Express. Enjoy a FREE Panda Bowl with the purchase of $30 gift card online. The bonus is available April 25 to June 30. The redemption code for the complimentary bowl expires July 31.
Panera Bread: Enjoy a fresh and hot deal for Memorial Day from Panera Bread. Get a $10 bonus card for every $50 in gift cards purchased. The bonus offer is available April 20 to May 31. The bonus cards are valid June 1 to 30.
Red Lobster: There’s nothing fishy about saving money! Buy a $50 gift card at Red Lobster and receive a coupon good for $10 off your next order of $30 or more. The coupon is valid June 27 to Aug. 31.
Red Robin: Get a juicy deal for Memorial Day at Red Robin. Buy a $50 gift card and get $5 Bonus Bucks. The bonus offer is available April 18 to June 19. The bucks are valid June 20 to Aug. 21.
Schlotzsky’s: Get sandwiched by savings on Memorial Day at Schlotzsky’s. From May 1 to June 20, buy a $25 gift card and enjoy a $5 eReward. The reward must be unlocked in the Schlotzsky’s app prior to Aug. 31, after which it expires within 14 days.
Subway: Stop at Subway for a great deal — perfect for Memorial Day weekend picnics. Get a FREE 6-inch sub with the purchase of a $25 gift card — through June 30. Limit four bonus cards per order. The complimentary sub voucher is valid July 1 to Aug. 31.
Village Inn: Enjoy a hearty breakfast over the holiday weekend at Village Inn. From April 25 to June 19, buy a $25 gift card and receive a $5 bonus card. The bonus card is valid May 9 to July 31.
Kansas City 2021 Memorial Day Weekend Food & Drink Discounts & Specials
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: In honor of Memorial Day (and all year long), military service members and first responders will receive a 10% off HEROES discount at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. For those wanting to thank a service member or first responder, for a limited time, when guests purchase $50 in gift cards online, they will receive a $10 bonus card. (Redemption period May 17 – July 18)
Firebirds: Heroes get a FREE meal on Memorial Day at Firebirds. Veteran, active duty service member or Gold Star family get their lunch or dinner at no cost on Monday, May 31, 2021.
Fogo de Chão: Veterans and active duty personnel enjoy 50% off their meal at Fogo de Chão on Memorial Day, May 31. Plus, up to three guests dining with them get 10% off their meals.
Jimmy John’s: Get sandwiched by savings over the holiday weekend at Jimmy John’s. Save $5 on an order of $20 or more with promo code 5OFF20. The offer ends June 13.
Kona Grill: All veterans and military personnel get 20% off their check for in-restaurant dining at Kona Grill on Memorial Day. The offer also applies to first responders and front-line workers, including healthcare professionals, teachers and other essential workers.
Lamar’s Donuts: All veterans, active and retired service members can get a FREE regular donut and small coffee on Memorial Day – Monday, May 31, 2021. A small fountain drink can be ordered instead of the coffee, if preferred. Participating stores in Kansas City include:
8615 College Boulevard, Overland Park12520 Quivira Road, Overland Park9926 Holmes Road, Kansas City722 N 7 Hwy, Blue Springs705 S. E. Melody Lane, Suite G, Lee’s Summit3395 Main St., Kansas City5901 Johnson Dr., Mission
Minsky’s Pizza: Enjoy the American Pie Memorial Weekend special from Minsky’s Pizza available May 28-31, 2021. Get 20% off your entire order for dine in, carry out, curbside pick up or delivery (excludes alcohol). For online ordering, enter code AmPie21.
Olive Garden: If you take the whole family to Olive Garden, enjoy an extra take-home entrée for just $5. Pick up enough extra meals to enjoy over the holiday weekend. Choose from Fettuccine Alfredo, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Stuffed Fettuccine Alfredo.
Pizza Hut: Always a good value for a crowd, Pizza Hut is offering several items at or around $5 as part of its $5 ‘N Up Lineup menu.
Quiznos: Current or former military members can get a FREE 8-inch sub with the purchase of an 8-inch sub and two bottled drinks. The deal is good May 22-25.
Kansas City Memorial Day Retail, Services, Other Discounts & Specials
Academy Sports + Outdoors: Here’s a deal that goes well beyond Memorial Day. Active duty military and veterans, as well as first responders, can save 10% at Academy Sports + Outdoors from May 2 through July 5, 2021. The discount is available for in-store or online purchases.
Ace Hardware: Ace Hardware is honoring fallen heroes by giving away one million FREE 8″ x 12″ American flags for Memorial Day. Check out our post for more details.
A Story Before Bed: This offer is available year round for military parents. Members of any of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces who are deploying or already deployed are eligible to sign up to make FREE recordings of themselves reading bedtime stories to send to their children. Just fill out the online form and you’ll receive an e-mail confirming your signup. Click on the link in the confirmation e-mail and you’ll be able to start making free recordings immediately.
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. Check back often, as new deals are added daily up to May 31.
Big Lots: Save big at Big Lots! The discount store is offering 20% off select indoor furniture, as well as deals on patio rugs, select pools, patio folding tables and chairs. The sale runs from May 22 to June 5. Plus, there are additional four-day deals over the Memorial Day weekend. Big Rewards shoppers get $10 Big Bucks coupons for every $100 spent. Also, veterans, active military and their families can enjoy a year-round discount of 10% off all in-store and online purchases.
Walgreens: Military and veterans (and their families) receive 20% off eligible regular-priced items at Walgreens — from May 28 to 31. The offer is only valid in-store with myWalgreens membership and proof of service.
Kansas City Memorial Day Weekend Activities & Celebrations
Memorial Day Weekend is a time for honoring, exploring and having fun. Here are some ideas for paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and making the most of the start of summer in Kansas City.
Drive-In Movies: The Boulevard Drive-In is open for business. Enjoy a single feature on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
National Memorial Day Concert: This Memorial Day tradition returns for a special presentation on PBS Sunday, May 30, 2021 at 7 p.m. CDT and is hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise. The National Memorial Day Concert features musical performances, documentary footage, and readings to honor those who have served our country. There will also be recognition to those who are serving on the front lines of our public health needs. The 90-minute show can be watched via live streaming or locally on KCPT/Channel 19 on May 30 at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. CDT.
National World War I Museum and Memorial: The museum and memorial is hosting a variety of FREE events and activities over Memorial Day Weekend, including The Great Balloon Glow.
Taps Across America: Veterans, musicians, teachers and students are invited to play Taps on their front lawns, porches and driveways on Monday, May 30 at 3 p.m. local time.
