Christa Geraghty | Updated

National First Responders Day: Free Meals and Discounts Next Oct. 28

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It’s pretty much impossible to thank our first responders enough for everything they do to keep us safe. But we can all agree that first responder freebies are a good start.

Luckily, a lot of healthcare worker discounts also apply to first responders. Plus, there are lots of deals available on National First Responders Day (Oct. 28) and year-round.

Firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians can access these perks with their work IDs in person, or get SheerID, ID.me, or VerifyPass verification discounts online.

These freebies and savings include things like free food and discounts on clothing, cosmetics, and home goods.

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Offers, prices, savings, and local participation may vary.

National First Responders Day is an annual daylong event that includes freebies to first responders.

National First Responders Day honors firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders with freebies at national chain restaurants all day long. These range in value from free cookies to free entrees. Most of the deals don’t require any purchase, but they do require you to present an ID.

National First Responders Day happens every year on Oct. 28.

Count on it — National First Responders Day is always on Oct. 28. Next year, that means the event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.

Predicted National First Responders Day Food Discounts 2026

  • Dave & Buster's : Like every day, Dave & Buster's will likely offer a 15% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks on National First Responders Day 2026.

  • Ford's Garage : Next year, watch for Ford's Garage restaurants to offer a FREE American Standard Burger or a discount on an entree on Oct. 28.

  • Outback Steakhouse : First responders can save 10% at Outback Steakhouse every day, including on National First Responders Day.

  • RaceTrac : In 2026, first responders who are RaceTrac Rewards members can anticipate a freebie when they verify employment with ID.me. As a first responder, you can also enjoy a free coffee, fountain drink, or frozen drink every day all year long.

  • Ruby Tuesda y: Watch for Ruby Tuesday to offer a FREE Garden Bar entree or add on when you dine-in on First Responders Day 2026.

  • Sonny's BBQ : First responders will likely get a free Pork Big Deal Sandwich at Sonny's BBQ from Oct. 28 - 31, 2026. The meal includes a pulled or sliced pork sandwich, a Sidekick, and a drink.

  • TGI Fridays : We predict TGI Fridays will offer first responders who dine in a free meal from a select menu on First Responders Day, Oct. 28, 2026.

Predicted First Responders Entertainment Discounts 2026

  • Legoland: We predict first responders and military members will have a chance to get a FREE one-day, one-park ticket to Legoland New York, plus up to 50% off tickets for up to six guests in 2026.

  • Seaworld Orlando : On the next National First Responders Day in 2026, first responders across the U.S., including firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement and more (see full list of eligible roles), will likely get a free one-day admission ticket (via email) to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, or Adventure Island.

First Responders Retail Discounts

Retailers offer First Responders Day and year-round discounts, You may need to verify your eligibility through SheerID, ID.me, or VerifyPass.

  • Academy Sports + Outdoors : Watch for Academy Sports + Outdoors to offer first responders a 10% discount online and in-store for National First Responders Day.

  • Asics : Get 25% off full-priced Asics footwear and 30% off full-priced clothing and accessories.

  • Atkins Nutritionals : First responders can enjoy 10% off at Atkins.com every day.

  • Boden : First responders can enjoy 20% off Boden orders, plus free shipping on orders over $49 year-round.

  • Bonobos : Get a 20% discount on Bonobos apparel and more.

  • CheapCarribean.com : Get $150 off a beach vacation with the CheapCarribean.com Rescue2Relax Club deal all year long.

  • Dockers : Save 20% on Dockers apparel with a first responders discount.

  • Drunk Elephant : First responders get a 15% discount at Drunk Elephant.

  • Huel : First responders can enjoy 10% off on all purchases of Huel orders of $75 or more.

  • J.Crew : First responders can enjoy 15% off purchases at JCrew.com all year long.

  • J.Crew Factory : Save 15% at J.Crew Factory with their first responders discount.

  • Levi Strauss & Co. : All year long, first responders can enjoy a 10% discount on apparel at Levi's Strauss & Co.

  • NFL Shop : Every day, first responders can get 15% off NFL Shop purchases.

  • Rothy’s : First responders, including firefighters, EMTs, and police officers, can enjoy 20% off one pair of Rothy's shoes annually.

  • RVCA : First responders receive a 20% discount on RVCA apparel and more all year.

  • Spec Op Tools : First responders can enjoy a 15% lifetime discount on any Spec Op tools.

  • Tractor Supply Co.: Look for a 10% discount at Tractor Supply Co. on National First Responders Day.

  • Tuft & Needle : Tuft & Needle mattresses for law enforcement, paramedics, EMTs, and firefighters are always 15% off.

  • Ugg : First responders can enjoy 10% off full-priced styles from Ugg year round.

  • Under Armour : Get 20% off all purchases at Under Armour.