Labor Day 2026 Veterans Discounts
Labor Day 2026 falls on Monday, September 7, 2026. Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, reservists, and their families can access free admission to over 2,000 museums through the Blue Star Museums program — which ends on Labor Day — plus theme park discounts, restaurant deals, retail savings, and travel offers. Most discounts require verification through ID.me or GovX.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Holiday Date | Monday, September 7, 2026 |
| Benefit | Military and veteran discounts, free museum admission, free meals, retail savings |
| Eligibility | Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, retirees, and families (varies by offer) |
| Verification | ID.me, GovX, SheerID, or valid military/veteran ID |
| Key Deadline | Blue Star Museums program ends Labor Day, September 7, 2026 |
| Official Agency | National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, Department of Defense |
| Updated For | September 2026 |
When Is Labor Day 2026?
Labor Day 2026 is Monday, September 7, 2026. The holiday is observed on the first Monday in September each year, honoring the social and economic achievements of American workers.
In 2026, September 1 falls on a Tuesday, making September 7 the latest possible date for Labor Day. The holiday marks the unofficial end of summer, with public pools and some beaches closing and schools reopening across the country.
Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894 after the first celebration took place in New York City on September 5, 1882, organized by the Central Labor Union.
Is Labor Day a Federal Holiday?
Yes. Labor Day is a federal holiday. Federal offices, VA facilities, banks, and most government offices are closed on September 7, 2026. VA medical centers and clinics follow their own holiday schedules.
How to Verify Your Military Status for Discounts
Most military and veteran discounts require verification through a third-party service before you can access the offer. Setting up verification accounts takes about five minutes and unlocks discounts at hundreds of brands.
ID.me
ID.me is the most widely accepted verification platform. One free account verifies you at hundreds of retailers, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Nike, and many travel brands. Active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retirees, veterans, and often spouses qualify.
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityHow to set up ID.me:
Go to ID.me and create a free account
Enter your service branch, dates of service, and .mil email if applicable
Upload proof of service (DD-214, military ID, or VA card)
Verification is typically instant or completed within 24 hours
GovX
GovX is a members-only marketplace with thousands of brands and discounted tickets for theme parks, sporting events, and attractions. A free GOVX ID also verifies you elsewhere.
SheerID
SheerID is a second verification engine embedded in many brand checkouts. You typically will not visit its site directly — it just confirms your status when you select the military discount at checkout.
WeSalute
WeSalute (formerly Veterans Advantage) offers a membership that bundles partner discounts on travel and everyday spending. It has free and premium tiers.
What Documents You Need
| Document | Accepted By |
|---|---|
| DD-214 | ID.me, GovX, most retailers |
| Military ID (CAC) | All programs |
| VA Medical Card (VHIC) | Many retailers and museums |
| Veteran ID Card (VIC) | Many retailers and museums |
| Driver’s License with Veteran Designation | Select retailers |
Blue Star Museums: Free Admission Through Labor Day 2026
The Blue Star Museums program offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families at more than 2,000 museums nationwide through Labor Day, September 7, 2026. This is the last day to use the program before it ends for the year.
The program runs from Armed Forces Day (May 16, 2026) through Labor Day (September 7, 2026). It is a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense.
Who Qualifies for Blue Star Museums
Active-duty members of the U.S. Military (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force)
National Guard members (regardless of status)
Reserves
U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps
NOAA Commissioned Corps
Up to five family members
The active-duty service member does not need to be present for family members to use the program. Dependents can show their DD Form 1173 ID Card or DD Form 1173-1 ID Card for entry.
What to Bring
Qualified members must show one of the following:
Geneva Convention common access card (CAC)
DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID)
DD Form 1173-1 ID card
Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card
Important: Blue Star Museums is primarily for active-duty members and their families. Veterans with a Veteran ID Card (VIC) or Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) may be admitted at participating museums, but this varies by location. Check with individual museums before visiting.
How to Find Participating Museums
Visit arts.gov/bluestarmuseums for the full list of participating museums. There are participating museums in all 50 states. Examples include:
| Museum | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Appleton Museum of Art | Ocala, FL | Free for active-duty and veterans year-round |
| Tampa Bay History Center | Tampa, FL | Free admission for active-duty and family |
| MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) | Tampa, FL | Free for active-duty and up to five family members |
| Tallahassee Museum | Tallahassee, FL | 14th year participating |
| Deering Estate | Miami, FL | Free admission for active-duty/reserve and up to five family members |
| History of Diving Museum | Islamorada, FL | Free active-duty admission year-round |
Theme Park Military Discounts for Labor Day 2026
Theme parks offer some of the largest dollar savings for military families. Most require tickets to be purchased through Military MWR/ITT offices or verified through ID.me or GovX.
Walt Disney World Military Salute 2026
Disney offers specially priced theme park tickets to active-duty and retired military members. The 2026 Military Salute Special includes:
| Ticket Type | Price (3+ years) |
|---|---|
| 4-Day Park Hopper | $409 |
| Regular 1-10 day Theme Park tickets | Available |
Eligibility: Active-duty or retired military with valid ID or spouse. Limit of 6 tickets per military member.
Blackout dates: March 29 – April 11, 2026 and November 22 – 28, 2026.
Universal Orlando Military Freedom Pass 2026
The Universal Military Freedom Pass starts at $220 per person. Available for active duty, retirees, National Guard, reservists, Coast Guard, spouses of eligible service members, civilian employees, and 100% disabled veterans.
SeaWorld Parks
SeaWorld offers active-duty military and up to three direct dependents one day of free admission per calendar year through the Waves of Honor program. Additional tickets are available at 50% off military discount, with all-day dining options.
Gilroy Gardens (California)
Active-duty military, veterans, and first responders get free admission at Gilroy Gardens. They can also purchase General Admission for up to six family members or friends for $25 each. Show valid ID at the front gate.
Busch Gardens and Sesame Place
Military discounts are available through Military MWR/ITT offices. Sesame Place offers free admission for children under three.
How to Buy Theme Park Military Tickets
Visit your local Military MWR/ITT office or purchase through verified online channels
Bring valid military or retiree ID
Blackout dates apply for major holidays — check the specific park’s military page
Tickets must be purchased by the eligible service member or spouse
Restaurant and Dining Discounts for Labor Day 2026
Restaurant discounts for Labor Day weekend are mostly year-round military offers rather than holiday-specific deals. Many chains offer standing discounts to veterans and active duty with valid ID.
Year-Round Military Restaurant Discounts
| Restaurant | Discount | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outback Steakhouse | 10% Heroes Discount | Active duty, veterans, families | Year-round |
| Bonefish Grill | 10% Heroes Discount | Active duty, veterans, families | Year-round |
| Carrabba’s Italian Grill | 10% Heroes Discount | Active duty, veterans, families | Year-round |
| Dave & Buster’s | 15% off food & non-alcoholic beverages | Military & veterans | Extends to up to four guests |
| The Duck Dive (San Diego) | 20% off | Active duty & veterans | Proof of duty required |
| Osuna Nursery (NM) | 10% off | Military ID | Year-round |
| Pep Boys | 5% off in-store purchases | Active & retired military | Valid military or veteran ID |
| Kohl’s Wisconsin (spa) | 15% off 50-minute services | Military, veterans, first responders | Year-round |
Labor Day Weekend Restaurant Specials
Many restaurants offer Labor Day weekend specials that are not military-specific but are available to everyone. Check local listings for:
Free or discounted appetizers with meal purchase
Kids eat free promotions
Labor Day weekend brunch specials
End-of-summer menu discounts
How to Find Local Restaurant Deals
Call ahead to confirm participation — not all locations participate in chain-wide offers
Bring proof of service (military ID, DD-214, VA card, or photo of DD-214)
Ask specifically about military discounts — many restaurants do not advertise them
Check restaurant apps and loyalty programs for additional savings
Retail Military Discounts for Labor Day 2026
Major retailers offer standing military discounts year-round. Labor Day sales often allow you to stack these discounts with seasonal promotions.
Home Improvement and Appliances
| Retailer | Discount | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | 10% | ID.me or valid military ID |
| Lowe’s | 10% | ID.me or valid military ID |
| Samsung | Up to 30% off | ID.me |
| GE Appliances | 20-30% + free delivery | ID.me |
Clothing and Apparel
| Retailer | Discount | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Nike | 10% | ID.me |
| Adidas | 10-30% off | ID.me |
| Under Armour | 20% | ID.me |
| Famous Footwear | 10% | Valid military ID |
| Finish Line | 10% in-store | Valid military ID |
| Gap | 10% | Valid military ID |
| L.L. Bean | 10% | Valid military ID |
| Lucky Brand | 20% in-store | Valid military ID |
Electronics and Technology
| Retailer | Discount | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Up to $200 off | Military verification |
| Samsung | Up to 30% off | ID.me |
| LG | Up to 30% off | ID.me |
Other Retailers
| Retailer | Discount | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Target | 10% off twice yearly | ID.me |
| Walmart | Varies | Valid military ID |
| Wayfair | Up to 70% off clearance | Military verification |
| Ashley Furniture | Up to 70% off clearance | Military verification |
How to Stack Discounts
Most retailers allow you to combine military discounts with Labor Day sales. For example, you can apply a 10% military discount on top of an already discounted Labor Day sale price. Always ask at checkout whether the military discount can be combined with the current promotion.
Travel Discounts for Labor Day Weekend 2026
Travel offers some of the largest military savings. Many hotels, airlines, and rental car companies offer military rates year-round.
Hotels and Resorts
| Hotel/Resort | Discount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Hawks Cay Resort (FL) | 20% off Best Flexible Rate + 20% off dining | Active military, veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS |
| Most major hotel chains | Government/military rate | Active duty, retirees |
How to book hotel military rates: Book directly on the brand’s website, select the military or government rate, and bring your ID at check-in. Military rates are often lower than AAA or senior rates.
Airlines
The headline airline benefit is usually waived baggage fees rather than discounted fares:
| Airline | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Delta | Free checked bags for active duty (largest allowance when traveling on orders) |
| United | Waived checked-bag fees for active-duty travel |
| American | Free carry-on and checked bags for active-duty members |
Car Rentals
| Company | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Hertz | Dedicated government and military rates (also operates Dollar and Thrifty) |
| Enterprise | Government/military rates available |
| Avis/Budget | Military rates available |
How to Find Travel Deals
Book directly with the hotel, airline, or rental company
Select the military or government rate when booking
Bring your military or veteran ID to check-in
Compare prices — military rates are not always the lowest
Check MWR/ITT offices for discounted theme park tickets and vacation packages
Streaming and Phone Plan Discounts
Streaming services and phone carriers offer year-round military discounts that are worth setting up before Labor Day.
Streaming Services
| Service | Discount | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $67.99/month for 12 months (regular $82.99) | ID.me |
| Peacock | Varies | ID.me |
| Paramount+ | Varies | ID.me |
Phone Carriers
| Carrier | Discount | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | Up to 50% off family plans | Military verification |
| Verizon | Up to $25/month off | Military verification |
| AT&T | Military discounts available | Military verification |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not verifying your status in advance. Set up ID.me and GovX before you shop. Verification can take up to 24 hours, and you do not want to miss a deal because you are waiting for approval.
2. Assuming all locations participate. Not all restaurant or retail locations honor chain-wide military discounts. Call ahead to confirm.
3. Forgetting your documentation. Bring your military ID, DD-214, VA card, or Veteran ID Card. Some retailers accept a photo of your DD-214; others require the physical document.
4. Not asking about stackable discounts. Many retailers allow you to combine military discounts with Labor Day sales. Always ask at checkout.
5. Missing the Blue Star Museums deadline. The program ends on Labor Day, September 7, 2026. If you have not used it yet, plan a museum visit before the deadline.
6. Assuming veterans qualify for all active-duty offers. Some offers — including Blue Star Museums — are primarily for active-duty members and their families. Veterans should check individual museum policies.
7. Not checking MWR/ITT offices for theme park tickets. Military ticket offices often have the lowest prices on theme park admissions. Buying through third-party resellers may cost more.
8. Waiting until the last minute for travel bookings. Labor Day weekend is a popular travel period. Book hotels and rental cars early to secure military rates.
Common Questions
When is Labor Day 2026?
Labor Day 2026 is Monday, September 7, 2026. It is observed on the first Monday in September each year and marks the unofficial end of summer.
Is Labor Day a federal holiday?
Yes. Labor Day is a federal holiday. Federal offices, VA facilities, banks, and most government offices are closed on September 7, 2026.
Do veterans get discounts on Labor Day?
Yes. Many restaurants, retailers, theme parks, and museums offer military and veteran discounts that are available on Labor Day weekend. Most require verification through ID.me or GovX.
What is the Blue Star Museums program?
The Blue Star Museums program offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families at more than 2,000 museums nationwide from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day. In 2026, it ends on September 7. It is a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense.
Do veterans qualify for Blue Star Museums?
The program is primarily for active-duty members and their families. Veterans with a Veteran ID Card (VIC) or Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) may be admitted at participating museums, but this varies by location. Check with individual museums before visiting.
How do I verify my military status for discounts?
Create a free account with ID.me or GovX. You will need your service branch, dates of service, and proof of service (DD-214, military ID, or VA card). Verification is typically instant or completed within 24 hours.
What restaurants offer military discounts on Labor Day?
Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, and Carrabba’s Italian Grill offer a year-round 10% Heroes Discount. Dave & Buster’s offers 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages for military and veterans. Many local restaurants also offer discounts — call ahead to confirm.
What theme parks offer military discounts?
Walt Disney World offers a 2026 Military Salute Special with 4-Day Park Hopper tickets at $409. Universal Orlando offers a Military Freedom Pass starting at $220 per person. SeaWorld offers free admission for active-duty military and up to three dependents once per year. Check your local MWR/ITT office for the best prices.
Do Home Depot and Lowe’s offer military discounts on Labor Day?
Yes. Both Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a 10% military discount year-round, verified through ID.me. The discount applies to most in-store and online purchases and can often be stacked with Labor Day sales.
How do I find local Labor Day military discounts?
Check your local MWR/ITT office, veterans service organizations, and community websites. Many cities and towns publish lists of local Labor Day discounts for veterans. Call ahead to confirm participation and eligibility.
What documents do I need for military discounts?
Most retailers accept a military ID, DD-214, VA Medical Card (VHIC), or Veteran ID Card (VIC). For online discounts, ID.me or GovX verification is usually required. Some retailers accept a photo of your DD-214.
Do military discounts stack with Labor Day sales?
Many retailers allow you to combine military discounts with Labor Day sales. Always ask at checkout whether the military discount can be applied on top of the current promotion.
What streaming services offer military discounts?
YouTube TV offers a verified military discount at $67.99/month for 12 months (regular $82.99) through ID.me. Peacock and Paramount+ also offer military discounts through ID.me verification.
What phone carriers offer military discounts?
T-Mobile offers up to 50% off family plans for military members. Verizon offers up to $25/month off. AT&T offers military discounts. All require military verification.
Is the Blue Star Museums program free?
Yes. The Blue Star Museums program provides free admission to active-duty military personnel and up to five family members at more than 2,000 museums nationwide. There is no cost to participate.
Key Takeaways
Labor Day 2026 is Monday, September 7 — the last day to use the Blue Star Museums program for free museum admission.
Blue Star Museums offers free admission to active-duty military and up to five family members at 2,000+ museums nationwide through Labor Day.
ID.me and GovX verification unlocks discounts at hundreds of brands. Set up accounts before you shop.
Home Depot and Lowe’s offer 10% military discounts year-round, often stackable with Labor Day sales.
Walt Disney World Military Salute tickets start at $409 for a 4-Day Park Hopper; Universal Military Freedom Pass starts at $220.
SeaWorld offers free admission for active-duty military and up to three dependents once per calendar year.
Outback, Bonefish Grill, and Carrabba’s offer year-round 10% Heroes Discounts. Dave & Buster’s offers 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.
YouTube TV offers military discount at $67.99/month for 12 months through ID.me.
Most discounts require valid military or veteran ID. Bring documentation or have ID.me/GovX ready.
Labor Day is a federal holiday — VA facilities and federal offices are closed on September 7, 2026.
Official Resources
Blue Star Museums — arts.gov/bluestarmuseums
GovX — govx.com
SheerID — sheerid.com
Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988, then press 1; or text 838255
VA OIG — vaoig.gov or 1-800-488-8244
Military OneSource — militaryonesource.mil
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