Minnesota Freebies & Deals for Federal Employees during Government Shutdown

If you’re a federal employee affected by the government shutdown, you are understandably frustrated and anxious to get your paychecks back again.

This may not be much consolation, but there are some freebies being offered around town right now – just for you and your family! Might as well take what you can get, right?

Movies & Attractions

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

This theater in Woodbury is offering all federal employees free movies throughout the month of January to help cure the Government Shutdown blues on Mondays through Thursdays. Government employees affected by the shutdown are eligible for one free ticket per day with the presentation of a federal ID at the box office. The free ticket is only for the federal employee — no guests. The free movie ticket is valid for any new or current release and cannot be used for any specialty programming (Advance Screenings, Movie Parties, etc.).

Harlem Globetrotters (NEW)

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters announced that the team is offering complimentary game tickets to any U.S. government employee currently on furlough to the 2019 Fan Powered North American tour. There are shows in Minnesota in March. Hopefully the shutdown ends before then (sigh) but you can try to get tickets now.

Science Museum of Minnesota

Starting January 15th, the Science Museum of Minnesota is offering furloughed federal employees free combination exhibit gallery and Omnitheater admission for themselves and up to three guests. Federal employees just need to bring and show their badge.

Right now, enjoy “Omnifest” with five visitor favorites on the big screen:

Journey to Space
National Parks Adventure
Ring of Fire
The Greatest Places
Tornado Alley

AND – even if you’re not a federal employee – you can get up to 4 FREE KIDS ADMISSIONS with each paid adult admission for their four-part Science Fusion event series on Saturdays from January 12th – February 2nd!

Minnesota Children’s Museum

Minnesota Children’s Museum is offering FREE admission to federal employees affected by the government shutdown. During this shutdown, please show your government ID at the box office to receive this free admission offer for you and your family. Come enjoy a day of play. (Also – EVERY DAY everyone can enjoy $2 off per admission online when you use my code TCFM.)

Minnesota Orchestra

The Minnesota Orchestra just announced that furloughed federal government employees are eligible for two complimentary tickets to attend a Minnesota Orchestra concert of their choice. Concerts included in the offer are all Classical, Symphony in 60 and Inside the Classics concerts through June 2019 (subject to availability).

To get the tickets, you must reserve them before Thursday, February 28, 2019, online or by phone at 612-371-5656, using the promo code FEDERAL. A government issued ID is required when picking up tickets at the Box Office. More info here.

Twin City Model Railroad Museum

On Friday, January 18th, only any furloughed Federal employees and their immediate families can visit the museum for FREE from 10-3.

The Walker Art Center

The Walker Art Center is offering furloughed federal government employees c omp limentary gallery admission. Valid for general admission and all exhibitions currently on view, and throughout the duration of the federal government shutdown. A government issued ID is required when purchasing tickets at the Walker Box Office.

Food Deals

Afro Deli

Afro Deli is providing complimentary meals to federal government employees working without pay or laid off as a result of the ongoing government shutdown. Afro Deli will serve any adult with a federal government ID a complimentary entree from 11am to 3pm every day until the shutdown ends. (There are locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul.)

Brake Bread

Get a free loaf of bread. Located in St. Paul.

Fazoli’s

At participating Fazoli’s locations, starting on Jan. 7, Fazoli’s invites furloughed federal government employees with a valid ID to come in for FREE Pizza Baked Spaghetti with the purchase of a drink. (There is a location in Rochester,MN.) -Thanks, Hannah!

Funky Grits

All Federal Government employees working in the Twin Cities area that are affected by the government shutdown are welcome to dine at Funky Grits and will receive 50% OFF THEIR ENTIRE ORDER. Please show staff reasonable credentials (i.e. badge, card). They are located at 805 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55407.

Great Harvest Bread Company (NEW)

More than 50 locations nationwide are offering free bread to federal employees impacted by the partial government shutdown. There is one participating location in Minnesota – Rochester.

The Herbivorous Butcher

Government employees are welcome to take 20% off our vegan meats and cheeses when you stop into the shop and show your ID during the shutdown.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop (NEW)

From Wednesday, January 23rd to Sunday, January 27th, Federal Government employees get BOGO entrees nationwide. Just show your ID.

Punch Bowl Minneapolis

As a gesture of support to the estimated 800,000 federal employees and their families personally impacted across the nation, including those in the Twin Cities, Punch Bowl Social Minneapolis is offering a 25% discount on all food, beverages and games to any federal government employee until the shutdown is over. – Thanks, Monica!

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

For every day the government shutdown is in effect, Macaroni Grill is offering all furloughed federal government employees a free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti. All you have to do is show your federal ID. (Valid through 1/23/19 or until the Government shutdown ends, with valid federal ID. Valid 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Not valid at airport or international locations.)

Services

Uptown Salon

If you’re a government employee not getting paid because of the shutdown, for a limited time, they’re offering FREE men’s and women’s cuts. Call to book an appointment. 1221 W Lake Street, Ste 108, Minneapolis,. (612) 724-2444 – Thanks, Hannah!

National Freebies –

Learn a New Language

Rosetta Stone is offering affected workers a free 3-month subscription. (Or, of course, you could just check out some books and CDs at the library.)

Other Assistance

Major cellular carriers are waiving late-fees for furloughed workers, and banks are offering mortgage assistance and low-interest loans. Check with yours! Here’s a list with some assistance programs.

Deals for Everybody

Of course, you can also check out Ice Castles right now in Excelsior, and use my coupon code TCFrugal19 to save 15%!

Or visit the Crayola Experience with my exclusive discount to get the lowest possible price of $13.99 per ticket!

View my full Twin Cities Discount Guide for Families for more deals.