This trend of “national days” is getting a little out of hand. “National nylon stocking day” or “national bring flowers to someone day”, when does it end? But…if you can use these national days to get yummy free treats like doughnuts, ice cream, or coffee, maybe they aren’t such a silly thing. With that in mind, I did the painstaking research to find a bunch of restaurants and eateries that happily hand out free treats throughout the year. Enjoy.

January 19th – National Popcorn Day

AMC Theatres: AMC gives away a free small popcorn to AMC Stubs members.

Regal Cinemas: Similar to AMC, Regal offers a free popcorn for their loyalty club members.

Cinemark Theatres: They often run promotions for National Popcorn Day that might include discounts or a free small popcorn for rewards members.

Popcorn Shops: Specialty popcorn shops like Popcornopolis or local gourmet popcorn shops might offer buy-one-get-one deals or discounts on their products.

See Also: 50+ Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free (Broken Down by Day)

February 6th – National Frozen Yogurt Day

Yogurtland: Score a FREE frozen yogurt with toppings during a specified time on National Frozen Yogurt Day. You’ll need to bring your own cup.

Menchie’s: Menchie’s frequently celebrates by offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on frozen yogurt.

TCBY: Traditionally, TCBY offers the first few ounces of frozen yogurt for free to each customer who visits on this day.

16 Handles: If you have a 16 Handles near you, they usually provide customers with a free limited amount of frozen yogurt if you have their loyalty app downloaded.

February 9th – National Bagel Day

Einstein Bros. Bagels: They offer a free bagel and shmear with any purchase. Be sure to join their rewards program or check their website to confirm the exact offer for the year.

Bruegger’s Bagels: Bruegger’s celebrates National Bagel Day by giving away a free bagel with cream cheese to any customer who visits their stores. Gotta download their app to qualify.

Noah’s NY Bagels: Similar to Einstein Bros., since they are part of the same parent company, Noah’s usually offers a promotion like a free bagel and shmear with purchase.

Dunkin’: While known for donuts, Dunkin’ has participated in National Bagel Day by offering discounts or promotions on their bagels.

February 9th – National Pizza Day

Domino’s: Domino’s often celebrates National Pizza Day with promotions like one large two-topping carryout pizza for only $5.99.

Pizza Hut: Look for deals like large pizzas at reduced prices, or promotional combos that include sides and drinks.

Papa John’s: This chain participates with offers like a percentage off your order or special pricing on specific pizzas.

Little Caesars: Known for value, Little Caesars often offers a new menu item on National Pizza Day or a special deal on their classic Hot-N-Ready range.

Blaze Pizza: Blaze Pizza has been known to offer promotions through their app, like discounts on pizzas or upgrades to larger sizes for the price of a smaller one.

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK): CPK always features a new or specialty pizza for National Pizza Day, often at a discounted price.

March 14th – International Pi Day

Blaze Pizza: In 2024 they offered any 11-inch pizza for only $3.14.

Domino’s: Look for Pi Day specials like discounted pizza or buy-one-get-one deals on certain pizza orders.

Pizza Hut: Offers may include discounts on large pizzas or special Pi Day combo deals.

Papa John’s: Expect promotions like a percentage off your total order or special pricing for various pizza sizes.

Whole Foods: In past years, Whole Foods has offered $3.14 off select bakery pies and even discounts on large pies from their deli.

Marie Callender’s: This restaurant and bakery often celebrates Pi Day by offering a free slice of pie with the purchase of an entrée.

See Also: Over 50 Places Where Students Get a Sweet Student Discount

April 6th – National Burrito Day

Chipotle Mexican Grill – Chipotle has been known to offer deals such as $5 burritos or buy-one-get-one-free offers on National Burrito Day.

Qdoba Mexican Eats – Qdoba celebrates by offering rewards members points or deals like buy-one-get-one-free on burritos.

Moe’s Southwest Grill – Moe’s usually offers specials like $5 burritos.

Del Taco – Look for deals at Del Taco like discounted burritos or special prices on combo meals.

El Pollo Loco – El Pollo Loco often participates with buy-one-get-one deals on their signature burritos, especially for those who are part of their Loco Rewards program.

Taco Bell – While Taco Bell’s promotions vary, they sometimes offer special deals on their burritos, accessible via their app.

April 26th – National Pretzel Day

Auntie Anne’s – Auntie Anne’s typically celebrates by handing out free pretzels.

Wetzel’s Pretzels – Wetzel’s Pretzels gives away free pretzels on National Pretzel Day with no purchase necessary. 

Philly Pretzel Factory – Philly Pretzel Factory has traditionally handed out one free pretzel to each customer who visits on April 26th

Pretzelmaker – Customers at Pretzelmaker may need to join a loyalty program or download an app to receive their free pretzel.

Snyder’s of Hanover – While not a restaurant, snack brands like Snyder’s of Hanover often celebrates with special promotions, contests, or social media giveaways.

May 5th – Cinco de Mayo

Moe’s Southwest Grill: Moe’s offers a freebie for their first 50 customers.

Baja Fresh: They throw out freebies like a free churro or free chips and guac with purchase.

May 28th – National Burger Day

Dairy Queen: Score a free burger when you buy a milkshake.

Burger King: Burger King may offer special pricing on their signature Whopper or other popular burgers, often available through their mobile app.

Wendy’s: Check out Wendy’s for special deals on their burgers, which might include a discount or a combo deal promoted via their app.

Red Robin: Known for gourmet burgers, Red Robin often celebrates with discounts on select burgers or a special burger menu.

Applebee’s: They might feature a special price on their burger lineup or a new burger specifically for the occasion.

Shake Shack: Look for limited-time offerings or unique creations just for National Burger Day.

Five Guys: While not typically offering discounts, keep an eye out as they might surprise with a special promotion for the day.

See Also: Five Guys Secret Menu: Time to Take Your Burger Game to New Levels

First Friday in June: National Donut Day

Krispy Kreme – Krispy Kreme typically goes all out for National Donut Day, offering each customer a free doughnut of their choice, no purchase necessary.

Dunkin’ – Dunkin’ usually celebrates by giving away a free classic doughnut with the purchase of any beverage.

Tim Hortons – In the past, Tim Hortons has offered a free doughnut with any purchase to app users.

LaMar’s Donuts – LaMar’s Donuts gives away one free doughnut to each visitor—no strings attached. They often exclude specialty doughnuts, but the selection is still generous.

Shipley Do-Nuts – Shipley Do-Nuts typically offers a free glazed doughnut with any purchase during the morning hours.

July 11th – Free Slurpee Day

7-Eleven: On July 11, you can snag your free Slurpee from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at any participating 7-Eleven store.

Third Sunday in July: National Ice Cream Day

Baskin-Robbins – In 2023, they offered a week long coupon for $5 off your $20+ purchase, decent little discount when you take the family out for ice cream.

Dairy Queen – Dairy Queen offers a small discount or a special promotion such as a buy-one-get-one-free Blizzard. Check their app or social media for specific deals.

Ben & Jerry’s – While Ben & Jerry’s free cone day is a separate event, they often participate with unique promotions, which may include discounts or free toppings.

Cold Stone Creamery – Cold Stone offers deals like a buy-one-get-one-free creation or discounts on pre-packed ice cream. Joining their rewards program can provide additional savings or exclusive offers.

Third Wednesday in July: National Hot Dog Day

Sonic Drive-In – Sonic often celebrates with special pricing, such as $1 hot dogs or buy-one-get-one-free deals.

7-Eleven – 7-Eleven typically offers a deal on their Big Bite hot dogs, such as $1 hot dogs or a similar discounted rate, available throughout the day.

Wienerschnitzel – Wienerschnitzel frequently participates with significant discounts like five chili dogs for $5, or a free hot dog with a purchase if you download their app.

Nathan’s Famous – In past years, Nathan’s Famous has celebrated by offering hot dogs for just 5 cents, mimicking their original price back in 1916, though such promotions may be limited to the first few customers.

See Also: The Ultimate List of Birthday Rewards & Freebies

August 24th – National Waffle Day

Waffle House – Waffle House, a staple for waffle lovers, often celebrates with discounted or free waffles.

IHOP – Get special pricing or a buy-one-get-one deal on their Belgian waffle plates.

Jamba Juice: They offer sweet Belgian waffles for just $1.00.

White Castle: Score a free Belgian waffle sandwich with any order.

September 29th: National Coffee Day

Dutch Bros: Last year they offered a really cool “Drink More Coffee” hat at all 750+ locations. Buy the hat and get ANY drink of your choice for FREE.

Krispy Kreme: They’ll give you ANY size hot or ice coffee for FREE.

My Sheetz: Hands out a free latte when you order through the app.

Peet’s Coffee: They offer all customers a FREE medium drip coffee.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Score a free 16 oz. hot or ice coffee with a food or bakery purchase.

Dunkin’: They offer a BOGO deal on all coffee drinks.

Starbucks: In the past they’ve offered free coffee on September 29th.

See Also: Take Your Coffee to the Next Level with the Dutch Bros Secret Menu

October 28th: National Chocolate Day

Godiva – They typically celebrate National Chocolate Day with a free piece of chocolate in-store.

Lindt – Lindt always offers customers a free gift with purchase when shopping on their website.

Ghirardelli – Look for a discount on special bundles from Ghirardelli, particularly on their premium chocolate squares and gift baskets.

November 16: National Fast Food Day

McDonald’s – McDonald’s might offer discounts on popular items like Big Macs or special promotions through their mobile app, such as buy-one-get-one-free deals or dollar menu specials.

Burger King – Look for Burger King to potentially offer special pricing on their Whopper sandwiches or meal combos.

Wendy’s – Wendy’s may celebrate with special deals accessible through their app, like discounted Frostys, burgers, or a free item with purchase.

Taco Bell – Taco Bell typically runs promotions like discounted tacos or special combo deals.

KFC – Expect deals at KFC such as discounted buckets or special pricing on combo meals. These promotions are often advertised in-store and online.

Chick-fil-A – While Chick-fil-A is less known for major promotions, they might offer app-exclusive deals or special menu items for National Fast Food Day.

Arby’s – Arby’s frequently participates with offers such as discounted sandwiches or special deals on their classic roast beef or curly fries.

Ask the Reader: Am I missing any restaurants or eateries that hand out freebies on “National” days? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James