Summer Solstice 2025 How To Claim The Days Best Freebies Deals And Offer Details

The official start of summer in 2025 arrives with the summer solstice on Friday, June 20, widely recognized as the longest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere. This seasonal milestone has become a touchpoint for food and retail brands to mark the occasion with targeted offers. While some of the most visible celebrations are food-forward—such as free appetizers, pints of ice cream, or promotional codes—most are delivered through digital channels, including mobile apps, membership programs, and specific coupon pages. The following overview consolidates the key freebies and deals supported by the available sources, alongside practical guidance on how to claim them and what to keep in mind before heading out.

Availability windows, redemptions, and limits

Across sources, the date range most often cited is June 20 through June 22. A few offers carry broader timeframes and extended participation dates, such as Casey’s ongoing Friday free frozen drink program from May through August, Gopuff’s rainy Friday Lemonhead rope distribution through August 29, and Krispy Kreme’s summer-themed coupon window that spans June 18 through July 20. To avoid missed opportunities, it is prudent to check the relevant app or promotional page for the exact timing and store participation before heading out, since many brands tie freebies to in-app coupons, rewards accounts, or store-level availability.

Several offers specify app-based redemption or membership requirements. In particular, CAVA, Cinnabon, Dutch Bros, Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, White Castle, Friendly’s, and Krispy Kreme reference app usage or loyalty account participation as part of the coupon or code application. Others, such as Casey’s, set terms through their rewards program and impose limits by day and across the program. CAVA explicitly states that its free pita chips can be claimed without a purchase, provided the consumer is a CAVA Rewards member and the reward is redeemed in the app on June 20. Casey’s reward, by contrast, has a limit of four free medium frozen drinks per rewards member per Friday in May through August, and availability is limited to select stores.

Regional exclusions are a notable feature. Kroger’s free ice cream pint offer, for example, is available to shoppers beginning at 12 PM local time on June 20 but explicitly excludes California, Colorado, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Nevada. Gopuff and Lemonhead’s free Lemonhead ropes are distributed between 1 and 8 PM Eastern Time on qualifying rainy Fridays in select markets, with the promotion running through August 29. Edible Arrangements offers a free smoothie at select stores from June 16 to June 21; confirmation of participating locations and scheduling should be handled through the brand’s app.

The most common gating mechanisms include: - Download and use the brand’s app to claim a digital coupon. - Join the brand’s loyalty or rewards program. - Redeem an in-app reward, promo code, or QR code at checkout. - Make a qualifying purchase (price thresholds, specific products, or minimum spend).

Because the specific mechanics differ by brand, it is helpful to understand the steps ahead of time: verify the app download, confirm account registration, locate the offer in the coupons or wallet section, and ensure the code is applied correctly during checkout. For some offers, a staff member will present a code or QR at the register; for others, the user must show the app or provide a code printed at home.

Brands offering freebies and notable deals (core list and specifics)

CAVA: CAVA Rewards members can claim a free order of pita chips—either Classic or Hot Harissa—on June 20, with no purchase necessary. The reward is tied to the app, and joining the CAVA Rewards program precedes redemption. The brand has emphasized both flavors as available for the celebration, so consumers looking for a quick appetizer as part of the solstice menu will have a clear option without a spending requirement (Source 1, 2, 5, 6).

Casey’s: Casey’s Rewards members can redeem a free medium frozen drink every Friday from May through August. The program caps usage at four per member per Friday, and it is available at select stores. Because this is an ongoing benefit rather than a one-day event, shoppers interested in extending savings through the summer may use the same app-based workflow each week, subject to program limits (Source 1, 2).

Dairy Queen: The Oreo Dirt Pie Blizzard returns on June 20, with ordering handled through the DQ App. While the treat’s return is confirmed, the sources do not specify an in-app coupon, pricing, or additional conditions for redemption beyond app-based ordering (Source 1, 2).

Dutch Bros: On June 20, a free crazy straw is available with the purchase of a medium or large drink starting at 3 PM. The offer requires app-based redemption, with the brand’s loyalty program facilitating the coupon or proof needed at checkout (Source 1, 2).

Cinnabon: A free Cinnabon x Mini Brands Foodies pack is offered with the purchase of a 4-count BonBite from June 20 to June 22. The offer is facilitated through the app, and the coupon conditions and product details are provided on the promotional page (Source 1, 2).

Beyond Juicery + Eatery: Through Beyond Rewards, a free color-changing cup is available with the purchase of any 20-ounce beverage. This is both a celebration tie-in and a tangible perk for anyone looking for a reusable item in their cup collection. Joining Beyond Rewards precedes redemption, and the purchase must meet the size requirement to qualify (Source 1, 2).

Checkers & Rally’s: A $4 summer solstice combo is available that includes a Cheese Double or Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Famous Seasoned Fries, a 12-ounce drink, and a Cinnamon Apple Pie. While this is a value proposition rather than a no-cost freebie, it is a strong solstice offer for a complete meal and likely positioned as a time-limited limited-time offer (Source 5).

Pizza Hut: Hut Rewards members can pick up a free large 1-topping pizza from participating locations through June 22 to celebrate the solstice. To qualify, customers must spend $7.99 online or in the Pizza Hut app. This sets a clear price threshold for the free item, and the brand references participating locations only, implying some geographic variability (Source 6).

White Castle: Customers can use code SUMMER to buy one shake and get one free from June 20 to June 22 online and through Craver Nations Rewards. The offer is attached to a valid code and applicable within the designated window, and it does not specify an in-store redemption path, emphasizing the digital channel instead. The brand also notes other summer promotions, such as BOGO Double Cheese Sliders from June 1 to June 30 and a six Original Sliders for $4 offer running throughout the summer, but those are outside the solstice window and not central to this article’s focus (Source 6).

Kroger: Starting at 12 PM local time on June 20, shoppers can claim one of 92,000 digital coupons on the Kroger website and redeem it for a free pint of ice cream. The coupon can be used on Kroger brand ice creams, including flavors from the company’s new Summer in a Pint collection. The offer excludes California, Colorado, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Nevada. The coupon timing and quantity limits are central to successful redemption, and the app or account sign-in may be required for web-based claiming (Source 7).

Krispy Kreme: On the solstice and through the summer period, Krispy Kreme is offering $2 off the price of a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts with the purchase of any dozen, plus a chance to win free doughnuts for a year. The offer is available through the KK App, and the coupon window runs from June 18 to July 20. While not a no-cost giveaway, it is a value-driven deal that can yield significant savings for a family or gathering (Source 2, 4).

Baskin-Robbins: App-based discounted scoops are available for $1.99 through the Parent Pass for Rewards members. The mention of a coupon for discounted scoops positions this as a savings-focused benefit rather than a fully free item. The mechanics rely on the BR App and the brand’s rewards system, with the Parent Pass functioning as the special coupon (Source 2, 4).

Friendly’s: Friendly’s Rewards members have an App Wallet Drop for a free scoop or cone on June 20. This is a straightforward app-based claim that requires account status and checking the in-app wallet for the drop. Because the claim is tied to the wallet and redemption day, users should confirm timing and availability before heading to a restaurant (Source 2, 4).

Chicken Salad Chick: A $1 off Maui Mama salad sandwich is available for dine-in only. While not a free item, the discount is still material for a quick summer lunch. The dine-in limitation is an important caveat, so those planning takeout or delivery should verify the conditions before visiting (Source 2).

Kroger: The independent listing confirms details consistent with the Kroger free ice cream pint offer, including timing, quantity, and participating product lines. Because the brand’s retail footprint is widespread, cross-checking store-level availability and coupon inventory in advance is advisable (Source 2, 7).

Frazil: Free slushies are available every Friday in June in-store only, with no app required. This is a simple, non-app redemption path, but the offer is limited to store-level participation and weekly Fridays. For those planning around the solstice weekend, Frazil’s program is a useful add-on to other app-based claims (Source 2).

Edible Arrangements: A free smoothie is offered at select stores from June 16 to June 21. The brand’s app is the primary path for checking store participation, so consumers should verify locations and claim timing in the app before heading out. As a multi-day offer, it allows for more flexible scheduling than single-day promotions (Source 2).

Gopuff and Lemonhead: On rainy summer Fridays from June 20 through August 29, Gopuff will deliver free Lemonhead Ropes between 1 and 8 PM Eastern Time in select markets across the country while supplies last. To check eligibility, the brand directs consumers to visit a specified website. This type of weather-contingent offer requires attention to the forecast, market coverage, and time window, making it more situational than static freebies (Source 2, 5).

Costco: Members can save big on summer essentials from June 18 to July 20. While Costco’s program is discount-oriented rather than free, it is positioned for seasonal savings and may be relevant for bulk purchases ahead of the summer. The timeframe is notably longer than the solstice weekend, providing a multi-week window for members to plan purchases (Source 2).

Chicken Salad Chick (dine-in), Krispy Kreme, and Kroger: The predicted lists for 2026 are relevant for future planning but not central to 2025 offers. They illustrate the likelihood of similar freebies and deals in subsequent years without confirming current availability or redemption mechanics (Source 4).

A note on promotional intensity: The sources collectively emphasize summer solstice and early-summer promotions more than traditional free samples or mail-in programs. While this period includes many food-related value propositions, the specific mechanics of loyalty apps, coupon pages, and reward drops drive the majority of redemptions. For consumers who want to minimize friction, focusing on one or two apps with clear workflows (e.g., CAVA, Casey’s, Kroger) is the most efficient strategy.

Step-by-step guide to claiming app-based freebies and offers

Begin by confirming which brands you plan to visit. For each, download the brand’s app, register or log in to the loyalty program, and check the coupons or wallet section for the solstice-related offer. Some brands will show a limited-time banner for the solstice; others will distribute a one-time drop that must be claimed. For offers that require a code, copy the code into the app’s redemption field and wait for confirmation. Many in-app offers apply a digital coupon to the account, which is then presented to staff at checkout or used online.

For regional and store-specific offers, the best practice is to check whether your local store participates before you head out. Kroger’s free ice cream pint, for example, requires checking both the coupon claim time (starting at 12 PM local time) and store coverage, as certain states are excluded. Similarly, Gopuff and Lemonhead’s rainy Friday benefit relies on market selection, a weather forecast check, and a strict time window, all of which should be verified before planning a delivery.

Finally, consider timing around the peak. Several offers are single-day claims, such as CAVA’s free pita chips and Friendly’s free scoop drop, both of which must be claimed on June 20. For multi-day windows, like Cinnabon’s June 20 to June 22 packaging deal or White Castle’s shake code, there is more flexibility, but demand is likely to be high at the start of the promotion. Claiming early in the window reduces the risk of a coupon inventory depletion or a sold-out item.

Chains with dine-in or in-store restrictions

Some offers carry dine-in or in-store limitations, so plan accordingly. Chicken Salad Chick’s $1 off Maui Mama salad is dine-in only, which is a critical detail for anyone considering a takeout or delivery order. Frazil’s free slushies every Friday in June are explicitly in-store only, meaning they do not apply to third-party delivery orders or mobile orders placed for pickup. Always double-check whether the offer is limited to dine-in to avoid arriving at a location that cannot honor the promotion under your desired ordering method.

Regional nuances and time windows

A recurring theme across the offers is the interplay of geography, store selection, and the app or coupon page. Gopuff’s distribution between 1 and 8 PM Eastern Time makes the local forecast central to eligibility, and the brand’s site is provided for checking qualification. Kroger’s exclusion of several states requires an alternative plan for those in California, Colorado, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Nevada. Several offers use “select stores” or “participating locations” language, implying that coverage is not universal even within a brand’s network. For multi-location brands, verifying store participation through the app is a worthwhile first step.

Complementary value deals outside of free items

While freebies are the focus, a few value deals are strong enough to warrant mention. Pizza Hut’s free large 1-topping pizza comes with a spend requirement of $7.99, and the window runs through June 22. Checkers & Rally’s $4 solstice combo bundles a sandwich, fries, drink, and dessert, and is a good option for budget-conscious meals that still feel celebratory. Krispy Kreme’s $2-off deal with any dozen purchase plus a year-of-doughnuts sweepstakes entry is a strong family or office purchase that can be paired with solstice freebies in a cohesive plan. The key is to match the spend requirement, window, and any app-based code to the intended order method and store participation.

Practical tips to maximize value without unnecessary friction

A practical approach is to consolidate claims by app ecosystem and location. For example, if a trip to a shopping center includes CAVA and a Kroger grocery stop, sequence the CAVA reward claim first to confirm the in-app coupon and then plan a Kroger ice cream stop before 12 PM local time to avoid any timing missteps. For those with multiple brand apps, take a few minutes to check the wallet or coupon sections the night before the solstice to secure the drop and ensure that account details (e.g., phone number, email) are updated for notifications.

For families with children, a blended plan might include a free scoop at Friendly’s (if available locally), a discounted treat at Baskin-Robbins through the Parent Pass coupon, and a salty snack from CAVA’s free pita chips. For gatherings, a Krispy Kreme “any dozen” purchase with $2 off can anchor dessert, with white Castle’s shake code providing a beverage special across two days. The simplest plan is to avoid multiple redemptions at once, especially in-store, to limit the risk of misapplied coupons or missing QR codes.

Frequently asked details for clarity

Several questions surface repeatedly: Do I need to be in the store to claim the free item? In most cases, yes—especially for CAVA’s free pita chips, Friendly’s free scoop, and Frazil’s slushies. Are there quantity limits? Yes, and they vary. Casey’s caps at four per rewards member per Friday, while Kroger’s 92,000 coupons are finite. Is a purchase always required? Not always. CAVA’s free pita chips are explicitly “no purchase necessary” for Rewards members on June 20, while offers like Cinnabon’s free Mini Brands pack require purchasing a 4-count BonBite, and Pizza Hut’s free pizza requires a minimum spend. Do codes always need to be entered online? No. Some are for in-store scanning, some are for in-app redemption, and some are for order-ahead flows, such as White Castle’s shake code.

Editorial note on prediction-based content

Some lists in the source materials present predicted deals for 2026 rather than confirmed 2025 offers. While these can be helpful for trend spotting, they should not be conflated with current redemption details. The focus of this article is the 2025 solstice and the confirmed offers outlined in the sources listed below.

Conclusion

Summer solstice 2025 offers a concentrated set of freebies and value deals delivered primarily through app-based systems and loyalty programs. The most straightforward no-cost claims on June 20 include CAVA’s free pita chips for Rewards members, Friendly’s free scoop or cone via an App Wallet Drop, and Edible Arrangements’ free smoothie at select stores (June 16–21). Multi-day freebies and value deals extend into June 22, such as Cinnabon’s free Mini Brands pack with a BonBite purchase and White Castle’s buy-one-get-one shakes using the SUMMER code. Kroger’s free ice cream pint coupon begins at 12 PM local time, but exclusions apply. Casey’s provides an ongoing Friday free frozen drink benefit from May through August with program limits, and Gopuff’s Lemonhead rope distribution is tied to rainy Fridays through August 29. To maximize value, verify app downloads, claim coupon drops early, check store participation, and plan around the stated time windows.

Sources

1. The Freebie Guy – Summer Solstice Freebies & Deals 2025
2. Freebie Mom – First Day of Summer Freebies & Hot Deals — June 20, 2025
3. Your Thrifty BFF – Summer Freebies
4. The Krazy Coupon Lady – First Day of Summer Deals
5. Today – Summer Solstice Food Deals 2025
6. USA Today – Summer solstice 2025 deals and free food
7. The Independent – First day of summer 2025: Best freebies and deals