Past Restaurant Freebies Tied to International Talk Like a Pirate Day

International Talk Like a Pirate Day, observed on September 19, has been associated with promotional free food offers from certain restaurant chains in prior years. Reports from news and blog sources detail in-person freebies available to participants who either spoke in pirate lingo or wore pirate attire at participating locations. These promotions occurred sporadically, with participation varying by year and brand. Krispy Kreme locations offered free doughnuts in earlier years but ceased involvement by 2017. Long John Silver's provided fish, chicken, or dessert items in select years, including 2016 and 2018. No ongoing or mail-in programs are described in the sources. Additionally, Krispy Kreme Rewards signup yields a free doughnut coupon, independent of the holiday.

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Promotions

Krispy Kreme participated in International Talk Like a Pirate Day promotions in years prior to 2017. Customers who wore pirate costumes, accessories, or spoke like a pirate received up to one dozen free doughnuts from participating locations. A three-piece pirate costume, such as an eye patch, pirate hat, and vest, qualified for a dozen free doughnuts, as reported in one account from before 2016.

Participation ended by 2016 or earlier in some reports. In 2017 and 2018, Krispy Kreme confirmed via Twitter no holiday-related promotions. A customer service representative verified no promotions for September 19, 2019. The chain once offered a specialty doughnut for the occasion.

Separately, enrollment in Krispy Kreme Rewards provides a coupon for one free doughnut of choice, available via signup.

Long John Silver's Fish and Chicken Offers

Long John Silver's offered free items on International Talk Like a Pirate Day in multiple years. In 2016, speaking like a pirate earned a free piece of battered and fried Alaskan whitefish or chicken. Wearing a pirate costume qualified for a free two-piece basket, consisting of two pieces of chicken or fish, a choice of side, and two hushpuppies.

In 2018, talking like a pirate secured a free deep-fried Twinkie. Dressing like a pirate provided a free Fish and Fry. Earlier reports mention free fried fish for pirate speech or a free two-piece fish basket for at least three pieces of pirate costume.

These offers were available all day on September 19 at participating restaurants.

Other Reported Freebies and Resources

Non-food freebies linked to the day include educational materials. Free pirate-themed homeschool lesson plans, covering pirate lore and vocabulary with digital activities, were available from The Homeschool Mom. Super Coloring provided free pirate coloring pages. Libraries hosted local events, though specifics varied by location.

Music education resources featured a free "I'm a Pirate" song and dance package with Orff arrangements, MP3 tracks, sheet music, teaching pages, and rhythm practice for grades K-6. Amazon offered free pirate e-books for Kindle or Audible, such as "Hook: Dead to Rights."

Eligibility and Participation Notes

Offers required in-person visits to participating locations on September 19. Qualification involved demonstrating pirate speech or attire, with definitions varying: pirate words and phrases, three costume pieces, or general dressing up. Availability was not nationwide or guaranteed at all stores. Reports stem from news articles and blogs, with some details confirmed via customer service or social media but lacking direct official brand landing pages.

No purchase requirements are mentioned for these freebies. Promotions were limited to specific years and not repeated annually.

Conclusion

The source materials describe time-limited, in-store food freebies from Krispy Kreme and Long John Silver's for International Talk Like a Pirate Day in years up to 2018, requiring pirate-themed participation. Krispy Kreme Rewards offers a standalone free doughnut coupon via signup. Educational digital freebies provide supplementary options. Current availability cannot be confirmed from the data, as promotions ceased for Krispy Kreme by 2017 and details are historical.

Sources

1. IBTimes: Talk Pirate Day 2019
2. NBC Washington: Freebies in September 2017
3. Drugstore Divas: Krispy Kreme Free Doughnuts Talk Like a Pirate Day
4. Brand Eating: Dress Like a Pirate at Long John Silver's
5. Sing Play Create: Talk Like a Pirate Resources
6. AL.com: Talk Like a Pirate Day 2018