Free Solar Eclipse 2024 Promotions And Freebies Across The Us

The Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024, brought a rare and exciting event for U.S. consumers, and many brands seized the opportunity to offer special promotions, limited-time freebies, and unique products. From fast food deals and eclipse-themed beverages to special retail offers and educational materials, the eclipse inspired a wide range of promotional activities. This article compiles verified promotions and free samples available during this event, based on information provided by official brand websites, verified promotional landing pages, and press releases.

Free Eclipse Glasses and Safety Supplies

For a safe viewing experience, many brands offered free or discounted solar eclipse glasses. These glasses are essential for protecting eyes during the eclipse and are certified to meet ISO standards for solar viewing.

• 7-Eleven (via 7NOW Gold Pass): Gold Pass members were eligible for a free pair of solar eclipse glasses with any order placed between now and April 8. This offer was valid at 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations.
• Warby Parker: From April 1 to April 8, Warby Parker offered free solar eclipse glasses at all store locations (up to two pairs per family, while supplies lasted). If glasses were unavailable, customers received a pinhole projector for safe viewing.
• Smoothie King: Customers who purchased the Eclipse Berry Blitz smoothie received free eclipse glasses with their purchase, as part of a special offer through April 8.
• Walmart: Walmart provided solar eclipse glasses in family packs at a reduced price, making it an accessible option for those looking to prepare for the event.

Fast Food and Restaurant Promotions

Numerous fast food and restaurant chains participated in the eclipse with special deals, free items, and limited-time promotions.

• Burger King (Royal Perks Members): Members could text ECLIPSE to 251251 on April 8 to receive a buy-one-get-one-free Whopper deal, valid from April 8 to April 15.
• Wendy’s: Through the Wendy’s app, customers could receive a free Frosty with any purchase from April 8 to April 14. The offer included both Classic Chocolate and the limited-edition Orange Dreamsicle Frosty. Additionally, delivery fees were waived for app or online orders during this period.
• Pizza Hut: On April 8, customers could order a large pizza with up to 10 toppings or select a pizza from the menu for $12.
• Chili’s: By using the code APPCLIPSE, customers could receive a free appetizer with any adult entrée purchase from April 7 to 8. This offer applied to both in-store and app orders.
• Chuck E. Cheese: Customers could earn 500 bonus e-tickets by visiting Chuck E. Cheese before or after the eclipse.
• Cracker Barrel: Diners who ordered an entrée on April 8 received a free side of Eclipse Pancakes. Cracker Barrel also sold eclipse glasses for $2.49.
• Raising Cane’s: Customers received a free Texas toast with every combo purchased on April 8.
• Krispy Kreme: A special “Total Solar Eclipse Doughnut” was available, featuring a glazed doughnut dipped in black chocolate, sprinkled with silver sprinkles, and topped with Oreo buttercream and an Oreo cookie.

Beverage and Alcohol Promotions

Several beverage and alcohol brands also offered eclipse-themed products and free samples.

• Blue Moon: The brand sold limited-edition Blue Moon Eclipse Sips kits for $25. These kits included four pint glasses, a glow-in-the-dark box, black light coasters, a flashlight, and “moondust” to make beer shimmer.
• Tincup Whiskey: Tincup Whiskey offered the Totality Bundle, which included a 750ml bottle of 10-year bourbon and two Carabiner mugs for $78 with free shipping.
• Thornton’s (Rewards App): Customers with the Thornton’s rewards app could receive a free 20oz Pepsi with any purchase on April 8.
• Twin Peaks: The restaurant offered free eclipse glasses on April 8 and served special eclipse-themed drinks, including a Twin Peaks Margarita on “The Rock,” a Blue Moon Belgian White, a Corazón Tequila Sunrise, a Lunazul Silver Shot, and a Starbust Shot.
• Biggby Coffee: The chain offered eclipse-themed drinks on April 8, including the Solar Flare and the Eclipse Biggby Blast.
• Celsius: The brand introduced three limited-time eclipse-themed flavors: Astro Vibe, Cosmic Vibe, and Galaxy Vibe.

Special Retail and Online Offers

Several online retailers and speciality stores also offered eclipse-themed products or promotions.

• SunChipsSolarEclipse.com: On April 8 at 2:33 p.m. ET/11:33 a.m. PT, visitors could claim a free bag of SunChips while supplies lasted.
• SusieCakes: The brand offered limited-time eclipse-themed cupcakes for April 8, ideal for eclipse parties.
• Casey Jones Distillery: The distillery introduced a new four-grain, 100-proof Total Eclipse Kentucky Straight Bourbon and a 100-proof Total Eclipse Moonshine, both available online.
• Insomnia Cookies: Customers received a free classic cookie with any $5 purchase, both in-store and online, on April 8.

Educational and Classroom Resources

For parents and educators, the eclipse also presented a unique opportunity to engage children in science and astronomy.

• Simply Kinder: The website offered eclipse-themed educational resources for classrooms, including videos and hands-on activities to help students understand the basics of a solar eclipse. A free eclipse flyer was also available for teachers to send home with students.
• Space and Eclipse Centers and Activities for Kindergarten: The Simply Kinder site offered a discounted package of eclipse-themed educational materials for kindergarteners, including editable name crafts and interactive activities.

Summary of Key Promotions

Below is a summary of the key promotions and free samples available during the 2024 Solar Eclipse:

Conclusion

The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse inspired a wide range of free samples, promotions, and unique offers from brands across the United States. From free eclipse glasses and limited-time food deals to special themed beverages and educational materials, these offers provided both fun and value for consumers. Whether planning to view the eclipse in the path of totality or in a partial viewing location, these promotions made it easier to enjoy the event with friends, family, or even in a classroom setting. By leveraging these offers, U.S. consumers could experience the eclipse with added convenience, entertainment, and savings.

Sources

1. Total Solar Eclipse 2024 Free Samples and Promotions
2. Wendy’s Free Frosty Eclipse Promotion
3. Solar Eclipse 2024 Freebies and Offers
4. Eclipse Educational Resources for Classrooms
5. Eclipse Freebies from Restaurants and Stores
6. Eclipse Food and Drink Deals