Leap Year 2024 Freebies And Deals A Comprehensive Guide To February 29 Offers

Leap Year occurrences present a unique opportunity for consumers to access special promotions, freebies, and discounted services. Because February 29 appears only once every four years, many brands structure limited-time offers specifically for this date. The available source material details a variety of restaurant, entertainment, and service-based promotions valid on February 29, 2024, with some extending into March. These offers generally fall into two categories: exclusive deals for individuals born on February 29 (often requiring valid identification) and general promotions available to all customers.

The following guide outlines verified offers based on the provided documentation. It is important to note that while the sources list specific deals for 2024, they also reference expected offers for the next Leap Year in 2028. Consumers are advised to verify participation at local locations, as availability may vary.

Restaurant and Food Service Promotions

The majority of Leap Year promotions documented in the source material originate from the food service industry. These range from free menu items for "Leaplings" (those born on February 29) to percentage-based discounts and app-exclusive offers for the general public.

Offers for Leap Year Birthdays (ID Required)

Several brands offer free food items specifically to customers celebrating their birthday on February 29. These offers typically require the customer to present a valid ID proving their birth date.

  • Cowboy Chicken: Customers with Leap Year birthdays are eligible for a free wood-fire rotisserie chicken. Valid identification is required to claim this offer.
  • Krispy Kreme: Leaplings can receive a free dozen Original Glazed doughnuts. No purchase is necessary, but proof of birth date is required.
  • Insomnia Cookies: Eligible customers (Leaplings) can present a valid ID to receive four free cookies and a free in-store birthday party.
  • Chuck E. Cheese: On February 29, the brand is giving away free All-Day Jump Passes to children under 52 inches tall. A coupon must be obtained from the Chuck E. Cheese website and presented at the location. This offer is valid only at locations with Trampoline Zones.
  • The STRAT Hotel (Las Vegas): Guests born on February 29 are eligible to receive a free STRAT Skyjump (valued at $129.99 in 2024) on Leap Day.
  • Home Run Inn: The brand plans to give away pizzas to the first 29 Leap Year babies (18 years or older) who present a valid ID on February 29, 2028.
  • Jackson's Taziki's (Tennessee): Dine-in guests with a Leap Day birthday and valid ID may receive freebies such as a pack of Taziki's cookies, a slice of baklava, or a slice of baklava cheesecake.
  • Oh My Cupcakes (Sioux Falls locations only): Leap Day babies are expected to receive free cupcakes in 2028.

General Restaurant Deals (Open to All)

Many restaurants offer discounts or free add-ons to all customers on Leap Day, often requiring the use of a mobile app or a specific promo code.

  • Chipotle: On February 29, Chipotle Rewards members can receive free guacamole with the code EXTRA24 at checkout via the Chipotle app or online ordering.
  • Duck Donuts: Customers can purchase a cinnamon sugar donut and medium hot coffee or cold brew combo for $2.29. This is valid for in-store or online orders.
  • Dunkin': App users can enjoy a $2 Medium Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee and earn 4X points on all app orders. This offer is valid through February 29.
  • Firehouse Subs: Customers whose names start with L, E, A, or P can show their ID to receive a buy-one-get-one-free offer on medium subs.
  • Hardee's: Customers ordering through the app on February 29 receive 29% off.
  • Long John Silver's: Customers ordering ahead online can add a free piece of Fish or Chicken to orders of $5 or more. The offer is valid through February 29.
  • Marco's Pizza: Through March 3, 2024, customers can take 29% off all menu-price pizzas using the code LEAP29.
  • McDonald's: App users may find various deals, including a 50¢ cheeseburger or a 99¢ double cheeseburger.
  • Noodles & Company: On February 29, Rewards Members receive 29% off orders of $29 or more.
  • Papa Murphy's: On February 29, customers can take 29% off orders of $20 or more with the code LEAP24.
  • Starbucks: Select Starbucks Rewards accounts may be eligible for a Buy One Get One (BOGO) deal on Leap Day, or a $3 handcrafted beverage offer. These offers are valid through March 3.
  • Wendy's: All customers can receive a free Cinnabon Pull-Apart before 10:30 AM local time on February 29, with no purchase necessary.
  • Zaxby's: Customers can receive a free funnel cake with a $5.00 purchase.

Historical or Unconfirmed Food Offers

Some sources reference offers from previous Leap Years or deals that had not been confirmed for 2024 at the time of the documentation.

  • 7-Eleven: In 2020, app users could save $29 on orders of $50+ and purchase a large pizza for $2.29. Confirmation for 2024 was pending.
  • Krispy Kreme (Hospital Delivery): In 2020, Krispy Kreme delivered free doughnuts to hospitals for babies born on Leap Day. This was hoped to return in 2024 but not confirmed.
  • Milk Bar: Expected to offer Leap Year babies a free 6-inch birthday cake and discounted cereal milk soft serve ($2.29 in 2024).

Entertainment and Service Industry Offers

Beyond dining, the source material highlights several offers in the entertainment, travel, and fitness sectors. These deals often focus on Leap Day exclusives or discounts on specific services.

Fitness and Museums

  • Planet Fitness: Select locations (in select states) will offer free admission for members and non-members to work out on February 29, 2028.
  • Sharlot Hall Museum (Arizona): The museum is expected to offer free admission on Leap Day 2028.

Travel and Hospitality

Travel deals for Leap Year often involve booking discounts or added perks for stays that include the night of February 29.

  • Cielo Lodge (Costa Rica): A 50% off deal is expected on February 29, 2028, for any four-night stay that includes Leap Year night.
  • The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection (California): A Leap Day discount is expected at this historic hotel in 2028.
  • Islamorada Resort Collection (Florida Keys): A one-day flash sale is expected for 2028. In 2024, the deal was "book 2 nights, get the third night free" plus a $100 dining credit.
  • Ocean Edge Resort & Marina (Florida): A Leap Year discount is expected to run through February and March 2028.
  • Tom Quick Inn (Pennsylvania): A rate discount is expected on February 29, 2028.

Retail

  • Staples: On Leap Day 2028, Staples is predicted to again offer 29,000 passport photos for free via their app.

Important Considerations for Consumers

When seeking Leap Year freebies and deals, consumers should keep several key factors in mind to ensure a smooth redemption process.

Verification of Identity For offers exclusive to Leap Year birthdays, valid identification is strictly required. Consumers should ensure they have a government-issued ID or birth certificate available to prove their birth date is February 29.

Location Specificity Many offers are subject to participation at specific locations. For example, the Chuck E. Cheese jump pass is only valid at locations with Trampoline Zones, and Oh My Cupcakes offers are limited to Sioux Falls locations. The documentation strongly advises calling local stores to confirm participation before visiting.

App Usage and Digital Codes A significant number of deals require the use of a mobile app or a specific promo code. Examples include Chipotle (code EXTRA24), Marco's Pizza (code LEAP29), and Papa Murphy's (code LEAP24). Consumers should download necessary apps and prepare codes in advance.

Time Sensitivity Most offers are valid only on February 29. Some, like the Marco's Pizza and Starbucks offers, extend through March 3. Consumers should verify expiration dates in the terms of each promotion.

Future Leap Year Opportunities The documentation notes that Leap Day occurs every four years, with the next occurrence scheduled for February 29, 2028. Consumers interested in these types of promotions should monitor brand announcements as that date approaches, as many of the 2024 offers are expected to return in 2028.

Conclusion

Leap Year 2024 offers a diverse array of freebies and deals, primarily concentrated in the restaurant and entertainment sectors. While many promotions are available to the general public, the most substantial giveaways—such as free meals and travel perks—are often reserved for individuals born on February 29. Successful participation requires careful attention to eligibility requirements, such as age restrictions or proof of birth date, and adherence to specific redemption methods, including app usage and promo codes. Because participation varies by location, consumers are encouraged to contact local providers to confirm offer availability. The next opportunity to capitalize on Leap Day promotions will occur on February 29, 2028.

Sources

  1. Consumer Queen: Leap Year Freebies
  2. The Krazy Coupon Lady: Freebies Leap Day
  3. Passion for Savings: Leap Year Freebies and Deals