Birthday Freebies At Movie Theaters A Guide To Complimentary Concessions And Rewards

Birthday celebrations often include special treats, and many U.S. movie theater chains offer complimentary concessions and rewards to loyalty program members. These offers typically require advance registration for a theater's rewards program and are automatically loaded to the member's account during their birthday month. While some theaters offer free tickets, others focus on free popcorn, drinks, or desserts. Availability and specific perks often vary by membership tier, with paid levels sometimes receiving enhanced benefits.

Major Theater Chains and Birthday Perks

Several national and regional theater chains provide birthday rewards to members of their loyalty programs. The following offers are based on information from promotional blogs and theater websites.

AMC Theatres

AMC Theatres offers birthday rewards through its AMC Stubs loyalty program. The specific reward depends on the membership tier:

• AMC Stubs Insider (Free Tier): Members receive a free large popcorn during their birthday month.
• AMC Stubs Premiere and A-List (Paid Tiers): Members receive a free large popcorn and a large fountain drink during their birthday month.

According to the source, the reward loads automatically to the member's account at the start of their birthday month and can be claimed at the concession stand. No movie ticket purchase is required to redeem the free popcorn and drink, though the source notes that purchasing a ticket is suggested for the full experience. One source indicates that AMC Stubs members are entitled to a free large popcorn on their birthday, with Premiere members also receiving a free movie ticket.

Regal Cinemas

Regal Cinemas provides a birthday reward to members of the Regal Crown Club. The program is free to join. Members receive a free popcorn reward added to their account each year, which can be redeemed for a small popcorn at any Regal theater. Some sources suggest that Premiere or Unlimited members might receive a free popcorn and a drink, depending on current program perks. Additionally, one source mentions that Regal Crown Club members could receive anything from a free ticket to concession discounts as their birthday reward.

Cinemark Theatres

Cinemark offers a birthday treat to members of its Cinemark Movie Rewards program. The program includes a free Movie Fan tier and a paid Movie Club tier. Members typically find a coupon in their account during their birthday month, often for a free large soda or popcorn. Many members report receiving a free fountain drink as a birthday reward. The specific treat is not always publicized by Cinemark.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Alamo Drafthouse offers a birthday reward for members of its Alamo Victory rewards program. While the theater previously provided free movie tickets on birthdays, the current offer is a free "birthday sweet," such as a dessert or a shake.

Other Theaters and Loyalty Perks

Beyond the major chains, several other theater groups offer rewards programs that include birthday perks, free refills, and other benefits.

Showcase Cinemas

Showcase Cinemas operates the Starpass loyalty program. Members earn points redeemable for free tickets and snacks. Some locations offer a birthday popcorn reward. The program also includes free upgrades on concessions and access to exclusive screenings.

Megaplex Theatres

Megaplex Theatres offers Megaplex Rewards, a free-to-join program. Members earn points for every purchase and receive free refills when using a Mega Mug or Popcorn Bucket. The program includes birthday freebies and app-based promotions.

Harkins Theatres

Harkins Theatres provides My Harkins Awards, a loyalty program where members earn points per dollar spent. These points can be redeemed for tickets and snacks. Some locations offer birthday perks and early access to special screenings.

Marcus Theatres / Movie Tavern

Marcus Theatres and Movie Tavern offer a free fountain drink as a birthday reward for loyalty program members.

Additional Entertainment Freebies

Some sources list other entertainment venues that offer free admission or activities on a birthday, though these are not movie theaters.

• AZ on the Rocks (Arizona): Offers free yoga and rock climbing.
• Boondocks Food & Fun: Provides a free 3-hour unlimited pass.
• Crayola Experience: Offers free admission within 7 days of a birthday.
• Wild Mountain (Minnesota): Provides a free lift ticket.

General Loyalty Program Benefits

Joining theater loyalty programs often provides benefits beyond birthday freebies. Many programs offer free popcorn refills, waived online ticketing fees, and discounted ticket days.

• AMC Theatres: Offers free large popcorn refills and waived online ticketing fees for all members.
• Regal Cinemas: Provides free large popcorn refills with select combos and participates in Regal Value Days for discounted tickets.
• Cinemark: Offers Discount Tuesdays and reward points for purchases. Movie Club members receive a free ticket monthly and 20% off concessions.

Conclusion

Many movie theater chains in the United States reward loyalty program members with complimentary concessions during their birthday month. Offers range from free popcorn and drinks to desserts and, in some cases, free movie tickets. These rewards are typically automatically loaded to the member's account and require no purchase to redeem. In addition to birthday treats, joining these free programs often provides access to other benefits such as free refills, discounted ticket days, and reward points for future purchases. Consumers interested in these offers should ensure they are members of the relevant theater's rewards program and have their birth date accurately entered in their account profile.

Sources

1. Best Rewards Programs
2. Grip Room
3. Birthday Hunter
4. Leonard Point Cinema