Where To Get Free Donuts A Guide To National Donut Day Promotions And Year-Round Offers

National Donut Day, observed annually on the first Friday of June in the United States, is a significant promotional event for donut chains and retailers. Established in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor the women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I, the holiday has evolved into a major opportunity for brands to offer free food and discounts to consumers. The provided source material details specific promotions from major national chains and regional retailers for National Donut Day, alongside information on year-round loyalty programs and other holiday offers that provide free donuts. This guide compiles that information to help consumers navigate these promotions.

National Donut Day Promotions

Several major retailers and donut chains participate in National Donut Day with specific offers. It is important to note that promotions can change annually, and consumers should verify details for the current year.

Major National Chains

Krispy Kreme is a prominent participant. For National Donut Day, the chain typically offers a free doughnut of any kind to customers, with no purchase necessary. This promotion is widely reported across sources. In addition to the National Day offer, Krispy Kreme has other promotional days. For instance, on Veterans Day, veterans can receive a free coffee and donut. On National Coffee Day (September 29), customers can get a free donut and coffee. Furthermore, for the past several years, Krispy Kreme has given away a free donut to every customer on Daylight Savings Day. Consumers can also join the Krispy Kreme rewards program through their mobile app, which allows users to earn free donuts, coffee, and other rewards. The app also provides features such as finding fresh donut availability and locating nearest stores.

Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts) also runs a National Donut Day promotion. Historically, the offer has been a free classic donut with the purchase of any beverage. For example, in 2018, this was the promotion, and in 2025, Dunkin’ was confirmed to be giving away free donuts on June 6. Dunkin’ also offers other ways to get free donuts through its Dunkin’ Rewards program. Members of the mobile app-based rewards system can receive monthly surprises, treats, and discounts. Additionally, Dunkin’ customers can take surveys printed on purchase receipts to receive coupons for a free donut with the purchase of a beverage. The brand also sends coupons for a free donut and coffee to customers during their birthday month.

Regional and Specialty Retailers

Many other retailers, both national and regional, participate in National Donut Day with varying offers.

• Duck Donuts: Offers a free cinnamon-sugar doughnut with no purchase required. They also frequently give out buy-one-get-one-free coupons to customers who visit on the holiday.
• Cumberland Farms: Provides a free donut when a customer buys a drink between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. on National Donut Day.
• Shipley Do-Nuts: Gives a free glazed donut with any purchase during the holiday.
• Voodoo Doughnuts: Offers a free Funfetti Cake Donut at any of their locations.
• Stan’s Donuts & Coffee: The first 100 customers at midnight receive a half-dozen glazed donuts for free. After that, starting at 6:30 a.m., the store gives a free donut with every purchase.
• Quik Trip: Members of the Quik Trip rewards program receive a free glazed donut on National Donut Day.
• Papa John’s: In previous years, this pizza chain has participated by giving away a free order of donut holes with any online pizza purchase.
• Graeter’s Ice Cream: Offers a free donut with any purchase of coffee at their bakery locations.
• Honey Dew Donuts: Provides a free s'more donut with the purchase of a medium or large beverage.
• Edible Arrangements: While not a traditional donut, this fruit-focused company gives a free chocolate-dipped apple slice shaped like a donut at in-store locations on the holiday.
• LaMar’s Donuts: To get a free donut, customers must bring a "Golden Ticket" coupon (printable or shown on a phone) to a participating store.
• Walmart: Historically, Walmart has given away a full-sized glazed donut to customers. Last year, they reportedly gave away 1.2 million donuts. They typically participate by giving away a free full-sized glazed donut.
• Winn-Dixie: Offers 50% off any donuts purchased on National Donut Day. In 2018, they hosted a giveaway for a year’s supply of donuts, but it was unclear if that would be repeated in subsequent years.

Year-Round Free Donut Opportunities

Beyond National Donut Day, several brands offer methods to obtain free donuts throughout the year, primarily through loyalty programs and other promotional events.

Loyalty Programs and Mobile Apps

The most consistent way to get free donuts is by joining brand-specific rewards programs, often managed through mobile apps.

• Krispy Kreme Rewards: As mentioned, the Krispy Kreme app allows users to sign up for a rewards program. Members can earn points toward free donuts, coffee, and other items. The app also helps users locate stores and find out when fresh donuts are available.
• Dunkin’ Rewards: The Dunkin’ mobile app features a rewards system where members can earn points with every purchase, receive discounts, and get free beverages and monthly treats. The app also facilitates on-the-go mobile ordering.
• Quik Trip Rewards: Members of the Quik Trip rewards program are eligible for a free glazed donut on National Donut Day, indicating a broader rewards system that may offer other benefits throughout the year.

Other Holiday and Promotional Days

Several brands extend free donut offers to other holidays beyond National Donut Day.

• Veterans Day: Krispy Kreme provides a free coffee and donut to veterans.
• National Coffee Day (September 29): Krispy Kreme offers a free donut and coffee.
• Daylight Savings Day: For the past several years, Krispy Kreme has given a free donut to every customer on this day.
• Birthday Offers: Dunkin’ sends coupons for a free donut and coffee during a customer’s birthday month.

Survey-Based Offers

Another method for obtaining free donuts is through customer feedback surveys. Dunkin’ includes a survey site on the bottom of its purchase receipts. By completing the survey, customers can receive a coupon for a free donut with the purchase of a beverage.

Important Considerations for Consumers

When seeking free donuts, consumers should be aware of several factors.

• Geographic Availability: Promotions are often available only at participating locations. Many sources provide links or suggestions to "find a location near you," emphasizing the need to confirm local participation.
• Purchase Requirements: Offers vary significantly. Some, like Krispy Kreme’s National Donut Day promotion, require no purchase. Others, such as Dunkin’s historical offer, require the purchase of a beverage. Shipley Do-Nuts requires any purchase, while Cumberland Farms requires a drink purchase during specific hours.
• Verification and Current Details: Promotions can change from year to year. For example, Winn-Dixie’s year-long donut giveaway in 2018 was not confirmed for 2019. Consumers are advised to check brand social media or official websites for the most current information before visiting. The reliability of offers is highest when sourced from official brand announcements or verified sign-up forms.
• Method of Redemption: Some offers require physical coupons (e.g., LaMar’s Donuts), while others are automatically applied at the point of sale or require app-based redemption (e.g., Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ rewards). Digital or printed coupons may be necessary for certain deals.

Conclusion

National Donut Day serves as a major promotional event where numerous donut chains and retailers offer free donuts or significant discounts. Major national players like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ have established, recurring offers, often requiring no purchase or a beverage purchase, respectively. A wide array of regional and specialty retailers also participate with unique promotions. Beyond the June holiday, consumers can access free donuts year-round through brand loyalty programs, mobile apps, and other holiday-specific promotions like Veterans Day and National Coffee Day. To maximize opportunities, consumers should verify participating locations, understand purchase requirements, and check for the most current promotional details directly from brand sources.

Sources

1. MoneyPantry - Where to Get Free Donuts
2. Fortune - Free Doughnuts National Donut Day 2025
3. USA Today - National Donut Day 2025 free donuts deals