National Donut Day

National Donut Day 2026: Free Donuts, Deals & Where to Get Them (June 5)

National Donut Day 2026 is Friday, June 5th. Major chains like Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’, and Duck Donuts offer free donuts and special promotions. Most deals require downloading their mobile app or making a small beverage purchase.

Pro Tip: Don’t want to wait until June? There’s a second National Donut Day celebration on November 5th with different participating locations and deals!

When is National Donut Day 2026?

National Donut Day 2026 falls on Friday, June 5th. This annual celebration occurs every year on the first Friday of June, making it a floating holiday that always lands on a Friday—perfect for kicking off your weekend with free doughnuts and sweet deals.

National Donut Day Dates: 2026-2035

Best National Donut Day Deals 2026

National free donut day brings incredible promotions from major chains and local bakeries across the United States. Here are the confirmed and expected deals for donut day 2026 at participating locations.

Confirmed 2026 Deals

Krispy Kreme

• Offer: One free doughnut of any variety (no purchase required)
• How to Get It: Walk into any participating location on June 5th
• Bonus Deal: BOGO deals on dozens—buy one dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts, get a second dozen for $2
• App Perks: Rewards members often get early access or additional bonus points

Dunkin’ (Dunkin’ Doughnuts)

• Offer: One free classic donut with beverage purchase
• How to Get It: Order any size coffee, latte, or cold brew at participating locations
• App Required: Download the Dunkin’ app for exclusive rewards members offers
• Popular Choice: Get a dunkin doughnuts free doughnut with your morning coffee—try classics like Glazed, Boston Kreme, or Jelly Filled

Duck Donuts

• Offer: Free cinnamon sugar donut (no purchase necessary)
• How to Get It: Visit participating Duck Donuts locations
• Special: Customize your free donut with coating and drizzle options

Expected 2026 Deals (Based on Previous Years)

• Local bakeries and independent donut shops: Many offer free glazed doughnuts or BOGO deals
• Regional chains: Check social media pages 1-2 weeks before June 5th for announcements
• Coffee shops with in-house donuts: Often participate with free doughnut promotions when paired with coffee purchases
• Grocery store bakeries: Some locations like Whole Foods and Wegmans offer special pricing on day donuts

Important Tips for Maximizing Deals

• Download apps early: Most national donut day deals now require the Dunkin’ app, Krispy Kreme Rewards, or other loyalty programs
• Check participating locations: Not all franchise locations participate—verify on official websites
• Arrive early: Popular shops often have long lines, especially between 7-10 AM
• Limit one per customer: Most free offers are limited to one donut per person per visit
• Bring friends: Visit multiple locations throughout the day to sample different varieties

How to Find National Donut Day Deals Near Me

Finding the best national donut day deals in your area requires a multi-platform approach combining national chains with local favorites.

Search Strategies

Google Maps Search

• Search “donut shops near me” or “doughnut bakeries open now”
• Filter by “Open Now” and check individual business profiles for June 5th promotions
• Read recent reviews mentioning “National Donut Day” from previous years

Social Media Hunting

• Check Facebook Events for “National Donut Day + [Your City]”
• Follow local bakeries on Instagram—many announce deals 1-2 weeks in advance
• Search Twitter/X hashtags: #NationalDonutDay #DonutDay2026 #FreeDonutDay

Yelp Collections

• Browse Yelp’s “Best Donuts” collections for your city
• Read business announcements and special offers sections
• Check for “Free Stuff” tags during the first week of June

Local Food Blogs and News Sites

• Many regional publications compile “Where to Get Free Donuts” guides
• City-specific foodie Instagram accounts often create round-up stories
• Local TV news websites typically publish deal lists 2-3 days before June 5th

Call Ahead

For specialty or artisan donut shops, call the morning of June 5th to confirm participation and availability. Small bakeries may run out of inventory by mid-morning, so confirming their hours and promotion details saves disappointment.

History of National Donut Day and the Donut Lassies

Beyond the free treats, National Donut Day carries profound historical significance honoring brave volunteers who served American soldiers during World War I. Understanding this history adds meaning to your donut day celebration.

The WWI Donut Lassies

The Salvation Army sent approximately 250 female volunteers to France in 1917 to support American troops fighting on the Western Front. These women, affectionately known as “Donut Lassies” or “Doughnut Girls,” established makeshift social centers called “huts” in abandoned buildings near the front lines where soldiers could find comfort, have their clothes mended, and enjoy a taste of home.

Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance pioneered the idea of frying doughnuts for troops using limited supplies and equipment. Working in challenging conditions, these volunteers sometimes fried donuts in soldiers’ helmets, creating freshly made treats that became legendary among the troops. On busy days, Sheldon reported making up to 300 doughnuts alongside 22 pies and 700 cups of coffee for grateful soldiers who nicknamed themselves “doughboys” partly in honor of these beloved treats.

Why 1938? The Great Depression Connection

The Salvation Army officially established National Donut Day in 1938 in Chicago with dual purposes: raising desperately needed funds during the Great Depression and honoring the brave women who served doughnuts to soldiers two decades earlier. This inaugural celebration launched what would become an annual tradition recognizing both the simple pleasure of donuts and the selfless service of volunteers who brought comfort to troops during wartime.

The fundraising aspect proved highly successful, helping the Salvation Army continue vital social service programs during one of America’s most challenging economic periods. Today, while commercial promotions dominate, many Salvation Army locations maintain the charitable spirit by delivering donuts to veterans, first responders, and those in need.

The Meaning Behind Donut Day

National Donut Day represents more than just free food—it commemorates compassion, ingenuity, and the powerful impact of small acts of kindness during difficult times. The Donut Lassies demonstrated how something as simple as a freshly fried doughnut could lift spirits, boost morale, and remind soldiers they weren’t forgotten.

Their legacy lives on through the millions of Americans who participate in this celebration each June, whether by enjoying glazed doughnuts at major chains, supporting local bakeries, or using the day to honor veterans and active military members. The holiday bridges generations, connecting modern donut lovers with a meaningful piece of American history.

How Americans Celebrate Donut Day 2026

Visiting Multiple Locations

The most popular celebration method involves planning a “donut crawl” to visit several shops throughout the day. Many Americans map out routes hitting Krispy Kreme for Original Glazed, Dunkin’ for Boston Kreme, and local artisan shops for specialty flavors. This creates a fun social activity while supporting both national chains and independent businesses.

Social Media Sharing

Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook light up with donut photos on National Donut Day. Users share their free hauls, rate different varieties, and create content around visiting multiple locations. Using hashtags like #NationalDonutDay and #DonutDay helps discover new bakeries and deals while building community around this sweet tradition.

Workplace Celebrations

Many offices celebrate by ordering dozens of day donuts for employees, hosting morning “donut socials,” or organizing team outings to claim free treats together. This workplace tradition boosts morale and provides a legitimate excuse to indulge in glazed doughnuts during business hours.

Supporting Local Heroes

True to the holiday’s origins, communities use National Donut Day to honor police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and military veterans by delivering donuts to stations and VA facilities. Some organizations host special events where these local heroes receive free treats and recognition for their service.

Making Homemade Doughnuts

Food enthusiasts celebrate by making homemade doughnuts, experimenting with recipes from classic yeast-raised glazed to cake doughnuts with creative toppings. Pinterest and YouTube see traffic spikes for donut recipes in the days leading up to June 5th, with families hosting decoration parties where children can customize their own treats.

App Download Guide: Maximize Your Free Donuts

Most major chains now require app downloads and rewards membership to access the best national donut day deals. Here’s how to prepare before June 5th.

Essential Apps to Download

Dunkin’ App

• Download 2-3 days before June 5th to ensure account setup completes
• Rewards members receive exclusive offers beyond the standard free donut deal
• Add payment method to speed up ordering during busy morning rushes
• Enable push notifications to catch surprise bonus offers

Krispy Kreme Rewards

• Create account and verify email before donut day
• Birthday reward program adds another free doughnut during your birth month
• Track “Hot Light” notifications showing when fresh glazed doughnuts are being made
• Accumulate points toward free dozens year-round

Regional Chain Apps

• Duck Donuts, Tim Hortons, and regional favorites often have their own apps
• Check app stores for “donut” or “doughnut” and download any chains in your area
• Many offer signup bonuses (free donut or discount) just for downloading

App Strategy Tips

• Download over WiFi before June 5th to avoid slow mobile data during busy morning hours
• Take screenshots of promotional barcodes/QR codes in case of connectivity issues at the shop
• Check “Offers” sections within apps on June 4th evening as some deals go live early
• Link credit/debit cards for faster checkout when beverage purchases are required

Fascinating Donut Facts and Trivia

Understanding donut culture adds appreciation for National Donut Day beyond the free treats:

• Annual consumption: Americans eat approximately 10 billion doughnuts yearly, with about 3 billion sold by Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ combined
• Most popular variety: Glazed doughnuts remain the overwhelming favorite, accounting for nearly 30% of all donut sales
• The spelling debate: “Donut” became popular through Dunkin’ Donuts’ branding, while “doughnut” remains the traditional spelling preferred by dictionaries and formal publications
• Historic arrival: Dutch settlers brought “olykoeks” (oily cakes) to America in the early 1800s, evolving into modern doughnuts
• The hole story: Ship captain Hanson Gregory claimed to have invented the ring shape in 1847, saying he needed both hands free while steering, so he punched a hole in the center
• World record: The largest donut ever made weighed 1.7 tons and measured 16 feet in diameter, created in New York in 1993

Frequently Asked Questions About National Donut Day

When is National Donut Day 2026?

National Donut Day 2026 is Friday, June 5th. The celebration always occurs on the first Friday of June every year.

Do I really get free donuts on National Donut Day?

Yes, major chains including Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’, and Duck Donuts offer free doughnuts on National Donut Day. Krispy Kreme typically requires no purchase, while Dunkin’ usually requires buying a beverage. Check individual participating locations for specific terms.

Do I need to download an app to get free donuts?

Most major chains now require downloading their rewards app to access National Donut Day deals. Dunkin’ requires the Dunkin’ app for their promotion, while Krispy Kreme Rewards members get additional benefits. Download apps 2-3 days before June 5th to ensure your account is ready.

Why do we celebrate National Donut Day?

National Donut Day honors the Salvation Army “Donut Lassies”—approximately 250 female volunteers who served freshly fried doughnuts to American soldiers during World War I in France. The Salvation Army established the holiday in 1938 to raise funds during the Great Depression while commemorating these brave volunteers.

Are all locations participating in National Donut Day?

Not all franchise locations participate in national donut day deals. Check official brand websites or call your local shop to confirm participation. Independent franchise owners can choose whether to honor national promotions.

Is there more than one National Donut Day?

Yes, there are two donut celebrations. The main National Donut Day occurs on the first Friday in June (June 5, 2026), honoring the WWI Donut Lassies. A second National Donut Day is observed on November 5th annually with different participating restaurants and deals.

What were the Donut Lassies?

The Donut Lassies were approximately 250 Salvation Army female volunteers who traveled to France during World War I to support American troops. They established social centers near the front lines where they fried fresh doughnuts—sometimes using soldiers’ helmets as makeshift pans—providing comfort and a taste of home to troops fighting overseas.

What time should I go to get free donuts?

Arrive early for the best selection and shortest lines. Most donut shops experience peak crowds between 7:00-10:00 AM on National Donut Day. If you prefer avoiding crowds, visit after 2:00 PM, though popular varieties may be sold out at participating locations.

Can I get more than one free donut?

Most national donut day deals limit offers to one free doughnut per customer per visit. However, you can visit multiple participating locations throughout the day. Some people plan “donut crawls” visiting 3-5 different shops to sample various free treats.

What flavors can I get for free?

Free donut options vary by chain. Dunkin’ typically limits free doughnuts to “classic” varieties (Glazed, Chocolate Frosted, Boston Kreme, Jelly). Krispy Kreme usually allows any single doughnut variety from their case. Local bakeries set their own terms for which flavors qualify.