Because a holiday exists lauding just about every kind of food you can think of, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that National Pretzel Day is fast approaching. It's on April 26, as a matter of fact, which is just a little over a week away — and you know what that means: Free stuff. So where can you get free pretzels on National Pretzel Day? All over the place, it turns out, so hoorah! Let's get celebrating!
According to National Day Calendar, National Pretzel Day (which, by the way, is an unofficial holiday, so do with that what you will) began in 2003. Pennsylvania's governor at the time, Ed Rendell, declared April 26 of that year as the very first National Pretzel Day; the goal was to “acknowledge the importance of the pretzel to the state's history and economy.”
The humble pretzel has indeed factored prominently in Pennsylvania's history; though the baked good most likely came into being sometime in the Early Middle Ages, Dutch immigrants settling in Pennsylvania first introduced it to North America during the 19th century. Pretzel bakeries popped up throughout the state during that time and their popularity spread far and wide.
So let us salute the twisted, doughy deliciousness that is the pretzel by chowing down on them at any of these pretzel companies on April 26. Because the only thing better than a pretzel… is a free pretzel.
1. Pretzelmaker
Walk into any participating Pretzelmaker location on April 26 and recite a tongue twister for your free pretzel. Need help finding one? This tongue twister index should help.
2. Auntie Anne's
First, sign up for the Auntie Anne's rewards program, My Pretzel Perks, and download the corresponding app. Then, the entire weekend of National Pretzel Day — so anytime between April 24 and 25 — whip out your phone and nab a free Annie's Original or Cinnamon Sugar pretzel.
3. Wetzel's Pretzels
Not a member of the Wetzel family? You are now. On April 26, just head to a participating Wetzel's and say “My name is [your name] Wetzel, and I want my pretzel!” to claim your twisty treat.
4. Philly Pretzel Factory
Philly Pretzel Factory's promo is a little more high risk, but it's also high reward: If you're one of the first 100 customers through the door on April 26, you're eligible for one free pretzel every single day during the month of May. That's 31 free pretzels, y'all. I believe all customers are also entitled to one free pretzel on National Pretzel Day itself, too, regardless as to when you make it through the door — so there's also that.
Images: Philipp Guelland/Getty Images; Giphy (2)
