As you may have already discovered, this Friday, June 5, is National Donut Day — which, of course, means that we're all wondering the same thing: Where can I get free donuts on National Donut Day? And when? And will I have to jump through any strange or unexpected hoops to get them? The good news is that I have answers to all three questions, because obviously nothing is more important than free donuts. (Actually that is untrue, as there are a great deal many more things that are more important than free donuts — but free donuts are still pretty cool.)
As far as “fake holidays” go, National Donut Day is actually a little less fake than you might think. Begun in 1938, it commemorates the Salvation Army workers who served coffee and donuts to soldiers in the trenches during the First World War — a simple act which can mean so very, very much to people fighting dangerous wars far from home. Although you can argue that donut shops and bakery chains running promos that coincide with the day commercializes it, what I dig about it is that it keeps with the spirit of the thing — brightening someone's day with something as familiar as a donut. It's kind of hard not to feel warm and fuzzy about a warm pastry.
So here — in honor of the occasion, here are 10 places you can get free donuts on National Donut Day. Go treat yourself, or go treat someone else; the choice is yours. Just enjoy yourselves, OK? Because, I mean… free donuts!
1. Krispy Kreme
We've already been over this one, but just in case you missed it, all you need to do to claim your free donut is walk into any participating Krispy Kreme location on June 5 and ask for it. Not only that, but you can pick any variety you want.
2. Dunkin' Donuts
Unlike Krispy Kreme, Dunkin' Donuts' deal is a BOGO one: Buy a beverage and score yourself a free donut of your choice, as long as it's not a Croissant Donut or a Cheesecake Square. Yum.
3. Honey Dew Donuts
The specifics of the Honey Dew deal are a little stricter than some of the others out there — buy a medium drink and you're entitled to a free Mocha Madness donut, which comes topped with mocha frosting and a chocolate drizzle — but it's still worth a look. Hot coffee usually isn't more than a few bucks, and there's no better combination than black coffee and a donut.
4. Shipley Do-Nuts
I've never been to a Shipley Do-Nuts location myself, but that's because they're located pretty much exclusively in the South. They are, however, abundant down there, so if you live near one, go take advantage of this deal: Between 5AM and 12PM at participating locations, all customers are entitled to one free glazed donut. Plus, anything you actually purchase will result in a portion of the sales going to the Salvation Army.
5. LaMar's Donuts
Another chain I've never been to due to its location (it's based in Colorado, plus a handful of other states that are either too far south or too far west for me to frequent), visitors to LaMar's can have their pick of “any donut with a hole” for free — no additional purchase necessary. Donations to the Salvation Army are encouraged.
6. Cumberland Farms
Ah, good ol' Cumbie's! This Massachusetts mainstay is offering free donuts of any variety between the hours of 5AM and 10AM with the purchase of any hot or iced coffee or Chill Zone beverage. I'll admit that I'm not entirely sure what a Chill Zone beverage is, but it looks like some kind of slushie thing.
7. Doughnut Plant
This one will mostly apply to people living in New York City, but if you're in the area, you should definitely stop by a Doughnut Plant location — not only are they delicious, but on June 5, they're also giving out free Carnival Sprinkles mini cake donuts with every purchase while supplies last.
8. Rise 'N Roll Bakery and Deli
Rise 'N Roll only has a few locations scattered throughout Indiana and Illinois, but from what I gather, it's delicious, so definitely check it out if you live near one. On National Donut Day, the first 300 customers through each location's doors will receive a free Cinnamon Caramel Donut. Heck yes!
9. Fractured Prune Doughnuts
According to most sources, Fractured Prune's deals might vary depending on which store you go to — but the general consensus is that most of them will be offering a free OC Sand donut to each customer for free all day on Friday. For the curious, that's a honey glazed donut topped with cinnamon sugar.
10. Jiffy Lube
Well, this is unexpected: According to Thrillist, Jiffy Lube locations in Houston, Philadelphia, and Florence, South Carolina will be offering free tire are pressure checkes, with the goal being to help you avoid having to use a spare or “donut” tire (haha). You'll also get a free donut while you're there, although I'm not sure where the donuts will be coming from.
Images: Giphy (5)
