Who doesn’t love free stuff?
WTOP is relaunching “Friday Freebies,” bringing you the top freebies you can get in the D.C. region, every week.
We’ll run them down every Friday morning on air at 103.5 FM and here on WTOP.com.
Know of a freebie you’d like featured in WTOP’s Friday Freebies roundup? Let us know!
Black Friday freebies, Nationals ticket deals and holiday events begin
- Alexandria calls Black Friday “Plaid Friday” to honor its Scottish heritage, and on Nov. 28 many of its independent shops are offering discounts, deals and freebies. Parking at the city’s meters is free that day, too!
- At Lowe’s on Black Friday, the first 50 MyLowe’s Rewards members in each store get a free bucket of products, and a chance to win a free appliance.
- Nov. 28 is “Frosty Friday” in Downtown Frederick, with free parking around town, goodie bag giveaways for early visitors to local shops, live holiday music and more.
- On Nov. 28, the first 100 shoppers at each Target store get a free swag bag full of goodies. Some bags have an extra treat inside worth $99 or more.
- In Merrifield on Nov. 28, Santa will ride through Mosaic District on a fire truck to greet onlookers. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. followed by a tree lighting at 7 p.m.
- Buy a pack of Washington Nationals tickets for three games in 2026 and enjoy 40% off. Plus, you’ll get a free District Blueprint City Connect beanie. The offer is good through Dec. 1.
- Starting Nov. 28, LEGO has free gifts with purchase on several items, while supplies last. One is a free Star Trek Type-15 Shuttlepod, with purchase of a Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D.
- Reston Town Center’s annual holiday parade happens Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. along Market Street. The fun continues later in the day with a tree lighting at 6 p.m.
- In Annapolis, enjoy 2 hours of free parking at metered spaces between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Also, the city’s annual Grand Illumination tree lighting ceremony is set for 3 p.m. Nov. 30 near the Market House.
- CityCenterDC lights its holiday tree Nov. 29. The fun runs from 5-7 p.m. with live music, balloon artists, holiday treats and more.
- On Dec. 2, Winter Wonderland at Founders Row in Falls Church, Virginia, will feature live performances, free hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn, and Santa will ride in on a fire truck.
- Register in advance for the Library of Congress’ free Holiday Celebration on Dec. 4. There will be live music, pop-up talks and a holiday tree will be lit in the Great Hall.
Holiday candy, chicken sandwiches and Thanksgiving burritos
- Walgreens has buy one, get one free holiday candy right now. We’re talking seasonal goodies from Dove, Hershey’s and M&M’s.
- On Nov. 22 look for floats, marching bands and inflatable turkeys on the streets of Silver Spring, Maryland, during the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade. It steps off at 10 a.m.
- Love Häagen-Dazs? Get the rewards app and sign up to get a free cup or cone. You’ll also be all set to earn points toward more freebies at their shops.
- Buy a one-year Costco Gold Star Membership for $65, and get a free $40 Digital Costco Shop Card. It’s a Groupon deal available until Dec. 21.
- Here’s a freebie for “Friendsgiving”: Sign up to get a coupon for a free drink on Nov. 25 at any Capital One Cafe.
- Take part in any “turkey trot” run this Thanksgiving while dressed up as a QDOBA burrito, and you’ll be rewarded with a free burrito. You’ll also have a chance to win free burritos for a year. You must be a QDOBA rewards member (it’s free to join), and post a photo of yourself in costume to Instagram on Nov. 27 or 28. Check out all the requirements before you make that post.
- Chicken sandwiches are buy one, get one free Nov. 27-30 at 7-Eleven’s Raise the Roost locations. There are two sites in the D.C. area in Manassas and Purcellville.
Bundt cakes, Panera bakery treats and millions of Christmas lights
- Through Nov. 16, MyPanera members can get a free bakery treat when they place a minimum order for delivery. There are also daily deals for members through that date.
- Uniqlo’s grand reopening at Tysons Corner Center includes freebies each day, Nov. 14-19. They include free goodie bags and free breakfast for early shoppers, as well as free Japanese Taiko drum performances.
- Corner Bakery has a yummy offer for National Bundt Cake Day. Buy one Baby Bundt or Bundt Bite and you’ll get one free at participating shops on Nov. 15, while supplies last.
- National Harbor’s 60-foot-tall holiday tree has been lit, and there are nightly light and sound shows every half hour from sunset until 9 p.m. now through Dec. 27. On Saturday nights, there are fireworks shows, too!
- The first 100 people in line for the grand opening of a new Chicken Salad Chick restaurant on Elden St. in Herndon get freebies on Nov. 18, followed by giveaways with purchase for early visitors Nov. 19-22.
- Wizards fans can get free food through the Chick-fil-A app. During home games, when an opposing player misses two free throws in a row in the fourth quarter, you win a free sandwich. You have until the day after the game to claim the offer, and five days to redeem it.
- Bass Pro Shops are once again offering free photos with Santa through Christmas Eve. Reserving a spot in advance is recommended.
Freebies for veterans, military members on Veterans Day
- Buy six mini doughnuts at Ice Cream Jubilee’s Georgetown location, and you’ll get six more free. The deal is good through Sunday.
- Make any purchase through the SONIC App, and you’ll get a free any size Coca-Cola. You can customize your free drink with as many flavor add-ins (there are 11) as you want.
- Cracker Barrel wants to fill your table for Thanksgiving. Preorder a Heat and Serve Feast or Dinner by Sunday for pick up Nov. 22-30, and you’ll get a free pair of mini salt and pepper shakers.
- Saturday and Sunday, get a free slice of Andy’s Pizza with purchase of a pint of beer at the new Atlas Bridge District Brewery and Tap Room in Southeast D.C.
- Williams Sonoma stores are hosting free Thanksgiving cooking classes this Sunday and Nov 16. Just find your local store and sign up.
- National Park Service sites that normally charge admission will be free to enter on Veterans Day, Tuesday. Beware: Some sites are closed because of the federal government shutdown.
- A whole bunch of restaurants and retailers are offering freebies for Veterans Day. On Tuesday, Applebee’s is serving up free meals for veterans and active duty military.
- At Bob Evans, veterans and active duty members of the military can choose a free entrée from a list of 10 on Tuesday.
- California Pizza Kitchen is thanking veterans and active military for their service with a free entrée and beverage from a special menu.
- On Tuesday, Chili’s will be handing out free meals to veterans and active duty members of the military.
- Dave and Buster’s Veterans Day offer is a little different. It’s serving up free entrées to veterans, along with free $10 Power Cards to use for games.
- Active duty and retired members of the military can enjoy a free Original Grand Slam at Denny’s between 5 a.m. and noon on Tuesday.
- Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night runs from 4 p.m. to close on Tuesday. Anyone who has served in the U.S. military can come in for a free dinner.
- Veterans can get a free meal worth up to $15 at The Greene Turtle on Veterans Day.
- Mission BBQ is giving out free sandwiches to veterans on Tuesday.
- Veterans and active duty military members can get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries at Red Robin on Veterans Day.
- At Sheetz locations in the Mid-Atlantic, active duty military and veterans can get a free half turkey sub and regular fountain drink on Tuesday, along with a free $9 car wash at locations that have them.
- Veterans, military members and military spouses can get a free tall brewed coffee at Starbucks.
- One more thing: As long as the government shutdown continues, WTOP will continue to update our separate list of freebies and deals for federal workers.
Sport a Halloween costume and get free Krispy Kreme, Avocado Toast and more!
- If your Halloween party involves a little too much alcohol, you can get a free Lyft ride home through the SoberRide program. Rides will be available starting at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and continuing until 4 a.m. the next morning.
- Donning a Halloween costume will get you a bunch of perks on Oct. 31. At Krispy Kreme, you can pick up a free Original Glazed or Classic Ring doughnut for free.
- Kids in costume can grab a free cookie of their choice at participating Corner Bakery shops on Halloween. The only rule is, they have to be accompanied by an adult.
- On Oct. 31, the first 50 guests in costume to visit a Thompson Restaurants location get a scratch-off card for a chance to win things like a free appetizer or even a $50 gift card. Those restaurants include Big Buns, Makers Union, Milk & Honey, The Ridley, Social House and Wiseguy Pizza.
- Show up in an avocado costume at participating Smoothie King locations on Oct. 31, to get a free Avocado Toast.
- Kids in costume get free admission to the National Radio & Television Museum in Bowie from Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. There will be Halloween fun, including spooky radio shows to listen to.
- Insomnia Cookies will give you a free Classic Cookie with any purchase if you show up in costume Oct. 31 through Nov. 2.
- Oct. 31 at Qdoba, “BOOGO” is back. Rewards members can get a free entrée with purchase of an entrée and a drink. Costumes are encouraged, but not required.
- Dress your dog or cat in a costume Oct. 31, and bring them to a participating Petco for a free treat from the treat bar.
- Kids eat free at participating Green Turtle locations on Halloween.
- At Paris Baguette, rewards members get a free pastry with the purchase of a drink on Oct. 31.
- 7-Eleven and Speedway rewards members who buy a whole pizza will get another one free on Oct. 31. The offer is also good through 7NOW Delivery.
- On Halloween, get a free kid’s meal at Outback Steakhouse with purchase of an adult entrée. Dine in or order online with code SPOOKYFREE.
- Moe’s Southwest Grill is offering buy one, get one free entrées Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at participating locations.
- “Boo-tacular” is back at Chuck E. Cheese through Nov. 2. At participating locations, kids can enjoy free candy, 500 free e-tickets if they come in costume and more.
- During Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s Fan Fest, buy a bowl or food to get a free 24 oz. smoothie from Nov. 3-9. You must be a Tropic Rewards member and order through the app.
- One more thing: As long as the government shutdown continues, WTOP will continue to update our separate list of freebies and deals for federal workers.
All it takes is a costume to score a free doughnut this Halloween season
- Wear a costume to a participating Krispy Kreme shop on Saturday or on Halloween, and you’ll get a free Original Glazed or Classic Ring doughnut, no purchase necessary.
- The Silver Spring Zombie Walk returns Saturday. Because of construction, this year’s walk starts with a gathering and dance party at All Set Restaurant. Then, “undead” after-parties will be held at various spots downtown.
- On Sunday, the Del Ray Halloween Parade takes over Mount Vernon Avenue. There will be contests for costumed pets and people with strollers.
- “Harbor Halloween” at National Harbor is Sunday. Kids and dogs in costume get a free ride on The Capital Wheel when an adult buys a ticket. The fun will also include trick-or-treating at participating shops and restaurants, a “Pet Pawrade” and costume contest, and a free screening of “Hocus Pocus” on the Plaza.
- A must-see event is returning to the Dupont Circle neighborhood for a 38th year. The 17th Street High Heel Race is set for Tuesday. The fun begins with a parade of costumed drag queens at 6:30 p.m., followed by the race itself at 9 p.m.
- Furloughed federal workers, WTOP continues to have your back! Check out our updated list of freebies and deals to help you through the government shutdown.
Free spooky movie screenings and Halloween events, plus how to score a free taco
- Lime, the company that offers e-scooter and e-bike rentals in D.C., wants to give you some freebies! Lime’s “More Store,” described as a corner store on a bike, will be giving away free snacks, rides and Lime merch on Friday. Look for it around Dupont Circle between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Get more information on Lime’s Instagram page.
- Taco Bell Rewards members: Place an order on the Taco Bell app, use Venmo to pay, and you’ll be rewarded with a free Cantina Chicken Soft Taco you can claim on a future order. The offer is good for orders placed through Dec. 31.
- Get your kids in the mood for spooky season at the Yards in D.C. with a free outdoor screening of Disney’s “Halloweentown” on Friday.
- Kids Eat Free Weekends are back at Potbelly for a limited time. After 3 p.m. on Fridays, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays, buy any entrée and you’ll get a free Kids Combo meal for those 12 and under.
- Sassy Woof in Sterling is throwing a free “Dog Trunk or Treat” event on Saturday. You’re invited to dress up your pup in costume, and bring them over for treats, toys and photo ops. Free trick or treat bags will be handed out to the first 200 visitors.
- Saturday is Centreville Day at Historic Centreville Park. The event will include a “trick or treat trail,” a parade, a ghost tour and vendors. Admission, parking, entertainment and children’s rides are all free!
- Buy three Chex products all at once by Dec. 31 and send in your receipt to get a free Chex X PEANUTS Holiday Tin.
- Early heads up: PumpkinPalooza at Alethia Tanner Park in NoMa happens Oct. 22. Starting at 4:15 p.m., free pumpkins will be given away (one per person) while they last! There will also be live entertainment, a petting zoo, a costume parade, a free movie screening and more.
- If you’re a furloughed federal worker, we continue to update our list of freebies and discounts being offered to you during the government shutdown.
Free Shake Shack burger — plus, Chili's Southwestern Queso and chips
- Cheese dip lovers: Chili’s wants you to try its newly updated version. From Oct. 7-21, My Chili’s rewards members can enjoy a free order of Southwestern Queso and chips.
- A band that churned out hits in the late 90s and early ’00s — Smash Mouth — performs for free at Reston Town Center on Oct. 11, during Rocktoberfest at the Pavilion.
- At Shake Shack, buy one SmokeShack burger and get one free through Oct. 11. Use code SPOOKY in the app, at in-store kiosks, or at shakeshack.com.
- Clarksburg Premium Outlets is throwing a Fall Festival on Oct. 11, with music, face and pumpkin painting, exclusive shopping offers and more. Also, kids are invited to trick-or-treat at many stores.
- Interested in IV vitamin and hydration therapy? The DRIPBaR opens its newest location Oct. 11 in Georgetown. Book a visit before Oct. 11 to get 50% off your first IV drip and a free B12 shot.
- Dress your pup in costume for the “Howl-O-Ween Bar(k) Crawl” at The Yards in D.C. on Oct. 15. In addition to doggie-themed eats and drinks that will be available for purchase, participating restaurants will give away “pup perks” for dogs while supplies last. The freebies will range from doggie treats to toys and bandannas.
- If you’re a furloughed federal worker, we have a running list of freebies and discounts especially for you.
Free coffee, fries, pancakes and polka dancing
- On Oct. 3, Corner Bakery is celebrating World Smile Day with a big batch of giveaways. Every customer gets a free cup of coffee with any purchase and a free Funfetti Bundt Bite. Show up early and the rewards get bigger. The first 20 guests at each location get a free Smiley Mug and free coffee for a year, no purchase necessary.
- Every Friday is “Free Fries Friday” at McDonald’s all year long. Get free medium fries with any purchase of $1 or more in the McDonald’s app.
- Art on the Avenue in Alexandria returns for a 30th year on Oct. 4. The street festival in the Del Ray neighborhood features artists, music, food and kids’ activities.
- Wear a football jersey or shirt, or bring a ticket stub from an October football game to Cracker Barrel, and you’ll get a free side of pancakes when you buy an entrée and dine in. The offer is available through Oct. 31.
- Oktoberfest at the Wharf in D.C. happens Oct. 4, and includes the always popular Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash, a stein hoisting contest, a polka-dancing lesson and more.
- On Oct. 4 and 5, Bank of America cardholders can enjoy free admission to The Phillips Collection and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Both remain open during the government shutdown.
- Attention federal workers: WTOP is keeping a constantly updated list of freebies and deals available just for you, during the government shutdown.
Lots of free coffee and visit a National Park on National Public Lands Day
- Get a free coffee when you buy a breakfast sandwich at a participating 7-Eleven, through Oct. 28.
- Catch special free performances by the Washington Ballet at CityCenterDC on Sept. 26 and 27, as part of the company’s citywide Dance For All initiative.
- If you’re an Ikea Family member, enjoy a free breakfast plate on Sept. 27. The company is offering 40 weeks of deals, giveaways and events to mark 40 years since it opened its first U.S. store.
- Fiesta D.C. returns Sept. 27 and 28 with a festival along Pennsylvania Avenue, and a Sunday parade along Constitution Avenue.
- Admission is free to all National Parks on Sept. 27, in recognition of National Public Lands Day.
- The Clarendon Day free street festival takes place Sept. 27. There will be live music, kids activities and more than 150 exhibitors.
- The National Coffee Day fun starts days EARLY at Paris Baguette. Rewards members can get a free medium hot or iced brewed coffee with any purchase Sept. 27-29.
- Sept. 29 is National Coffee Day; Dunkin Rewards members are invited to pick up a free medium hot or iced coffee, when they make any purchase through the app.
- Krispy Kreme’s National Coffee Day deal is especially generous. Visitors to participating shops on Sept. 29 will get a free medium hot or iced coffee and a free doughnut of their choice. You don’t have to buy a thing!
- Sheetz is honoring National Coffee Day from Sept. 29-Oct. 1. That’s when customers can get any size self-serve coffee free, with any purchase.
- At Shipley Do-Nuts, loyalty members get a free doughnut (its new Cold Brew flavor, or Original Glazed) with the purchase of any coffee at participating locations on Sept. 29.
- Even Smoothie King has a National Coffee Day offer. Visit before 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 29, prove you’re a member of Dunkin or Starbucks rewards, and you’ll get a free 20 ounce smoothie. The flavors being given away are Coffee High Protein Almond Mocha and Pumpkin Coffee High Protein.
Free queso and BOGO treats from Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
- Sept. 19 is “Talk Like a Pirate Day!” At Long John Silver’s, talk like a pirate to get a free piece of fish or chicken, or dress like a pirate to get a free two piece basket of fish or chicken.
- For the first time, the entire U.S. Constitution is on display at the National Archives Museum through Oct. 1. The museum will be open longer than usual on Sept. 20 & Sept. 21 to accommodate more visitors. If you’re considering checking it out, you’re encouraged to reserve timed entry tickets in advance.
- Looking for an adventure, on foot? Events DC WalkingTown continues through Sept. 20, and there’s still time to register in advance for a free walking tour.
- Sept. 20 is National Queso Day, and everyone gets a free cup of queso at participating Moe’s Southwest Grill. You don’t have to buy anything to get yours.
- National Mall of Pickleball happens Sept. 19 to Sept. 21. Missed your chance to sign up in advance? There are online waitlists, and there will be opportunities to show up on the day of, to play.
- Kids can get behind the wheel of snow plows, fire trucks, police cruisers and more at Alexandria’s free “Tons of Trucks” event on Sept. 20. It starts with a “sensory friendly” hour from 10-11 a.m.
- Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is offering buy one, get one free treats every Wednesday through Oct. 15. The deal is for rewards members only, and available through the Rita’s app.
Free DQ burgers and BOGO Chipotle entrées — plus, the Joint Base Andrews Air Show
- Slurp up a free medium Daydream Refresher (created in collaboration with singer/songwriter and actress Sabrina Carpenter) at Dunkin’, through Sept. 12. It’s a deal exclusively for rewards members through the Dunkin’ app. Use promo code “DAYDREAM” while supplies last.
- The Bethesda Art Walk is back on Sept. 12 and 13. Five galleries that are a short walk away from each other are taking part in the evening event. Check out the art, talk with the creators and enjoy free refreshments.
- General admission is free to the Joint Base Andrews Air Show on Sept. 13 and 14. You can park for free at Northwest Stadium, and a take a free shuttle bus to the show. Performers include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights and U.S. Navy Rhino Demo Team.
- Dairy Queen has a deal for you running Sept. 15-19. New or existing DQ Rewards members get a free Double Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger with any app or online order of $1 or more.
- Come in wearing a college football jersey to Chipotle on Sept. 15 after 5 p.m. and you’ll be eligible for a BOGO entrée.
- From Sept. 15-19, California Tortilla will give you a free side of guacamole and chips when you buy any entrée. Cal Tort is basically extending National Guacamole Day (Sept. 16) into a whole week!
- Now through Sept. 21, donate blood and get a free American Red Cross x Peanuts T-shirt, while supplies last. There are four different designs. Those donating platelets between Sept. 22 and Oct. 5 will be eligible for a special Peanuts sweatshirt.
Free snacks and exclusive Commanders swag, plus BOGO Blizzards at Dairy Queen
- Sept. 5 is your last chance to claim some free snacks with purchase at Burger King. Spend at least $1 between 3 and 5 p.m. that day, and get 4 mozzarella fries free. The offer is only available on bk.com or through the BK app.
- This year’s free Reggae on the Lake festival at Lake Anne in Reston happens Sept. 6. It will feature a performance by veteran Jamaican reggae singer-songwriter Mykal Rose.
- Tap99, the official Washington Commanders bar in Navy Yard, is holding a kickoff party for the team’s first regular-season game on Sept. 7. As part of the fun, the first 20 guests through the door get exclusive Commanders swag.
- This year’s Takoma Park Folk Festival is Sept. 7, and there’s no charge to get in. It will feature musicians performing on seven stages, a juried craft show, children’s activities and food vendors.
- From Sept. 9-22, enjoy buy one, get one free Blizzards at participating Dairy Queen locations. You have to be an existing or new DQ Rewards member, and use the DQ App to redeem the offer.
- Coming up on Sept. 11, Mission BBQ is once again honoring those who protect, serve and save. That day, all of its restaurants will give away free sandwiches to all fire, police, and first responders.
How to score free BBQ and hot dogs this week
- Shake Shack wants to help you (unofficially) close out summer in a tasty way. Now through Monday, you can get one of its Summer BBQ Sandwiches free when you place a $10 order online through the app, or at an in-store kiosk.
- DC JazzFest runs through Sunday, and you don’t need a ticket to listen to performances from the Wharf Street promenade.
- Get two hot dogs free with any purchase at Sheetz, to celebrate the opening of the chain’s 800th location. Get the deal in the Sheetz app by clicking the OFFERZ tab. It expires Tuesday.
- On Saturday, bring the kids to the Kennedy Center for a free “Family Sing Along” to tunes you know, like “You Are My Sunshine” and “America the Beautiful.” Just be sure to register in advance online.
- Have you heard about the deals at George Washington’s Mount Vernon? Buy a full price admission ticket, and you can enjoy unlimited daytime visits for the rest of 2025.
- Also, on Tuesday evenings, the Mount Vernon Inn restaurant offers kids age 12 and younger a free meal with purchase of an adult entrée.
- Even if you’re a Commanders fan, you have good reason to cheer on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That’s because every time quarterback Baker Mayfield scores a touchdown, the Monday after, you can get a 6-piece order of wings for free at participating Popeye’s with a $10 order online or through the app. The season-long offer kicks off with the Buccaneers’ first game.
Free doughnuts and BOGO Whoppers, plus a chance for an opera screening
- Thousands of theaters nationwide are hosting “Date Night @ The Movies” on Aug. 22, and offering buy one, get one free treats at the concession stand. Among local theaters taking part: Angelika at Mosaic.
- Four-piece chicken tenders are buy one, get one free at Wingstop Aug. 18 to 24. Use promo code “BOGOTENDERS” when you order on the website or app.
- Aug. 22 is your last chance of the season to enjoy the free Friday Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks in D.C. Seating is first come, first served.
- “Opera in the Outfield” returns to Nationals Park Aug. 23. That means you can catch a free screening of Washington National Opera’s Porgy and Bess.
- Burger King is serving up buy one, get one free Whoppers through Aug. 24. You must be a Royal Perks loyalty member, and activate the deal in the “offers” tab before placing your order online.
- Harry Potter fans! Get a free original glazed doughnut at Krispy Kreme on Aug. 23 by showing support for your favorite Hogwarts house.
- Interested in Nats tickets for next season? Buy a Nationals’ Premier Plan for 2026, and you’ll get free tickets to September home games while supplies last. Offer ends Sept. 1.
Candles, tomatoes and ice cream!
- Buy a chicken sandwich or chicken sandwich combo and get a second sandwich free at participating Wingstop locations, through Aug. 17. Just use code BOGOSAMMY when you order online for carryout or delivery.
- Petco is throwing a party to celebrate its 60th birthday. On Aug. 16 between 2 and 4 p.m., be one of the first 60 customers at each store and you’ll get a free reusable tote with toys and treats for your kitty or pooch.
- Yankee Candle is reinventing itself, with new longer-burning wax and updated packaging. On Aug. 16, Fragrance Family Rewards members are invited to stop by a participating Yankee Candle store to get a free candle of their choice, no purchase needed.
- Buffalo & Bergen is showing off its tomatoes, which come from fresh from its Maryland farm. You can get a free heirloom tomato to take home when you buy any sandwich, starting Aug. 18 at any of the restaurant’s three D.C. locations. The offer is available while supplies last, during the restaurant’s “Tomato Week.”
- Carvel is swirling up a bunch of deals around National Soft Serve Day. For instance, buy $25 in gift cards between Aug. 18 and 31 and you’ll get a free small soft serve. If that’s not enough ice cream for you, on Aug. 20 soft serve sundaes are buy one get one free in Carvel stores.
Free fries and free doughnuts, plus Maryland's tax-free week
- Get free medium fries every day in August at Arby’s when you place a $10 order online and pick it up in-store. You have to be an Arby’s Rewards member, or become one, to get the deal.
- Put on some Crocs and walk those feet to Krispy Kreme on Aug. 9 to get a free original glazed doughnut.
- Aug. 10-16 is Maryland Tax-Free Week! That means you won’t pay sales tax on clothing and shoes priced at $100 or less. The first $40 of the cost of backpacks and bookbags are tax-free as well.
- Instacart is offering a different yummy freebie every day from Aug. 11-17, aimed at kids heading back to class. They range from fruit snacks to cheese chunks to protein shakes. No minimum purchase is required, but to get your goodies delivered, you need to spend at least $10.
- Hey pickleballers! If you’re interested in taking part in this year’s free National Mall of Pickleball events, sign up now to get timely notifications about how to join the fun. The event will run from Sept. 19-21.
How to do your school supply shopping tax-free — plus free ice cream and cookies
- Friday through Sunday is Virginia’s sales tax holiday for back to school and hurricane preparedness. You can buy things like school supplies, clothes and shoes, and portable generators and chainsaws without paying sales tax. Check the list of what qualifies before you shop.
- Enjoy free ice cream and a live DJ at Events DC’s Community Cooldown ice cream socials! The next one is Friday at the Everyday Sundae ice cream shop in Northwest.
- Want to ride a mechanical shark? You can Saturday at the free Shark Bites and Brews event on Transit Pier at the Wharf in D.C. There will also be live music, games and a doughnut eating contest.
- Five new galleries are open at the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. Admission is free.
- Monday is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, and DoubleTree by Hilton is giving away free cookies that day! You don’t have to be a hotel guest to stop in and get one.
- Become a Rita’s Italian Ice loyalty member, and get a free small ice, custard or gelati after your first purchase.
- All National Parks are free to enter on Monday, to celebrate the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act.
Free events around the DC area this weekend: Live music, chicken fingers
- Whitlow’s on U Street is throwing a free-to-get-in Christmas in July bash on July 25. In addition to holiday-themed drink specials and dance music, they’ll have a photo-worthy Christmas tree, a visit by Santa and a prize for the best holiday outfit.
- The second annual DMV Made Festival hits the National Mall on July 26, and admission is free. Enjoy live performances of music, poetry and storytelling, a wellness zone, a youth stage and more.
- On July 26 and 27 is the annual Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale. Nearly 30 farms are taking part, and admission is free.
- Order a free, personalized “first day of school” sign for your child at Staples, and pick it up in-store. The offer is good now through Sept. 13. Staples is also offering new freebies every week, while supplies last, through Aug. 16.
- Yee Haw! There’s no charge to get into the Great Country Throwdown on July 26 at the Clarendon Ballroom. There will be live country music, a line dancing class, mechanical bull rides and more Nashville-style fun.
- Prince George’s County is holding its first-ever Martial Arts Day on July 26 in Fort Washington. The free event will host live demonstrations, raffles and giveaways, vendors and more.
- On National Chicken Finger Day — July 27 — order one “Box Combo” meal at Raising Cane’s, and get a free chicken finger (yes — just one).
- Need more chicken? On National Chicken Wing Day, July 29, buy a 10-piece order of wings and you’ll get a second order for free at the Greene Turtle locations around the D.C. area.
