Right up there with napping and running through sprinklers, eating is one of our nation’s most beloved activities.
That’s why we honor our favorite eats and treats with national holidays throughout the year. During many of these annual celebrations, you can score free food and beverages from restaurants, fast food joints and sweet shops across the country.
We’ve included a comprehensive list of our country’s most popular food and drink holidays below. Follow our culinary calendar to ensure you never miss out on free grub or goodies.
[See: How to Live on $13,000 a Year.]
1. National Popcorn Day (January 19)
Delightfully crunchy, buttery and salty, popcorn has delighted snackers for more than 5,000 years. Every year on January 19, many cinemas and malls hand out free bags of this time-honored snack.
2. National Bagel Day (February 9)
On February 9, you can find freebies and deals at both local and chain bagel joints. In the past, eateries like Einstein Bros. Bagels and Panera Bread have shared their bagels with breakfasters.
3. International Pi Day (March 14)
On March 14, we celebrate pi — the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, commonly approximated as 3.14. On Pi Day, you can expect free slices of pie from spots like Waffle House and Village Inn. You are also likely to see solid deals on pizza from joints like Domino’s and Chuck E. Cheese’s.
[See: 6 Ways to Treat Yourself on a Budget.]
4. National Pretzel Day (April 26)
National Pretzel Day allegedly began in Pennsylvania, where Dutch immigrants first introduced the pretzel to America. On the holiday, you can often score free pretzels from spots like Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Pretzelmaker and Philly Pretzel Factory.
5. National Hamburger Day (May 28)
National Hamburger Day commemorates our country’s signature sandwich. On May 28, hunt down hamburger specials at eateries like Johnny Rockets and White Castle.
6. National Donut Day (June 3)
Donut freebies abound on National Donut Day, when shops around the country pay homage to these scrumptious circles. Check out places like Dunkin’ Donuts, Krispy Kreme and Cumberland Farms to look for freebies.
7. National Iced Tea Day (June 10)
Sunny days beg to be spent relaxing over a glass of iced tea. Plan to spend June 10 cooling down with a free cup from chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts.
[See: 12 Ways to Be a More Mindful Spender.]
8. National Ice Cream Day (July 17)
As the temperature rises, so does our appetite for ice cream. On the third Sunday in July, ice cream shops like Friendly’s and Carvel satisfy our creamy cravings with special offers on cones, sundaes and ice cream cakes.
9. National Hot Dog Day (July 23)
As a country, we consume an estimated 20 billion hot dogs annually — that’s about 60 hot dogs per person. So it seems fitting that hot dogs get their own national holiday, when joints like Sonic and 7-Eleven dole out deals on dogs.
10. National Chicken Wing Day (July 29)
From the tangy teriyaki to the spicy barbecue, wings of all flavors are honored on July 29. Pay tribute to the mouth-watering wing by visiting spots like Hooters, Pizza Hut and Smokey Bones to seek out freebies and specials.
11. National Cheeseburger Day (September 18)
Not to be confused with National Hamburger Day, National Cheeseburger Day celebrates one particular style of burger — the kind covered in cheese. Visit burger joints like Jack in the Box, McDonald’s and Cheeseburger in Paradise, where you’ll probably find cheeseburgers at special prices.
12. National Coffee Day (September 29)
Every year on September 29, you can order your morning coffee without having to shell out $3.50. Count on getting your fix for free at chains like Dunkin’ Donuts, Krispy Kreme and Waffle House.
13. National Taco Day (October 4)
This traditional Mexican staple has quickly become a favorite in the U.S. We celebrate the taco on October 4, when restaurants like California Tortilla and Taco Time offer free tacos.
14. Dessert Day (October 14)
You can quiet your cravings for sweets while you await Halloween on October 14, National Dessert Day. Last year, restaurants like Bennigan’s, Olive Garden and Dairy Queen handed out everything from free pie slices to cinnamon rolls.
15. National Cookie Day (December 4)
No need to struggle to reach the cookie jar on National Cookie Day. On this magical holiday, bakeries like Great American Cookies and Insomnia Cookies will provide the warm, chewy treats for free.
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15 Food Holidays When You Can Get Free Eats and Treats originally appeared on usnews.com
