Sweet Deals, Indeed! How To Get Free Donuts Today—National Donut Day 2023

It's National Donut Day, and you know what that means? You get to embrace your inner Homer Simpson! National Donut Day couldn't have come at a better time—who couldn't use some sweet treats at the start of June to celebrate all of Summer ahead of us. Get to know the unique history of National Donut Day, plus find out where you can get a free donut (yes, Krispy Kreme celebrates National Donut Day, as does Dunkin' Donuts!) and other discounted donuts and deals for National Donut Day.

When is National Donut Day?

National Donut Day is June 2, 2023. It's held every year on the first Friday of June.

And there will be another National Donut Day on Sunday, November 5, 2023. This recognized day of doughy goodness is thought to coincide with the "birthday" of the United States Marine Corps, which is on November 10. The November 5th National Donut Day is believed to be in honor of American prisoners of war in Vietnam tricking interrogators into giving them donuts when they were otherwise starving because of the "special" day.

There are also two other more obscure days celebrating donuts, including specific varieties: International Jelly-Filled Donut Day on June 8 (sometimes June 9), National Cream-Filled Donut Day on September 14 and National Buy a Donut Day on October 30.

What is the history of National Donut Day?

The Salvation Army first celebrated National Donut Day in 1938 in Chicago, according to SFGATE. The holiday was established as a fundraiser for those in need during the Great Depression and to honor the Salvation Army women volunteers who served deep-fried rounds of dough to hungry soldiers during World War I in France. These volunteers were known as "Doughnut Girls."

In World War II, Red Cross volunteers called "Doughnut Dollies" continued the tradition.

Who created National Donut Day?

The Salvation Army created National Donut Day.

When did National Donut Day start?

National Donut Day started in 1938.

Related: National Donut Day Facts: 13 Things You Didn’t Know About Donuts

Where to get free donuts on National Donut Day:

Duck Donuts National Donut Day Deal

Get a free bare, cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar donut at Duck Donuts, no purchase necessary. All locations are participating, but the offer is in-store only.

Dunkin' National Donut Day Deal

Purchase any beverage and get a free classic donut of your choice at Dunkin', while supplies last. And you can still shop Dunkin’'s fashion apparel and goodies at Shopdunkin.com.

Related: 10 Awesome Donut Recipes to Celebrate National Donut Day

Krispy Kreme National Donut Day Deal

Krispy Kreme offers any doughnut absolutely free in the U.S. and Canada, no purchase necessary, excluding delivery. You can also get a dozen of their Original Glazed doughnuts for $2 when you buy a dozen of any kind.

Related: Baked-Not-Fried Donut Recipes!

LaMar's Donuts & Coffee National Donut Day Deal

LaMar's Donuts & Coffee will give out free donuts on National Donut Day! Head into your local LaMar's Donuts for the sweet, sweet deal.

Maverik National Donut Day Deal

Maverik is releasing their special "M"-shaped donuts on June 2, 2023 in honor of National Donut Day. Plus, Adventure Club members get 50% off all donuts and Nitro members get one free donut. Head into the chain to grab 'em up.

Randy's Donuts National Donut Day Deal

Randy's Donuts offers one classic donut of your choice on June 2 from 5 am to 12 pm to all guests. Get them while supplies last.

Shipley Do-Nuts National Donut Day Deal

Shipley Do-Nuts offers a free glazed “Do-Nut” with any purchase from 5 a.m. to noon Friday, while supplies last.

Related: DIY Glazed Donuts

Stan's Donuts & Coffee National Donut Day Deal

You can get a free donut with any purchase at Stan's Donuts & Coffee for National Donut Day.

Third Culture National Donut Day Deal

At Third Culture locations, snag a free mochi donut pop with any purchase while supplies last. Plus, only at the Berkeley shop, customers can get a free donut drink floaty with any drink purchase while supplies last.

Tim Hortons National Donut Day Deal

For National Donut Day, Tim Hortons is offering guests a free donut with any drink purchase online or in their app.

Is your mouth watering yet? Get even more in the mood with the most photo-worthy donut shops in every state!