National Donut Day 2024: Freebies and deals in NYC on Friday

Doughnut lovers’ favorite holiday has once again arrived with National Donut Day on Friday.

Landing each year on the first Friday of June, the promotional holiday was first celebrated by the Salvation Army in 1938 to commemorate their “Donut Lassies” — a group of doughnut-making volunteers sent to France in 1917 to the boost morale of World War I soldiers.

Today, the holiday is celebrated across the country, and there’s plenty of sweetness in store as shops throughout the NYC area ring in the occasion with freebies and deals.

National Donut Day deals in the NYC area:

Dunkin’ — formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts — is offering celebrants a free classic doughnut with the purchase of any drink at any location, while supplies last. The popular brand also launched a new doughnut-inspired collection, featuring T-shirts and hoodies, on ShopDunkin.com.

Krispy Kreme is giving away one free doughnut per customer at participating U.S. locations while supplies last. Unlike Dunkin’, the chain is not requiring customers to purchase an item to take part in the deal. The giveaway, however, will be only be offered in-store and excludes specialty and limited-time doughnuts.

Duck Doughnuts, with locations in Queens, East Meadow, Garden City Park, White Plains and Mamaroneck — among other cities in Long Island and New Jersey — is offering customers a free cinnamon sugar doughnut, no purchase necessary. The deal is available in-store only.