Here’s how to celebrate National Doughnut Day with free deals. What to know
Are you hungry? National Doughnut Day falls on Friday, June 5, in 2026 and national doughnut chains are gearing up to celebrate with free deals.
While cultures around the world have a long history of eating fried dough, the history of the modern doughnut is generally traced back to Dutch immigrants in New York, Brittanica.com said.
These olykoeks, or “oil cakes,” got their distinctive holes in 1850 when an innovative American sailor created the iconic doughnut shape. A doughnut-making machine at the 1933–34 World’s Fair gave rise to the commercial doughnut industry.
What is National Doughnut Day?
National Doughnut Day is celebrated on the first Friday each June, National Day Calendar said.
“This food holiday celebrates the delicious doughnut and honors the Salvation Army Lassies,” the publication said. “In case you didn’t know, the Salvation Army Lassies are the women who served doughnuts to soldiers during WWI.”
The Salvation Army created National Doughnut Day in 1938 to celebrate the women who served doughnuts to soldiers in World War I.
Are there two National Doughnut Days?
There’s also a National Donut Day on Nov. 5, National Day Calendar said.
The second day celebrating doughnuts may have begun as a way to honor veterans before Veterans Day on Nov. 11 each year, Mental Floss said.
What deals are available for National Doughnut Day?
Here are some national chains offering special freebies on National Doughnut Day. Several chains also are offering discounts or other deals with a purchase.
Offers are at participating shops only:
Duck Donuts: Get a free classic donut, no purchase necessary.
Krispy Kreme: Get a free doughnut of your choice on Friday, no purchase necessary.
Voodoo Doughnut: Voodoo Doughnut Fan Club members get a free doughnut of their choice on Friday.
This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 8:57 AM with the headline "Here’s how to celebrate National Doughnut Day with free deals. What to know."