Californians with a sweet tooth, rejoice: National Donut Day has arrived.
The holiday, celebrated on the first Friday in June, was created by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honor the organization’s Donut Lassies and Donut Girls, women who traveled to France to serve donuts and other snacks to soldiers during World War I.
“The story of the Donut Lassies is one of extraordinary courage,” Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of The Salvation Army, said in a news release. “The women who traveled to the front lines of a world war displayed compassion and bravery. On this 88th National Donut Day, we honor their remarkable legacy alongside the veterans who have served this nation, reminding ourselves to carry that same spirit of joyful service into every community we serve.”
According to The Salvation Army, the Donut Lassies worked in makeshift huts offering soldiers emotional and spiritual care, essential supplies and freshly fried donuts, quickly transforming the treat into a symbol of comfort and joy.
The Salvation Army will distribute donuts to veterans in several cities across the U.S. and have other events, including the National Donut Day World Donut Eating Championship, scheduled to be held in Washington, DC.
Across the U.S., donut distributors — large and small — also participate in National Donut Day; big names Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme, which officially call them “doughnuts,” will be giving away free donuts on June 5.
Here’s where to find free donuts or donut deals in California.
National Donut Day 2026 deals and freebies
Stop by Krispy Kreme for a free donut of your choice
Krispy Kreme fans can get a free doughnut of their choice on June 5, no purchase necessary, the company told USA TODAY. There is a limit of one per guest, and the offer is available in-shop and via the drive-thru.
Additionally, customers can get a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for $2 with the purchase of any dozen at regular price.
“National Doughnut Day is one of our most joyful traditions – a moment to celebrate the doughnuts people love, the guests who inspire us every day and the simple happiness that comes from sharing something sweet,” said Alison Holder, chief brand & product officer at Krispy Kreme, in a news release. “We’re excited to welcome everyone in on Friday to enjoy a free Krispy Kreme favorite and celebrate with us.”
Find a Krispy Kreme near you using their store locator on their website.
Buy a drink, get a free donut at Dunkin’
For the 16th year in a row, Dunkin’ will give out a free donut on National Donut Day, Friday, June 5, with the purchase of any beverage.
The coffee and donut chain gave away a limited-edition tote bag with the purchase of a half dozen or more donuts on June 1 and is also collaborating with lifestyle and accessories brand Stoney Clover Lane for a “sweeter, limited-edition collection” which includes “new, playful accessories, all inspired by Dunkin’ staples.”
The collection will be available online and at select Stoney Clover Lane retail locations starting Friday, June 5, at 10 a.m. ET.
“National Donut Day is one of our favorite traditions at Dunkin’, and this year we’re making it even sweeter for our guests,” Dunkin’ Chief Marketing Officer Jill Nelson said in a statement. “From bringing back our free donut offer to expanding our Stoney Clover Lane collaboration and giving Dunkin’ Rewards members more ways to join in, we’re celebrating all week long.”
Find a Dunkin’ store near you using the store locator on their website.
Get 50-cent donuts at 7-Eleven
7-Eleven, Inc. is treating 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members to unlimited classic glazed donuts for just 50 cents each at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes locations nationwide on June 5.
Additionally, 7-Select Mini Donut packs will be available for $1.
Snag a free classic donut at Randy’s
Randy’s Donuts locations are offering a free classic donut from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“OH and if your name is Randy (any spelling) we have some extra prizes for you.. just bring your ID,” the company said in a Facebook post.
Randy’s has locations across California, including in its home of Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Diego County, and Fresno. A full is of Randy’s stores can be found on their website here.
Korean donut deal at Bonchon? Yes, please.
Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken is offering customers one of its signature Korean donuts, coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a sweet cream dipping sauce, free with any purchase of $15 or more.
Customers can redeem the offer on Bonchon.com or through the Bonchon app using code “DONUTDAY” at checkout from June 5 to June 7.
Use the store locator on their website to find a Bonchon near you.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: National Donut Day: Where Californians can snag a free donut or deal
Reporting by Gabe Hauari and Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Gabe Hauari and Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
