Seasonal Freebies – The Best Days of The Year To Get Free Stuff

Seasonal Freebies are freebies that come around every year on a specific date or for a specific occasion. The best days of the year to get free stuff are your birthday and Black Friday. Those are two days of the year where you can literally go from place to place collecting free stuff for hours. You can also get multiple freebies in the days leading up to those to days and the days immediately following those two days. Yet, there are other days of the year where freebies are regularly given away. Sometimes opportunities are associated with a national holiday. Other times they are related to unofficial observances. Brands and businesses are always looking for a special occasion to tweak their promotions, or even just to have a promotion at all, so unofficial observances can present fun opportunities, which can lead to freebies. Many of the freebies are related to free food, but some might include free samples or free admission to museums, parks and other venues.

The Best Days Of The Year To Get Free Stuff

The following days of the year are confirmed days where freebies are almost always available:

Your Birthday

This particular day of the year depends on when you happened to be born. You can get free food and free stuff by signing up to birthday eclubs online. Read more about Birthday Freebies.

Public Domain Day

Every January 1 there are works where the copyright expires and they enter the Public Domain, meaning they can be used by anyone, for any purpose, even commercial purposes, unless the work is protected by other laws. Read more about the Pubic Domain.

Martin Luther King Jr Day

Third Monday in January, free entrance to national parks, See National Parks Days.

Super Bowl Sunday

Last Sunday in January or First Sunday in February. Watch for sweepstakes and free samples given away in promotions leading up to the Super Bowl and in the Super Bowl ads. Sometimes brands will use this opportunity to give away samples of new products. For example, on past super bowl ads Pepsi has given away free cans of soda and Denny’s announced a free breakfast day in 2009 and 2010.

Library Lovers Day

February 14, the same day as Valentine’s Day. I don’t know what is supposed to happen on this particular day, but it was still included in this list because the library is one of the best sources of freebies. Read more about Library Freebies.

President’s Day

Third Monday in February, free entrance to national parks, See National Parks Days.

Weekends of National Park Week

Weekends at the start and end of the third week in April, or whenever announced, free entrance to national parks, see National Parks Days.

Earth Day

April 22, watch for free samples and gifts related to preserving the planet. You could potentially get free seeds or a free tree. Earth Day was also the springboard for Freecycle, which is an excellent source of free stuff.

Free Comic Book Day

First Saturday in May, participating comic book stores will have tons of free samples of comic books. Read more at FreeComicBookDay.com.

Mother’s Day

Second Sunday of May. watch for free gifts and free food for moms in advertisements and emails.

National Doughnut Day

First Friday in June, look for a free doughnut from Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Dunkin Donuts might have a BOGO offer. Look at other doughnut shops as well.

Father’s Day

Third Sunday in June. Watch for free gifts and free food for dads in advertisements and emails.

International Free Hugs Day

First Saturday in July. Free Hugs are available throughout the year, but they’re most likely to occur on this day. Read more about Free Hugs. There is also a National Hugging Day on January 21.

Cow Appreciation Day

Chick-fil-a will give you a free entree if you come to the restaurant dressed as a cow on July 11 or whenever they announce it.

7-11 Day

Get a free Slurpee at 7 Eleven on July 11. 7 Eleven could end this promotion at any time but they have done it consistently for a few years now. They also have other days of the year, such as Bring Your Own Cup Day.

National Park Service Birthday

Aug 25, free entrance to national parks, see National Parks Days.

National Public Lands Day

Sept 30, free entrance to national parks, see National Parks Days.

Halloween

October 31, free candy for kids. Something I do every year is confiscate half of my kids’ candy as payment for taking them trick-or-treating. Other parents do this and keep the candy, but I save it to stuff stockings for Christmas a couple months later. It also helps them eat less candy which my wife likes. Another option is to sell candy to participating Dentists.

Veteran’s Day

November 11, multiple commercial freebies for Veterans such as free samples and free food. Also anyone gets free entrance to national parks on Veteran’s day weekend, see National Parks Days.

Black Friday

The Friday after Thanksgiving, or the 4th Friday in November. Watch the circulars and ads for free door prizes, 100%-off coupons, free after rebate offers, free food, free events, and sweepstakes. See Black Friday Freebies.

Small Business Saturday

The Saturday after Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It’s also sometimes called “Super Saturday”. On this particular day Small Businesses might give away free samples and gifts or it could be an opportunity for small business owners to win prizes for their business from banks or B2B services. American Express has promotions on this Saturday.

Cyber Monday

The Monday after Thanksgiving, usually the last Monday of November, the most common freebies are Free After Rebate offers online and free Christmas events at stores like Bass Pro Shops. See Black Friday Freebies.

Free Shipping Day

December 15, free shipping is not actually free since you are still spending money to purchase something, but it is better than paying for shipping. This is the last day where you can buy something online and have it arrive by Christmas via standard shipping.

Also look for announcements for Grand Openings and other special events where free stuff and prizes are often given away. Throughout the year other restaurants might have a “free” day. Dairy Queen has given away a free cone of ice cream. McDonald’s has given away free burgers. Multiple other restaurants have had days where they give something away, but they are not as consistent as the days mentioned above.

Other Possible Freebie Days Of The Year

The following days are additional possibilities where freebies may be given away if a particular brand, retailer, manufacturer, business or organization sees it as a suitable opportunity for a promotion.

January

Fruitcake Toss Day, Jan 3
Bean Day, Jan 6
Strawberry Ice Cream Day, Jan 15
Popcorn Day, Jan 19
Soup Swap Day, Jan 21
National Hugging day, Jan 21
Hot Sauce Day, Jan 22
Chocolate Cake Day, Jan 27
Puzzle Day, Jan 29

February

Day of the crepe, Feb 2
Carrot Cake Day, Feb 3
Eat Ice cream For Breakfast Day, First saturday of February
Stuffed Mushroom Day, Feb 4
Chocolate Fondue Day, Feb 5
Lame Duck Day, Feb 6
Send a card to a friend day, Feb 7
Toothache day, Feb 9
Bagel and Lox Day, Feb 9
Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day, Feb 11
World Radio Day, Feb 13
Valentine’s Day, Feb 14
Ferris Wheel Day, Feb 14
Library Lovers Day, Feb 14
Gumdrop Day, Feb 15
Random act of kindness day, Feb 17
Battery Day, Feb 18
Chocolate Mint Day, Feb 19
International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day, Feb 23
Tortilla Chip Day, Feb 24
Pistachio Day, Feb 26

March

Old Stuff Day, Mar 1
National Corndog Day, First Saturday of NCAA Mens Basketball tournament
Cinco de Marcho, Mar 5
Dentist’s Day, Mar 6
Mario Day, Mar 10
Oatmeal Nut Waffle Day, Mar 11
Pi Day, Mar 14
St. Patrick’s Day, Mar 17
Submarine Day, Mar 17
World Storytelling Day, Mar 20
Puppy Day, Mar 23
Chocolate Covered Raisins Day, Mar 24
Waffle Day, Mar 25
Spanish Paella Day, Mar 27

April

April Fools Day, Apr 1
Fun at work day, Apr 1
World Party Day, Apr 3
Grilled Cheese Day, Apr 12
Eggs Benedict Day, Apr 16
National Tea Day, Apr 21
Record Store Day, Apr 22 (other days are possible from year to year)
Jelly Bean Day, Apr 22
Pretzel Day, Apr 26

May

Herb Day, May 6
Beverage Day, May 6
National School Nurse Day, May 10
Eat What You Want Day, May 11
Chocolate Chip Day, May 15
International Museum Day, May 18
Pizza party Day, May 19
Sun Screen Day, May 27
Hamburger Day, May 28
Macaroon Day, May 31

June

Aquarium Month, Adopt A Cat Month, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, Candy Month, Camping Month, Country Cooking Month, Dairy Month, Great Outdoors Month, Iced Tea Month, Papaya Month, Soul Food Month, Turkey Lovers Month

International Clothesline Week, first full week
National Headache Awareness Week, first full week
Pet Appreciation Week, first full week
Men’s Health Week, ends on Father’s day
Animal Rights Awareness Week, Third full week
Watermelon Seed Spitting Week, last weekend Thursday to Sunday
North American Brewers Days, last weekend
Water Ski Days, last full weekend

National Olive Day, Jun 1
National Hazelnut Cake Day, Jun 1
National Rotisserie Chicken Day, Jun 2
National Rocky Road Day, Jun 2
National Chocolate Macaroons Day, Jun 3
Hug Your Cat Day, Jun 4
National Cheese Day, Jun 4
National Cognac Day, Jun 4
National Gingerbread Day, Jun 5
National Moonshine Day, Jun 5
Wold Environment Day, Jun 5
National Applesauce Cake Day, Jun 6
National Gardening Exercise day, Jun 6
National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, Jun 7
National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day, Jun 9
National Herbs and Spices Day, Jun 10
Iced Tea Day, Jun 10
Corn On The Cob Day, Jun 11
Jerky Day, Jun 12
Peanut Butter Cookie Day, Jun 12
Bourbon Day, Jun 14
Fudge Day, June 15
Eat Your Vegetables Day, Jun 17
Apple Strudel Day, Jun 17
Stewart’s Root Beer Day, Jun 17
Go Fishing Day, Jun 18
Martini Day, Jun 19
Ice Cream Soda Day, Jun 20
World Music Day, Jun 21
Peaches n’ Cream day, Jun 21
Onion Ring Day, Jun 22
Chocolate Eclair Day, Jun 21
Strawberry Parfait Day, Jun 25
Chocolate Pudding Day, Jun 26
Almond Buttercrunch Day, Jun 29
Waffle Iron Day, Jun 29

July

Baked Bean Month, Culinary Arts Month, Horseradish Month, Hot Dog Month, Ice Cream Month, Independent Retailer Month, July Belongs to Blueberries Month, Picnic Month

Beans and Bacon Days, begins first Wednesday
Everybody Deserves a Massage Week, third full week
Independent Retailers Week, third full week
Zookeeper Week, third full week
Garlic Days, Last weekend

Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day, Jul 1
Gingersnap day, Jul 1
Anisette Day, Jul 1
Fried Clam Day, Jul 3
Chocolate Wafer Day, Jul 3
Independence Day, Jul 4
Barbecued Spareribs Day, Jul 4
Caesar Salad Day, Jul 4
Apple turnover day, Jul 5
Graham Cracker Day, Jul 5
National Fried Chicken Day, Jul 6
Video Games Day, Jul 8 (also Sep 12)
Chocolate with almonds day, Jul 8
Sugar Cookie Day, Jul 9
Pina Colada Day, Jul 10
Blueberry muffin day, Jul 11
American Pet Photo Day, Jul 11
Pecan Pie Day, Jul 12
Eat your jello day, Jul 12
French Fry Day, Jul 13
Beans n’ Franks Day, Jul 13
Gummi Worm Day, Jul 15
Give something away day, Jul 15
I love horses day, Jul 15
Corn Fritters Day, Jul 16
Personal Chef’s Day, Jul 16
Ice Cream Day, Jul 16
Peach Ice Cream day, Jul 17
Caviar Day, Jul 18
Sour Candy day, Jul 18
Lollipop day, Jul 20
Junk Food Day, Jul 21
Pi Approximation Day, Jul 22 (I realize Pi is not the same as Pie, but it can still be used as a play on words for a promotion)
Penuche Fudge Day, Jul 22
Vanilla Ice Cream Day, Jul 23
Hot dog day, Jul 23
Tequila day, Jul 24
Drive-thru day, Jul 24
Culinarians Day, Jul 25
Hot fudge sundae day, Jul 25
Bagelfest Day, Jul 26
Coffee milkshake day, Jul 26
Scotch day, Jul 27
Creme brulee day, Jul 27
Refreshment day, Jul 27
Chili Dog Day, Last Thursday
Milk Chocolate Day, Jul 28
Lasagna Day, Jul 29
Lipstick day, Jul 29
Chicken wing day, Jul 29
National Cheesecake Day, Jul 30
Raspberry Cake Day, Jul 31
Mutt Day, Jul 31

August

Family Fun Month, Peach Month

Bargain hunting week, First Monday through Sunday
Farmer’s Market Week, first full week
Weird contest week, second week

Raspberry Cream Pie Day, Aug 1
Ice Cream Sandwich Day, Aug 2
coloring book day, Aug 2
Watermelon Day, Aug 3
Grab some nuts day, Aug 3
International Beer Day, First Friday in Aug
Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, Aug 4
Oyster day, Aug 5
Jamaican Patty Day, First Saturday
Mustard Day, First Saturday
Root Bear Float Day, Aug 6
Fresh Breath Day, Aug 6
Kids Day, Aug 6
American Family Day, Aug 6
Raspberries n’ cream day, Aug 7
Frozen custard day, Aug 8
Sneak some Zucchini onto your neighbor’s porch day, Aug 8
Dollar day, Aug 8
Cat Day, Aug 8
Book Lovers Day, Aug 9
Rice Pudding Day, Aug 9
S’mores day, Aug 10
Raspberry Bombe day, Aug 11
Bowling Day, second Saturday in Aug
Garage Sale Day, second Saturday in Aug
Filet mignon day, Aug 13
Creamsicle Day, Aug 14
Lemon Meringue Pid day, Aug 15
Roller coaster day, Aug 16
Rum Day, Aug 16
Thrift Shop Day, Aug 17
Mail Order Catalog Day, Aug 18
Ice Cream Pie Day, Aug 18
Soft ice cream day, Aug 19
Chocolate Pecan Pie Day, Aug 20
National radio day, Aug 20
Spumoni day, Aug 21
Senior Citizens Day, Aug 21
Tooth Fairy Day, Aug 22
Pecan torte day, Aug 22
Spongecake day, Aug 23
Hug your boss day, Aug 23
Peach pie day, Aug 24
Waffle Day, Aug 24
Whiskey sour day, Aug 25
Secondhand wardrobe day, Aug 25
Banana Split Day, Aug 25
Dog Appreciation Day, Aug 26
Cherry Popsicle Day, Aug 26
Pots de creme day, Aug 27
Cherry Turnovers Day, Aug 28
Trail Mix Day, Aug 30
Eat Outside Day, Aug 31

September

Baby Safety Month, Better Breakfast Month, Blueberry Popsicle Month, Chicken Month, Honey Month, Mushroom Month, Papaya Month, Potato Month, Rice Month, Whole Grains Month

Waffle Week, first week
Substitute Teacher Appreciation Week, first full week
Popcorn days, Tuesday to Saturday after Labor day
Mushroom Days, Weekend after labor day
Dog week, last week
Keep Kids creative week, last week
Word Reflexology Week, last full week

Blueberry popsicle day, Sep 2
Bowling League Day, Sep 3
Labor Day, first Monday
Macadamia Nut Day, Sep 4
Eat An Extra Desert Day, Sep 4
Cheese Pizza Day, Sep 5
Read a Book Day, Sep 6
Coffee Ice Cream Day, Sep 6
Salami Day, Sep 7
Beer Lovers Day, Sep 7
Acorn Squash Day, Sep 7
Wiener Schnitzel Day, Sep 9 – Not associated with the Wiener Schnitzel chain who generally offers promotions on Hot Dog Day, July 19.
TV Dinner Day, Sep 10
Chocolate Milkshake Day, Sep 12
Video Games Day, Sep 12 (also July 8)
International Chocolate Day, Milton S. Hershey’s birthday, Sep 13
Kids Take Over Kitchen Day, Sep 13
Peanut Day, Sep 13
Hug your hound day, Sep 14
Cream Filled Donut Day, Sep 14
Hoagie Day, Sep 14
Cheese Toast Day, Sep 15
Linguine Day, Sep 15
Double cheeseburger day, Sep 15
Creme De Menthe day, Sep 15
Guacamole Day, Sep 16
Play-doh day, Sep 16
cinnamon raisin bread day, Sep 16
national apple dumpling day, Sep 17
Rice Krispie Treat Day, Sep 18
Cheeseburger day, Sep 18
Butterscotch pudding day, Sep 19
Punch day, Sep 20
Miniature Golf Day, Sep 21
Pecan Cookie Day, Sep 21
White chocolate day, Sep 22
Ice cream cone day, Sep 22
Great American Pot Pie Day, Sep 23
national hunting and fishing day, fourth Saturday
Cherries Jubilee day, Sept 24
Comic Book Day, Sep 25
Dumpling day, Sep 26
Pancake Day, Sep 26
World tourism day, Sep 27
Chocolate Milk day, Sep 27
Corned beef hash day, Sep 27
National Women’s health and fitness day, Sep 27
Good Neighbor Day, Sep 28
Drink Beer Day, Sep 28
Strawberry Cream Pie Day, Sep 28
Hot Mulled Cider Day, Sep 30
Chewing gum day, Sep 30
Hot mulled cider day, Sep 30

October

National Pizza Month, American Cheese Month, Eat Better Eat Together Month, Book Month, Caramel Month, Chili Month, Cookie Month, Dental Hygiene Month, Kitchen & Bath Month, Pickled Peppers Month, Popcorn Poppin Moth, Pretzel Month, Roller Skating Month, Sausage Month, Seafood Month, Pear and pineapple month, Rhubarb month, Spinach Lovers Month, Vegetarian Month

Great books week, first full week
customer service week, first full week
World dairy expo, first Tuesday to Sunday
National chestnut week, second full week
school lunch week, starts second Monday
Friends of Libraries week, third full week
Massage Therapy Week, last week

International Coffee Day, Oct 1
Day of older persons, Oct 1
World Vegetarian Day, Oct 1
Homemade Cookies Day, Oct 1
Balloons around the world day, Oct 1
fried scallops day, Oct 2
Taco Day, Oct 4
Golf Day, Oct 4
Vodka day, Oct 4
World teachers day, Oct 5
Noodle Day, Oct 6
Frappe Day, Oct 7
Pierogi Day, Oct 8
Fluffernutter day, Oct 8
Pro-Life Cupcake Day, Oct 9
Angel Food Cake Day, Oct 10
sausage pizza day, Oct 11
Old Farmers Day, Oct 12
Gumbo Day, Oct 12
Dessert Day, Oct 14
Costume Swap day, Oct 14
Cheese curd day, Oct 15
Cake Decorating Day, Oct 15
World Food Day, Oct 16
Liqueur day, Oct 16
Department Store day, Oct 16
Mulligan day, Oct 17
Pasta Day, Oct 17
Chocolate Cupcake Day, Oct 18
Seafood Bisque Day, Oct 19
Get smart about credit day, Oct 19
Get to know your customers day, Oct 19
Brandied fruit day, Oct 20
International Day of The Nacho, Oct 21
Pumpkin cheesecake day, Oct 21
Nut day, Oct 22
Boston Cream Pie Day, Oct 23
Bologna Day, Oct 24
Food day, Oct 24
Sourest Day, Oct 25
Greasy Food Day, Oct 25
Pumpkin day, Oct 26
Mincemeat day, Oct 26
American Beer Day, Oct 27
breadstick day, Oct 27
Cat day, Oct 29
Candy Corn Day, Oct 30
Magic Day, Oct 31
Caramel apple day, Oct 31

November

Deviled Eggs Day, Nov 2
Men Make Dinner Day, Nov 2
Sandwich Day, Nov 3
Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day, Nov 7
Vanilla Cupcake Day, Nov 10
Spicy Guacamole Day, Nov 14
Pickle Day, Nov 14
Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day, Nov 15
Fast Food Day, Nov 16
Use less stuff day, Nov 16
Cake Day, Nov 26

December

Eat a red apple day, Dec 1
Fritters day, Dec 2
Microwave oven day, Dec 6
Official Lost and Found day, Dec 8
Noodle ring day, Dec 11
Chocolate Covered Anything Day, Dec 16
Date Nut Bread Day, Dec 22
Eggnog Day, Dec 24
Bicarbonate of Soda Day, Dec 30
New Years Eve, Dec 31

I didn’t list additional holidays and observances for November and December because most likely any promotions or freebies that you see will be related to Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas. The extended list is found at trackmaven and National Holiday Calendar.

Technically any holiday or unofficial observance could be a reason to have a promotion for any related retailer, brand or product. The above list does not include all holidays; it mostly includes food, people, pets and entertainment since those are more likely cases where you could find freebies. However, a particular retailer might take advantage of other days that were not included above. For example, Lululemon might have some type of promotion on the International Day of Yoga on June 21, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll give away something for free. For each particular observer it might help to think of the industry leaders and see if they have any offers on social media, their website (it could be on the home page or a page for press releases), emails (if you’re on their email list), and other promotional channels. You could also try shopping deals aggregator sites like SlickDeals.net. Find similar resources on the Free Samples Directory and Free After Rebate Directory.