The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, represented a significant astronomical event for North America, prompting numerous brands and retailers to offer special promotions, free products, and exclusive deals. These offers spanned various categories, including food and beverage, household goods, and safety accessories. Many companies structured these promotions to be accessible nationwide, while others targeted specific geographic areas within the path of totality. The following guide details the verified freebies and discounts available during this period, based on official announcements and reliable reporting.
Food and Beverage Promotions
Restaurants and food brands were among the most active participants in eclipse-themed marketing, offering limited-time menu items, discounts, and free food items. These deals ranged from specific date-only offers to week-long celebrations of the celestial event.
Burger King
Burger King offered a significant promotion for members of its loyalty program. The offer required customers to text the keyword "ECLIPSE" to 251251. Upon doing so, members received a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) offer on Whoppers. This deal was redeemable through the Burger King app or website. The promotion was valid for a specific window following the eclipse, extending through April 15, 2024. The availability of this deal was confirmed across multiple sources, highlighting it as a primary offer for the day.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut introduced the "Total Eclipse of the Hut" deal. On April 8, customers could purchase any large pizza for $12. The offer included create-your-own pizzas with up to 10 toppings, as well as all recipe pizzas on the menu. Eligible crust types included Thin 'N Crispy, Hand Tossed, and Original Pan. This promotion was valid for carryout, dine-in, and delivery orders, making it widely accessible.
Applebee's
Applebee's featured a specialty cocktail called the "Perfect Eclipse Margarita." The drink was a visually distinct mix containing Patrón Premium Silver Blanco Tequila, Citrónge Orange Liqueur, Monin Blue Raspberry and Passion Fruit syrups, lemon, and lime. The cocktail was available at participating locations from early April through April 14, 2024. Availability varied by location, and pricing was determined by individual restaurants.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel offered a food discount tied to the eclipse. Customers dining in on April 8 could receive a free side of pancakes with the purchase of an entree. To redeem, customers were required to mention "eclipse pancakes" to their server. This offer was strictly for dine-in customers and was not valid for online or takeout orders.
Raising Cane’s
Raising Cane’s structured its offer specifically for locations situated within the path of totality. Customers at these locations received free Texas Toast with the purchase of any Combo meal. Additionally, the chain ran a sweepstakes starting at 12:01 a.m. ET on April 8, where one customer won free Raising Cane’s for 20 years.
Sonic
Sonic released a limited-edition beverage called the "Blackout Slush Float." This treat was available until May 5, 2024. Sonic also provided a safety incentive: with the purchase of the Blackout Slush Float, customers received free solar eclipse viewing glasses, while supplies lasted, on April 8.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s offered a free Frosty (either chocolate or the new orange dreamsicle flavor) with any purchase. This promotion ran from April 8 through April 14, 2024. Furthermore, Wendy’s waived delivery fees on April 8 for orders placed through their platform.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme released a "Total Solar Eclipse Doughnut." This product was an original glazed doughnut dipped in black chocolate icing and topped with silver sprinkles. It was available leading up to and on April 8, 2024.
SunChips
SunChips launched a promotional website, SunChipsSolarEclipse.com, to distribute a new flavor combination: Pineapple Habanero and Black Bean Spicy Gouda. The chips were available for free while supplies lasted starting at 1:33 p.m. CST (2:33 p.m. ET) on April 8. The brand emphasized the limited time window, noting the chips were only available during the duration of the eclipse—specifically 4 minutes and 27 seconds.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven provided multiple offers for its subscribers. 7NOW Gold Pass subscribers could purchase a whole pizza for $3 all day on April 8. Additionally, subscribers could add a free pair of solar eclipse shades to any delivery order placed between April 4 and April 8, while supplies lasted. 7-Eleven also announced that solar glasses would be available for purchase at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores.
Biggby Coffee
Biggby Coffee offered eclipse-themed drinks on April 8, specifically "The Solar Flare" and "The Eclipse Biggby Blast."
SusieCakes
SusieCakes offered limited-time cupcakes designed for Solar Eclipse parties on April 8.
Thornton’s
Thornton’s rewards app users could score a free 20oz Pepsi.
Alcohol and Specialty Beverages
Blue Moon
Blue Moon offered a specialized "Eclipse Sips kit" for purchase. The kit was available for $25 through the Blue Moon website starting at noon on April 3, 2024.
Tincup Whiskey
Tincup Whiskey marketed a "Totality Bundle." This bundle included a 750-milliliter bottle of their 10-year bourbon and two Carabiner mugs for $78, which included free shipping.
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks provided free eclipse glasses on April 8. The venue also featured specific drinks for the event, including a Twin Peaks Margarita on "The Rock," Blue Moon Belgian White, Corazón Tequila Sunrise, Lunazul Silver Shot, and a Starbust Shot.
Safety Gear and Accessories
Warby Parker
Warby Parker participated by offering free solar eclipse glasses at their physical retail locations. The promotion ran from April 1 through April 8. Customers could request up to two pairs per family while supplies lasted. If glasses ran out, Warby Parker offered an alternative: an eclipse pinhole projector for safe viewing.
Amazon
Amazon was cited as a source for purchasing packs of solar eclipse glasses at competitive prices.
Walmart
Walmart was noted as a retailer where consumers could find solar eclipse glasses in family packs.
Retail and General Merchandise
While the primary focus of the eclipse deals was food and safety, the source material also highlighted general retail availability of safety gear. The availability of solar glasses at major retailers like Walmart and Amazon ensured consumers had access to necessary viewing equipment. The specific pricing and availability at these retailers were subject to standard retail policies.
Events and Local Activities
Eclipsed Bloomington
In Bloomington, Indiana, a day-long festival took place at Trinity Reformed Church. The event featured food trucks, including Pili's Party Taco and Little Bowl Thai Chicken. The menu included a taco special incorporating morels braised with Mexican-style lager and spices, and black beans with huitlacoche. Activities included live music and a Treasure-Planet Easter egg hunt. Eclipse glasses were available for purchase at $1 each, and automobile parking cost $10.
Conclusion
The total solar eclipse of 2024 generated a wide array of consumer promotions. Brands utilized the event to drive loyalty program engagement, clear inventory, and introduce themed products. The most common offers included free food items with purchase, discounted pizza, and specialty beverages. A significant portion of the marketing focused on safety, with multiple brands and retailers offering free or discounted solar eclipse glasses. Consumers were able to access these deals through various channels, including app sign-ups, text message campaigns, in-store purchases, and specific event attendance. The availability of these offers was strictly time-bound, with most expiring on or shortly after April 8, 2024.