National Coffee Day on September 29, 2025, offers consumers various opportunities to obtain free coffee through retail promotions and volunteer programs. The available source data details specific deals from national chains, recurring weekly offers, and a state-run volunteer program providing free coffee at highway rest areas. These offers range from no-purchase-necessary freebies to rewards-based incentives requiring a mobile app or a small purchase.
The promotions highlighted in the media reports focus on immediate availability for consumers, while the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) program outlines a structured process for non-profit organizations to serve coffee to travelers.
National Coffee Day Retail Promotions
Several national and regional chains are offering free coffee or significant discounts on September 29, 2025. These deals generally require customers to utilize specific apps, hold membership in rewards programs, or make a qualifying purchase.
Circle K Circle K is offering a free medium hot or iced coffee on September 29. According to the source data, customers can redeem this offer via the Circle K app as a coupon or Inner Circle Reward. No purchase is required to redeem the free coffee through the app.
Dunkin' Dunkin' Rewards members can receive a free medium hot or iced coffee with a purchase on September 29. This offer is redeemable through the Dunkin' app. The brand has also partnered with Hatch for a "coffee alarm and sunrise experience" available on Hatch+.
Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme is providing a free medium hot or iced coffee and a free doughnut of choice on September 29. This offer is available at participating shops and requires no purchase. Additionally, the chain is running a promotion where customers can get an Original Glazed dozen for $1 with the purchase of any dozen at regular price.
Starbucks Starbucks is offering 100 bonus stars in the Starbucks app for customers who purchase any brewed coffee, hot or iced, on National Coffee Day.
Other Participating Brands * Einstein Bros. Bagels: Rewards members get a free coffee. * Paris Baguette: Rewards members receive a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase. * Biggby Coffee: Customers can get a free 20-ounce cup of hot or iced brewed coffee. * Dutch Bros: Offering a set of car coasters with any purchase of two drinks. * Keurig: Offering 50% off sitewide with code COFFEEDAYFLASH on September 29.
Subscription Offers Atlas Coffee Club is offering a free 12oz bag of single-origin coffee with any subscription (shipping costs apply) from September 29 to October 1 using code FREECOFFEEDAY. This sign-up initiates a subscription starting at $9 plus shipping, which can be canceled at any time. Another brand is offering a free 12oz bag of specialty coffee ($17+ value) with any purchase from September 25–29 using code COFFEEDAY25.
Recurring Weekly Coffee Offers
For consumers seeking regular free coffee beyond National Coffee Day, QuickChek offers a recurring promotion known as "Free Coffee Fridays."
QuickChek QC Rewards QuickChek provides free coffee every Friday through January 6th for QC Rewards members. Members can get any size hot or iced coffee for free with a qualifying purchase of $1 or more. The coffee is self-serve and customizable with available creamers and syrups. To redeem, members must scan their QC Rewards barcode or enter their phone number at checkout. The offer is limited to one per customer per Friday and cannot be combined with other offers.
Washington State Rest Area Free Coffee Program
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) operates a Free Coffee Program at designated safety rest areas on state highways. This program is designed to improve safety for the traveling public by reducing drowsy driving.
Program Structure Unlike retail offers, this program is not for individual consumers to receive free coffee directly. Instead, it allows volunteer groups to serve free coffee to motorists. Travelers may make voluntary donations, but solicitation is strictly prohibited. The program is managed on a first-come, first-serve basis, with bookings requested through local WSDOT coordinators.
Eligibility Participation is restricted to non-profit organizations. Groups must provide proof of non-profit status to qualify. For rest areas with high visitor volumes, there may be a waiting list for time slots.
Application Process To participate, volunteer groups must follow a specific sign-up procedure: 1. Download and review the WSDOT Safety Rest Area Free Coffee Program Agreement and Checklist. 2. Submit the signed agreement along with three date options and proof of non-profit status to the local coordinator via email or mail. 3. Expect a response within 5-7 business days, though mailed requests may take longer.
Rules and Regulations The program is subject to strict regulations to ensure safety and compliance with federal law (23 U.S. Code § 131). * Signage: Only one sign indicating the free coffee service and organization is allowed on the booth. Up to two additional signs (max 18" x 24") may be used to identify the service and organization by name only (e.g., "Free Coffee--Served By __"). All signs must be removed when the service is closed. * Prohibited Activities: Handing out literature, posting additional advertisements, using sandwich boards, or having fires is prohibited. Cups and dispensing units cannot carry advertising. * Cleanliness: Volunteer groups are responsible for cleaning up all debris, including coffee grounds and cups, and keeping restrooms clean. * Lost and Found: Any lost items found during the shift must be turned over to rest area staff.
Conclusion
National Coffee Day 2025 provides a variety of ways for consumers to access free coffee, ranging from app-based redemption at major chains like Circle K and Krispy Kreme to subscription trials from brands like Atlas Coffee Club. For regular free coffee, QuickChek offers a weekly Friday promotion for rewards members. Separately, the WSDOT Free Coffee Program demonstrates a community-based approach to highway safety, utilizing non-profit volunteers to serve motorists at rest areas under strict regulatory guidelines.