Leap Day, occurring on February 29, 2024, represents a rare calendar event that happens only once every four years. Because Earth takes approximately 365.25 days to orbit the sun, this extra day is added to synchronize our calendar with the astronomical year. This unique occurrence prompts businesses across the United States to release special promotions, freebies, and discounts, often centered around food, entertainment, and retail. These offers are available to a wide range of consumers, with specific exclusives for individuals born on February 29, commonly known as "Leaplings" or "Leapers."
The following guide details verified freebies and deals available on or around February 29, 2024, based on information provided by various promotional websites and news outlets. It categorizes offers into two main groups: those available to the general public and those specifically for Leap Day birthday celebrants. Additionally, it offers predictions for potential offers during the next Leap Day in 2028.
Public Freebies and Deals for All Consumers
Numerous brands extended offers to all customers to celebrate the extra day in February 2024. These promotions typically required specific actions, such as visiting during certain hours, using a promo code, or signing up for a rewards program.
Food and Beverage Promotions
Several major restaurant chains offered free food items or significant discounts on February 29, 2024.
- Wendy’s: Customers could obtain a free Cinnabon Pull-Apart during breakfast hours on February 29, 2024. The offer was valid at participating locations until 10:30 a.m. or while supplies lasted. No purchase was necessary, but there was a limit of one per vehicle in the drive-thru or per dining room transaction. The deal was not available through third-party delivery platforms.
- Chipotle: Chipotle Rewards members received free guacamole on digital orders placed through the Chipotle app or website on February 29, 2024. To redeem, customers had to enter the promo code EXTRA24 at checkout. Enrollment in the Chipotle Rewards program was required to access this offer.
- Jersey Mike’s: A promotion indicated that Leap Day was the final opportunity to claim a free sub from Jersey Mike’s. Specific details regarding redemption methods or eligibility were not fully detailed in the source material.
- Krispy Kreme: While specific 2024 public offers for general customers were not explicitly confirmed in the provided data, the brand has historically participated in Leap Day promotions. In previous years, Krispy Kreme has distributed free doughnuts or delivered them to hospitals. For Leaplings, Krispy Kreme offered a free dozen Original Glazed doughnuts with no purchase necessary, provided a valid ID showed a February 29 birth date.
- Van Leeuwen: In New York City, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream offered free pints in Washington Square Park on February 29, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., while supplies lasted. This offer was available to everyone.
Retail and Service Offers
- Staples: Staples offered free passport photos for Rewards members. The promotion allowed for up to 29,000 free photos. This offer was likely tied to the "29" theme of the date.
- FutureCard: FutureCard offered 100% cashback (effectively free rides) on NYC subway rides on February 28 and 29, 2024. This promotion was targeted at users of the FutureCard banking app.
Entertainment and Activity Promotions
- Chuck E. Cheese: The family entertainment center provided free All-Day Jump Passes for children under 52 inches tall on February 29, 2024. The coupon for this exclusive one-day deal was available on the Chuck E. Cheese website on Leap Day.
- Wollman Rink: Located in New York City, Wollman Rink offered free admission for all skaters on Leap Day. Skaters were responsible for skate rental fees (approximately $11) or could bring their own skates.
Exclusive Offers for Leaplings (Leap Day Babies)
Individuals born on February 29 received exclusive freebies and discounts at various establishments on February 29, 2024. Most of these offers required the presentation of a valid photo ID or birth certificate to verify the birth date.
Food and Dining for Leaplings
- Krispy Kreme: Leaplings could claim a free dozen Original Glazed doughnuts. No purchase was necessary, but proof of a February 29 birthday was required.
- Insomnia Cookies: Leaplings with a valid ID received a free 6-pack of cookies. Additionally, general customers visiting Insomnia Cookies through the following Sunday received a bonus cookie with every 12- and 6-pack purchase.
- Milk Bar: Leaplings received a free full-sized birthday cake (specifically a 6-inch cake in previous years) and discounted cereal milk soft serve ($2.29 in 2024).
- Home Run Inn: This pizza chain planned to give away pizzas to the first 29 Leap Year babies (18 years or older) who presented a valid ID on February 29.
- Jackson's Taziki's (Tennessee): Dine-in guests with a Leap Day birthday and valid ID received freebies such as a pack of Taziki's cookies, a slice of baklava, or a slice of baklava cheesecake.
- Oh My Cupcakes (Sioux Falls): Leap Day babies received free cupcakes at participating locations.
- Cowboy Chicken: Guests with a Leap Day birthday could receive a free wood-fire rotisserie chicken with valid ID.
- Tops Friendly Markets: Leaplings who brought their ID or birth certificate to participating Tops locations between February 29 and March 2, 2024, received a free four-pack of Tops gourmet cupcakes. This was intended to cover the birthday for the current year and the birthdays missed during the four-year gap.
Retail and Entertainment for Leaplings
- Build-A-Bear Workshop: Leaplings could purchase a Birthday Treat Bear for a discounted price of $4 (regular price approximately $14) at participating locations on February 29, 2024. A valid ID was required.
- The Edge (NYC): Leaplings received free admission all day.
- Elsie Rooftop (NYC): Leaplings received a free 2-hour open bar and a $100 gift certificate.
- STRAT Skyjump: Leaplings were eligible for a free Skyjump (valued at $129.99 in 2024) on Leap Day.
Predictions for Leap Day 2028
Given the cyclical nature of Leap Year promotions, several brands are predicted to offer similar deals on the next Leap Day, February 29, 2028. The following predictions are based on historical patterns from 2020 and 2024.
- 7-Eleven: In 2020, app users could save $29 on orders of $50+ using a specific promo code and purchase a large pizza for $2.29. Similar offers may return in 2028.
- Staples: The brand is expected to again offer 29,000 free passport photos via their app.
- Tom Quick Inn (Pennsylvania): A rate discount is anticipated for stays on February 29, 2028.
- Wollman Rink (New York City): Free admission for skating is predicted to return.
- Build-A-Bear Workshop: The $4 Birthday Treat Bear offer for Leaplings is likely to be available again, requiring ID verification.
- Chipotle: The "Extra24" promo code for free guacamole on digital orders may be updated for 2028 (e.g., "Extra28").
- Wendy’s: A free breakfast item, such as the Cinnabon Pull-Apart, is likely to be offered during breakfast hours.
Conclusion
Leap Day 2024 provided a variety of freebies and deals for U.S. consumers, ranging from free breakfast items at Wendy's to free guacamole at Chipotle. The most exclusive offers were reserved for Leaplings, who could claim free food, discounted merchandise, and unique experiences by presenting valid identification. While the specific offers for 2024 have passed, the pattern of promotions suggests that similar opportunities will arise on February 29, 2028. Consumers interested in future Leap Day deals should monitor brand announcements and sign up for rewards programs in early 2028 to ensure access to these limited-time offers.