April offers a variety of national food holidays and seasonal promotions that provide U.S. consumers with opportunities to access free items and special discounts. These offers typically span multiple categories, including beverages, baked goods, entrees, and desserts, and are distributed through restaurant chains, retail brands, and online retailers. Many of these promotions require participation in loyalty programs, use of specific promo codes, or adherence to location-specific restrictions. The following guide details verified offers and potential deals based on historical patterns and current announcements for April 2025.
National Burrito Day
National Burrito Day is observed on the first Thursday of April. In 2025, this falls on April 3. Major chains have historically participated in this holiday with substantial promotions. Chipotle, for example, has previously offered buy-one-get-one (BOGO) free burrito deals or similar special promotions on this day. Consumers interested in these offers should monitor the Chipotle app and official website for specific terms, which often include restrictions on delivery orders and in-store redemption requirements.
National Beer Day
Celebrated on April 7, National Beer Day often sees participation from restaurants and bars. Potential deals include discounts on drafts or complimentary pints of beer. While specific participating brands are not listed in the source material, the general trend suggests that local establishments and national chains with bar services may offer these incentives to celebrate the holiday.
National Empanada Day and Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day
April 8 marks two distinct food holidays. National Empanada Day may be celebrated by bakeries and Latin American eateries offering free or discounted empanadas. Concurrently, Ben & Jerry’s traditionally hosts its Free Cone Day, where scoop shops provide free ice cream cones to customers. The promotion often allows customers to return to the line for additional scoops. This event is a recurring annual promotion for the brand.
National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
On April 12, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day is observed. Cafes and diners may provide special offers on grilled cheese sandwiches. These deals are typically location-specific, and consumers are advised to check with local establishments for participation.
Tax Day Promotions
Tax Day, April 15, is frequently associated with freebies and discounts intended to ease the stress of tax season. Various restaurants and retailers may offer free items or price reductions on this day. Specific offers for 2025 were not detailed in the source material, but historical data suggests a wide range of participating brands.
National Cold Brew Day
National Cold Brew Day is observed on April 20. Dunkin’ Donuts has previously offered free cold brews with a purchase via the app and to Dunkin’ Rewards members in-store. Similar coffee chains may run parallel promotions, though specific details for 2025 beyond Dunkin’ were not provided in the source data.
Earth Day
Earth Day occurs on April 22. Certain establishments may offer free or discounted items, such as organic milkshakes, to promote environmental awareness. These promotions are often tied to specific sustainability initiatives or product launches.
National Pretzel Day
April 26 is National Pretzel Day. Pretzel chains like Auntie Anne’s have been known to offer free pretzels or buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals. Consumers should check the Auntie Anne’s app or local mall listings for specific redemption instructions.
National Oatmeal Cookie Day
On April 30, National Oatmeal Cookie Day is celebrated. Bakeries and cafes may offer free or discounted oatmeal cookies. Local coffee shops and dessert chains are the most likely participants, though specific brand participation for 2025 is not confirmed in the source material.
April Fools’ Day Restaurant Deals
April 1, April Fools’ Day, often features a mix of pranks and genuine deals from restaurants and food brands. Verified offers for 2025 include:
- Bad Daddy’s: Customers can purchase a 20-ounce tall draft of beer for the price of a 16-ounce small draft on April 1.
- Baskin-Robbins: Rewards members can utilize a buy-one, get-one-half-off deal on sundaes on April 1.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: The Fryckle Pizookie is available for $5 on April 1. This item combines a chocolate chunk Pizookie with vanilla ice cream and fried pickles.
- Burger King: Royal Perks members can receive free onion rings (any size) on April 1 with a purchase of $1 or more. This offer is valid at participating U.S. restaurants via the app and website for order ahead. It is not valid during breakfast hours, in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories, on delivery orders, or combined with other offers.
- Dunkin’: Rewards members can redeem a free hot or iced coffee or cold brew of any size. To redeem, customers must enter the code THISISNOTAJOKE in the Dunkin’ app.
- Eddie Merlot’s: Offers $5 off select martinis and cocktails plus $8 select wines by the glass between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on April 1.
- Eight O’Clock Coffee: Customers can save 15% off sitewide on April 1 using the code CUPPAFOOLS.
- Gourmet Gift Baskets: TODAY.com readers can save 20% off through June 30 using the code FOOLTODAY25.
- Omaha Steaks: Offers a special deal ($99) on the Meat Cute Collection, which includes USDA Certified Tender Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons, Gourmet Steakhouse Fries, and a bottle of Drawbridge Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Paisano's: Restaurants are serving $1 large cheese pizzas on April 1. The offer is valid with any order over $20 using the code APRIL1.
- Quantum: TODAY.com readers can save 25% off sitewide on Quantum Energy Squares through April 5 using the code FOOLS25. The brand also offers free shipping on orders over $35 and a free gift on orders over $50.
- Shipt: Customers can save 20% on snacks and drinks sitewide between April 1 and April 3.
- Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on April 1, customers can get $5 off select cocktails and martinis plus $8 select wines by the glass.
- Tabañero: Offers 50% off its original hot sauce to coincide with an April Fools’ Day prank.
- The Cheesecake Factory: Rewards members will score a free reward on April 1. Possible rewards include $25 dining credit (dine-in only), $10 off $40, $5 off $25, free slice of cheesecake with any purchase, free slice of cheesecake for a year, or a buy-one-get-one slice deal.
Additional Freebies and Sample Opportunities
Beyond specific food holidays, the source material lists various other freebie opportunities available during the spring and early summer of 2025 and 2026. These include:
- Retail and Service Freebies:
- Free Planet Fitness Teen Summer Pass.
- Free American Flag at Ace Hardware on May 24.
- Kids Bowl Free All Summer in 2025.
- Free 5 lbs Paper Shredding at Office Depot or OfficeMax.
- 6 Free Gold Sparklers at Phantom Fireworks.
- Free Ritas Italian Ice on March 20, 2026.
- Coupon for a Free Waffle House Waffle.
- Free Yellowstone Ranger Pack.
- Food and Beverage Freebies:
- Free Haagen-Dazs Cone Day in May 2026.
- Free Comic Book Day on May 2, 2026.
- Free Ben & Jerry's Cone Day on April 14, 2026.
- Free Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cone on March 20, 2026.
- Tropical Smoothie Cafe promotion on May 27, 2026.
- Magazine Subscriptions:
- Various free magazine subscriptions are available, including Fast Company, D Magazine, Indianapolis Monthly, Vogue, Cigar Aficionado, Afar Travel, Whisky Advocate, Sports Illustrated, Wine Enthusiast, Reason, Philadelphia, Boston, ESSENCE, Wine Spectator, Conde Nast Traveler, Harper's, GQ (1-year), LEGO® Life Magazine, and Time. A "Free 2026 Handbook of Roses" is also listed.
Tips to Maximize Freebie Finds
To ensure access to these promotions, consumers should utilize the following strategies:
- Join Loyalty Programs: Many eateries reward their members with exclusive deals on special food days. Signing up for apps like the Dunkin’ app, Burger King Royal Perks, or The Cheesecake Factory rewards program is often a prerequisite for redemption.
- Follow on Social Media: Brands frequently announce upcoming promotions via social media channels.
- Check Local Listings: Promotions can vary by location. It is essential to verify deals with local establishments, particularly for holidays like National Burrito Day or National Pretzel Day.
- Use Promo Codes: Online retailers and food delivery apps often require specific codes (e.g., APRIL1, FOOLS25, CUPPAFOOLS) to unlock discounts.
- Read Terms and Conditions: Offers often come with restrictions, such as minimum purchase requirements, specific order channels (app vs. in-store), and geographic exclusions (e.g., Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories).
Conclusion
April 2025 presents a diverse schedule of national food holidays and promotional events, offering U.S. consumers numerous opportunities to secure free items and discounts. From National Burrito Day and Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day to extensive April Fools’ Day deals across major restaurant chains, the month is rich with potential savings. Success in accessing these offers depends on active participation in loyalty programs, vigilance regarding specific redemption codes, and verification of local availability.