May 2025 presents a diverse array of freebies and promotional offers for consumers across the United States. Businesses in the food and beverage, retail, and healthcare sectors are launching targeted campaigns to celebrate specific holidays and appreciation weeks, including Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, and National Nurses Week. These promotions range from complimentary food items and beverages to product discounts and exclusive event access. The availability of these offers is often time-sensitive, with specific eligibility requirements such as membership status, proof of profession, or minimum purchase thresholds. This article details the verified freebies and deals available during May, drawing from official brand announcements and trusted consumer deal aggregators.
The food and beverage sector is particularly active in May, offering free meals, snacks, and drinks to celebrate holidays and show appreciation to specific demographics. These offers vary by location, date, and eligibility requirements.
Cinco de Mayo 2025 and 2026 Offers
Cinco de Mayo promotions for 2025 and 2026 include a variety of deals from restaurants and food service brands. For 2025, specific offers have been verified, while for 2026, many are anticipated based on past patterns.
Verified 2025 Offers
In the Phoenix Valley, The Mexicano hosted a weekend-long fiesta from May 3rd through May 5th, 2025. The promotion included specials such as $4 Mexican Candy Shots and $12 passion fruit palomas. Additionally, the first 100 guests received a complimentary Corona, though restrictions applied.
Anticipated 2026 Offers
Multiple brands are expected to offer promotions for Cinco de Mayo in 2026, based on past activity and industry reports. These offers are subject to change and should be verified with the brands directly as the date approaches.
- Miller's Ale House: Will have a deal on their House Margs for Cinco de Mayo in 2026.
- Moe's Southwest Grill: On May 5, 2026, customers can expect a free side of queso with any entree purchase. They will also likely give away a free T-shirt to the first 20 guests to visit participating locations on May 5.
- On The Border: Plans to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in 2026 with five days of Grande Marg deals.
- Papa Murphy's: Will offer a 16-inch Taco Grande pizza (beef or chicken) for Cinco de Mayo in 2026.
- Pita Pit: Loyalty members can look for a discount on any Pita Pit online or in-app order when using a promo code at checkout.
- Qdoba: A free queso and guac with an entree purchase is predicted for Cinco de Mayo 2026.
- RA Sushi Bar & Restaurant: Will offer discounted margaritas and Milagro shots all day in 2026.
- Ruby Tuesday: Will have drink deals on margaritas and Dos Equis in 2026.
- Taco Bell: A Cinco de Mayo freebie is anticipated with a delivery order through Grubhub, DoorDash, or Uber Eats in 2026.
- Taco Cabana: Is expected to offer a taco and drink deal for Cinco de Mayo in 2026.
- The Brass Tap: Will likely provide free chips and salsa with a purchase, plus deals on margaritas, in 2026.
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: On May 5, 2026 (from noon - 6 p.m.), rewards members will likely have a chance to grab a discount on a large beverage (excludes paid modifiers).
- Tijuana Flats: Will bring back their annual $5 Cinco de Mayo menu in 2026. It includes margaritas, beers, chips & guac, and more available for dine-in, carryout, or delivery. A free delivery offer and a discount on meal kits are also anticipated.
- Tocaya: An all-day Cinco de Mayo happy hour with signature sides deals and drink specials is expected in 2026. A freebie, like a free 20-ounce guacamole, is anticipated when placing a catering order and using a promo code online.
- Velvet Taco: A free souvenir cup is anticipated when dining in and purchasing a large Boozy Libation on Cinco de Mayo in 2026.
Nurses Week and Other May 2025 Promotions
Beyond Cinco de Mayo, May 2025 features numerous promotions for nurses and general consumers.
Nurses Week Offers (May 2025)
National Nurses Week in May 2025 includes a wide range of freebies and discounts for healthcare professionals. Eligibility typically requires valid identification.
- Chipotle: Offered 250,000 free burritos to nurses. Nurses could apply online and, if selected, receive a unique code via email to redeem at checkout. Separately, there was a chance to win a free Chipotle e-card with a promo code for an entrée, ending May 12th.
- Insomnia Cookies: Nurses with a valid ID received a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) offer on classic cookies through May 11th.
- Mod Pizza: From May 5th through May 8th, nurses with a valid work ID could enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free MOD-size pizza or salad.
- Mountain Mike's Pizza: Nurses received 15% off all pizza with the code "APPRECIATE25" from May 6th through May 9th.
- Pizza Hut: Select locations offered free 1-topping pizzas on May 7th or free mini pizzas from May 5th through 9th for dine-in or carryout only.
- Potbelly: Nurses could score a free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of any entrée through May 11th in-store only.
- Ruby Tuesday: A free add-on to the Garden Bar was available with the promo code THANKYOU25 in-store only from May 5th through May 8th.
- Shipley Do-Nuts: Loyalty members who were nurses received a free half dozen doughnuts between May 4th and 6th.
- Sonny's BBQ: Nurses received a free Pork Big Deal from Monday, May 5th, to Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 (until 8 p.m. EST).
- Applebee's: Through May 10th, nurses could get a free appetizer with the purchase of an entrée at participating restaurants owned by the Flynn Group.
- Shake Shack: Participating locations gave nurses a free Classic or LTO shake with any purchase from May 6th through 12th (limit one per order).
- Outback Steakhouse: Nurses and first responders received a 10% discount off their entire check with a valid medical ID.
- Original ChopShop: Nurses could flash their badge to save 10% off dine-in and to-go orders from May 5th through 9th.
- Starbucks: During the week of May 6th to May 13th, Starbucks provided a free Tall Hot or Iced Coffee to nurses.
- Scooter's Coffee: On May 6th, 2025, nurses and healthcare workers with a valid ID received a free medium drink. A limited number of "Healthcare Heroes" stickers were also available at each location while supplies lasted.
- Smoothie King: Participating restaurants offered 20% off on in-store orders from May 6th through May 8th to nurses with a valid badge. Some locations also conducted drawings.
Food Services and Meal Kits
Several meal kit and food service companies offered significant discounts in May 2025, often requiring verification through ID.me.
- Factor Meals: Offered 55% off the first box and free shipping, with 15% off for the following year upon verification with ID.me.
- Home Chef: Sign up via ID.me to receive 50% off the first box and 10% off ongoing boxes.
- Awake Caffeinated Chocolate: 15% off after verifying status on ID.me.
- Free Rein Coffee Company: 20% off through ID.me.
- Purity Coffee: 30% off.
Other May 2025 Food Freebies
- Krispy Kreme: On August 9th, customers could receive a free original glazed doughnut. (Note: This date is outside May but was included in the source material for May offers.)
- Instacart: From August 11th through 17th, Instacart offered a different free item daily for kids heading back to school. Items ranged from fruit snacks to protein shakes. A minimum purchase of $10 was required for delivery, but no minimum purchase was needed to receive the free item itself. (Note: This date is outside May but was included in the source material for May offers.)
- Carvel: Buying $25 in gift cards between August 18th and 31st resulted in a free small soft serve. On August 20th, soft serve sundaes were buy one get one free. (Note: This date is outside May but was included in the source material for May offers.)
Conclusion
May 2025 offers a wide variety of freebies and discounts, particularly for nurses celebrating their appreciation week and consumers interested in Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day dining deals. Key opportunities include free coffee from Dunkin' and Starbucks, free burritos from Chipotle, and discounts at numerous restaurants and retailers. Time-sensitive events such as the Target Car Seat Trade-In and Walmart+ Week provide additional value. Consumers are advised to verify eligibility requirements, such as ID verification or loyalty membership, and to act quickly as many offers are limited to specific dates or while supplies last. For Cinco de Mayo 2026, a similar pattern of promotions from major restaurant chains is anticipated, though details should be confirmed closer to the date.