Halloween presents a unique opportunity for U.S. consumers to access a variety of food-related freebies and promotional deals from national restaurant chains. These offers often include free or discounted kids' meals, complimentary treats for customers in costume, and limited-time discounts on specific menu items. Based on the provided source material, which details offers for 2025 and predictions for 2026, consumers can plan to take advantage of these promotions on and around October 31st. The availability of these deals typically varies by location, may require a purchase, and often involves enrollment in a restaurant's loyalty program or application.
The source data indicates that Halloween is a major promotional period for the food service industry, with common deal structures including free kids' meals with an adult entree purchase, BOGO (buy-one-get-one) offers, and free desserts or treats for customers who visit in costume. For 2025, specific deals from numerous chains are documented, while for 2026, the information is presented as predictions based on patterns from previous years. Consumers are advised to confirm participation and details with their local restaurant, as offers and local participation may vary.
Fast Food and Quick-Service Restaurant Deals
Several major fast-food chains offer Halloween promotions. For 2025, Burger King's Perks members are eligible for a series of free items throughout the week leading up to Halloween with a $1 purchase. The free items include an Original Chicken Sandwich on October 20th, a Cheeseburger on the 21st, a Croissan'wich on the 22nd, a Hamburger on the 23rd, four-piece Chicken Fries on the 24th, four-piece Cini Minis on the 25th, and a Whopper Jr. on the 26th. Additionally, Perks members can get a Jack-O-Lantern Whopper for $5.99 on Halloween.
Krispy Kreme offers a free Original Glazed donut to customers who wear a Halloween costume on October 25th and October 31st. For 2025, KFC Rewards members can access "Scary Good Deals" for 13 days from October 18th through the 31st via the KFC app and website. Circle K is promoting meal deals under $5 through October 31st, and Del Taco is offering 31 days of deals during its Tacoberfest.
McDonald's is bringing back Halloween buckets on October 21st. For 2026, Sonic is predicted to offer two weeks of daily Halloween freebies for rewards members. Shake Shack is expected to offer BOGO ShackBurgers with a promo code online, in-app, or at an in-store kiosk. Smashburger rewards members can anticipate BOGO burgers and hot dogs with a promo code. Raising Cane's Caniac Club members will likely have a chance to win free food with a Halloween-themed in-app game.
Jack in the Box is offering free delivery on orders of $20+ for Jack Pack members on Halloween in 2025. For 2026, Chipotle and Qdoba are expected to have food offers, and Subway will likely offer a promotion on footlong subs.
Full-Service and Casual Dining Restaurant Deals
Many full-service and casual dining restaurants provide free kids' meals or other incentives on Halloween. For 2025, the following chains are offering kids' meals with the purchase of an adult entree: 99 Restaurants (also on Sundays in October), Beef 'O' Brady's, Friendly's, and Huddle House (which also offers free dessert with any purchase through October 22nd and two free Cookies & Cream Sweet Cakes from October 22nd to 31st). Applebee's has a multi-faceted offer for 2025: select locations will give away two free kids' meals for every adult entree purchased on Halloween. Additionally, Applebee's offers free 10-piece boneless wings with any online or in-app purchase of $40+ using the promo code SCARY25, along with drink deals like the $6 Dracula Juice, $6 Tipsy Zombie, and $2 Vibe Drop.
For 2026, Applebee's is predicted to offer a kids (12 and under) eat-free deal on Halloween and free boneless wings. Red Robin is expected to offer kids 11 and under a free sundae with the purchase of a kids' meal and deals on to-go and catering orders. Sullivan's Steakhouse is predicted to offer a discount with a promo code.
IHOP is offering a free Scary Face pancake for kids aged 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entree on October 31st, 2025, though participation is location-dependent. Bad Daddy's Burger Bar is offering $10 off a $40+ online or in-app order on Halloween in 2025, with a predicted discount for 2026.
Dessert, Ice Cream, and Specialty Treats
Dessert chains and specialty food providers also participate in Halloween promotions. Baskin-Robbins is offering 31% off all scoops of ice cream on October 31st, 2025, and rewards members can save 20% on their Polar Pizza. For 2026, Andy's Frozen Custard is anticipated to offer a free small one-topping sundae to kids (12 and under) who wear a costume in-store.
In 2025, Insomnia Cookies offers a free cookie to customers who visit the store in a costume on Halloween. Jeremiah's Italian Ice previously offered a free small ice or gelati for customers in costume from 5 pm to close on Halloween. Jamba is offering a free $5 reward when purchasing $25+ in Jamba gift cards in a single transaction from October 24th to 31st. Auntie Anne's provides a free $5 reward when buying a Twist or Treat Halloween bucket from October 27th to 31st, with a similar prediction for 2026. Smoothie King is predicted to give customers a freebie when visiting in a costume on Halloween 2026.
Grocery and Convenience Store Halloween Promotions
Beyond traditional restaurants, grocery and convenience services are also offering Halloween food deals. Gopuff is offering a free bag of Trick-or-Treat Mystery candy with a $35+ purchase on October 30th and 31st, 2025. The freebie must be added to the cart from the Halloween Collection page and will apply automatically at checkout while supplies last.
For 2026, 7-Eleven is expected to have Halloween pizza deals. Honey Dew Donuts is offering 10% off a $10+ order on Mondays in October 2025 with an online, in-app, or in-store purchase.
Key Considerations for Consumers
When seeking these Halloween food freebies and deals, consumers should note several important factors. First, many offers are exclusive to loyalty program members or require the use of a specific mobile app. For example, the Burger King, KFC, and Jack in the Box deals for 2025 are tied to their respective rewards programs or apps. Second, a purchase is often required, such as buying an adult entree to receive a free kids' meal or meeting a minimum spend threshold for a free item or delivery. Third, participation and offer details can vary by location, so it is advisable to check with a local restaurant before visiting. Finally, while the 2025 deals are confirmed in the source material, the 2026 information is based on predictions and patterns from prior years, so consumers should verify those offers as the date approaches.
Conclusion
Halloween 2025 and the anticipated 2026 season offer a wide array of food-related freebies and promotional deals from national chains. These promotions are strategically designed to attract families and customers during the holiday, often requiring a costume, a purchase, or loyalty program enrollment. From free kids' meals and desserts to discounted menu items and BOGO offers, the opportunities are diverse. To maximize savings and ensure a smooth experience, consumers are encouraged to review the specific terms and conditions for each offer, confirm local restaurant participation, and plan for any required purchases or sign-ups well in advance of October 31st.