Leap Day, occurring on February 29, 2024, represents a rare calendar event that happens only once every four years. 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 deals were often accessible through mobile apps, promo codes, or in-store purchases.
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. For 2024, an unconfirmed report suggested a similar offer might be available, though it was not verified by the source. The prediction for 2028 suggests a potential return of similar offers.
Burger King: From February 28, 2024, to March 1, 2024, customers could get a free Whopper or Impossible Whopper with a minimum $3 purchase. This offer was valid for all consumers during the Leap Day period.
Chipotle: A free guacamole was available with the promo code EXTRA24 via the website or app with any entree order on Leap Day. This was a general offer for all digital orders.
Chuck E. Cheese: On February 29, 2024, children under 52 inches tall received free All-Day Jump Passes for Trampoline Zones. A coupon was available on their website on Leap Day. No purchase was necessary for this general offer.
Duck Donuts: Customers could purchase a cinnamon sugar donut and a choice of medium hot coffee or cold brew for $2.29 on Leap Day.
Firehouse Subs: For Leap Day 2024 only, customers whose name started with L, E, A, or P could buy one medium or large sub and get a free medium sub. This required showing ID to verify the name.
Home Run Inn: Through February 29, 2024, customers could enter a contest to win free pizza for a year if their birthday fell on Leap Day. This was a general contest, though the prize was targeted at Leaplings.
Hooters: Customers could enjoy $2.29 Corona Extra beers or select appetizers like cheese sticks and buffalo shrimp using the Hooters loyalty app.
Hungry Howie’s: From February 26 to February 29, 2024, customers could buy one large pizza with one or more toppings at regular price and get a second large one-topping pizza for $0.29.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: Small treats were available for $0.96 on Leap Day.
Smoothie King: Customers could get 29% off 20-oz smoothies or larger when spending $15 or more through the app on Leap Day.
Staples Easy Rewards: Free passport photos were offered to Easy Rewards Members on Leap Day 2024. Staples gave away 29,000 passport photos for free through their app, a deal normally valued at $17.99.
Taco Bell: Rewards members in the app could get a Crunchwrap for $2.29 on Leap Day.
Wendy’s: Customers who visited before 10:30 AM local time on Leap Day received a free Cinnabon Pull-Apart. This deal was also available on DoorDash with a purchase.
Yogurtland: Real Rewards Members could triple their points from any in-store or online order on February 29, 2024.
Krispy Kreme: In 2020, Krispy Kreme delivered free doughnuts to new parents, doctors, nurses, and staff at hospitals when a baby was delivered on Leap Day. An unconfirmed report suggested this might return in 2024.
Leapling-Specific Freebies and Deals
Individuals born on February 29 received exclusive offers by presenting valid identification (such as a driver's license or birth certificate) at participating locations.
Build-A-Bear Workshop: Leaplings could purchase a $4 Birthday Treat Bear. This offer required ID verification. For 2024, it was a specific deal for those born on Leap Day.
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 for $2.29 in 2024.
Home Run Inn (Leapling Specific): The first 29 Leap Year babies (18 years or older) who presented a valid ID on February 29 received a free pizza.
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.
The STRAT Hotel (Las Vegas): Individuals with Leap Day birthdays on February 29, 2024, received a free SkyJump and a free shot of liquid courage at 108 Drinks.
Predictions for Leap Day 2028
Based on historical patterns from 2020 and 2024, several brands are predicted to offer similar promotions on February 29, 2028.
7-Eleven: Similar offers to 2020, such as app users saving $29 on orders of $50+ and purchasing a large pizza for $2.29, may return.
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.
Krispy Kreme: The program delivering free doughnuts to hospitals for Leap Day babies is predicted to potentially return.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When seeking freebies and deals, consumers should be aware of several key factors.
Verification and Eligibility: Many Leapling-specific offers require valid identification. It is advisable to have a driver's license or birth certificate ready. For offers based on names (like Firehouse Subs), ID may also be required for verification.
Location and Participation: Offers can vary by location, especially for franchises. Consumers are advised to call their local participating store to confirm involvement before visiting. Some brands may only announce deals on the actual Leap Day.
Availability and Timing: Many deals are valid only on February 29, 2024, or within a specific short window (e.g., February 28 to March 1). Breakfast offers often have a cutoff time, such as 10:30 AM.
Digital Requirements: Several offers require the use of a brand's mobile app, enrollment in a rewards program (like Easy Rewards at Staples or Real Rewards at Yogurtland), or the use of a specific promo code online. Consumers should download necessary apps and sign up for programs in advance.
Geographic Restrictions: Most offers listed are valid only within the United States. International availability is not indicated in the source material.
Source Reliability: The information presented is compiled from promotional websites and news outlets. While these sources aggregate deals, the ultimate authority for terms and conditions lies with the official brand websites, apps, or in-store signage. Offers are subject to change, and availability is not guaranteed.
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 offers should monitor brand announcements, download relevant apps, and prepare for potential verification requirements to maximize their savings and enjoyment of this quadrennial celebration.