The 2024 Halloween season offers a wide array of promotional opportunities for U.S. consumers, ranging from free food items at national restaurant chains to discounted snacks and special kids' meal offers. Based on current promotional data, major brands such as Applebee’s, Chipotle, Burger King, and Krispy Kreme have announced specific deals available during the month of October and on Halloween day. These offers generally require specific actions to redeem, such as wearing a costume, making a purchase, or signing up for a brand’s loyalty program. The available deals cover various categories, including beverages, entrees, desserts, and family dining options, with many offers valid through the end of October or specific dates leading up to Halloween.
Restaurant and Food Service Freebies
Several national restaurant chains have structured their 2024 Halloween promotions around in-store events, app-based rewards, and minimum purchase requirements. The following sections detail the specific offers reported for the current season.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is running multiple promotions throughout October. The chain is offering "Spooky Sips" cocktail specials, including the $5 Tipsy Zombie and Dracula’s Juice, available through October 31. Additionally, Applebee’s has a food promotion valid for To Go and delivery orders placed through their website or mobile app: customers can receive a free order of boneless wings with any order totaling $40 or more.
Burger King
Burger King’s Royal Perks members are eligible for a daily freebie through October 26 with a minimum purchase of $1. Furthermore, the chain is running a "Buy One, Get One" (BOGO) promotion on the Impossible Whopper, valid through November 3. This offer is specifically available to loyalty program members.
Chipotle
Chipotle’s annual "Boorito" promotion returns in 2024. On October 31, customers wearing a costume can receive $5 off any burrito or bowl. Alternatively, customers who do not wear a costume can save $10 off Family Meals ordered online using the promo code BOO. Additionally, rewards members have the opportunity to earn free chips, guac, and drinks through October 31.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is featuring a "Ghostbuster Doughnut Collection" alongside traditional pumpkin spice flavors for the season. While the brand has historically offered a free doughnut to customers visiting in costume on October 31, the 2024 confirmation for this specific in-store giveaway had not been announced at the time of the provided data. However, seasonal flavor promotions are active.
Baskin Robbins
Baskin Robbins is offering a 31% discount on all scoops of ice cream on October 31. Additionally, Rewards members are eligible for 20% off Polar Pizzas.
Other Notable Food and Beverage Offers
- 7-Eleven: 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members can buy one large pizza and get one free on October 30 and 31. $1 candy deals are also available.
- Chipotle: A $6 entrée is available on October 31 using the code BOORITO at digital checkout starting at 3 PM local time.
- Dunkin’: Dunkin’ Rewards members can access multiple discounts during the Halloween period.
- IHOP: Guests can receive a free Scary Face Pancake with the purchase of an adult entrée from 4 PM to 10 PM, valid from October 24 to 31.
- Sonic Drive-In: The chain is offering $0.50 Corn Dogs and half-priced cheeseburgers on Halloween.
- Wendy’s: Customers can purchase a Frosty Boo! Book containing five free Jr. Frosty treats for $1. This offer is valid through December 31.
- Johnny Rockets: A free chocolate chip cookie is available from October 25 through October 31 with any purchase.
- Fatburger: Customers can receive a free cookie with any purchase by using the promo code TRICKORTREAT on Halloween.
- Fazoli’s: Dine-in guests (both adults and kids) receive a free kid’s meal on Halloween.
- Friendly’s: Kids eat free with the purchase of a regular-price adult meal.
- Raising Cane’s: Club members can receive a free Kids Combo with the purchase of another combo, valid through October 30.
- Qdoba: Rewards members can participate in the annual "BooGo" offer, which provides a buy one entrée and drink, get one entrée free deal.
- Moe’s Southwest Grill: The chain is offering BOGO entrees on Halloween through their app.
- Arby’s: Historically offers a free item for Halloween, though specific 2024 details were not fully confirmed in the provided data.
- McAlister’s Deli: Kids eat free on Halloween. The chain is also offering a seasonal "Witch’s Brew" drink.
- Ninety Nine Restaurants: In previous years, this chain offered free kids' meals on Sundays in October and on Halloween.
- Beef 'O' Brady's: Children aged 12 and under in costume receive a free Kids Meal with the purchase of an adult entrée at participating locations.
- Bojangles: While not a direct freebie, the chain is offering 20% off any Bo Bites combo through November 3 for app users with promo code RIPNuggets.
- The Brass Tap: Customers wearing a costume receive 50% off one beverage on Halloween.
- Auntie Anne’s: The pretzel shop is selling limited-time Halloween Buckets for filling with snacks.
Retail and Loyalty Program Freebies
Beyond restaurant dining, several brands are offering free items through retail purchases or loyalty program participation. These offers often require downloading an app or signing up for a membership.
General Retail and Snack Deals
- Speedy Café / Laredo Taco Company / Raise the Roost: Through November 2, customers can score $1 candy deals on brands like Nerds, Airheads, and Twix. There are also BOGO offers on pizza, quesadillas, and chicken sandwiches. Members can get BOGO whole pizzas on October 31 via 7NOW delivery or in-store pickup.
- Just Salad: In past years, this chain offered a free salad to customers who dressed like a salad on Halloween. The 2024 offer was listed as "stay tuned" in the provided data.
- LaMars Donuts and Coffee: Typically offers a free doughnut to customers in costume on Halloween.
- Dog Haus: Rewards members receive an extra 31 points on purchases.
Halloween Buckets and Rewards
- Applebee’s: Customers who purchase a Twist or Treat Halloween Bucket between October 27 and October 31 will receive a $5 reward for their next visit. This reward must be redeemed in-app within 30 days.
Kids' Meal and Family Dining Promotions
Several family-friendly chains are focusing on kids' meal freebies, often requiring the purchase of an adult meal or the child being in costume.
- Fazoli’s: Free kid’s meal for dine-in guests.
- Friendly’s: Free kids' meals with the purchase of a regular-price adult meal.
- McAlister’s Deli: Kids eat free on Halloween.
- Beef 'O' Brady's: Free Kids Meal for costumed children 12 and under with adult entrée purchase.
- Ninety Nine Restaurants: Historically provided free kids' meals on Halloween.
- IHOP: Free Scary Face Pancakes (a kid-centric menu item).
Conclusion
The 2024 Halloween freebie landscape is dominated by restaurant chains utilizing loyalty apps and specific purchase requirements to distribute offers. The most consistent national offers include discounted or free items at Applebee’s, Chipotle, Burger King, and Baskin Robbins. Consumers looking to maximize savings should prioritize signing up for brand loyalty programs, such as Royal Perks (Burger King) and Chipotle Rewards, as many exclusive deals are tied to these memberships. Additionally, wearing a costume remains a key eligibility factor for discounts at retailers like Chipotle and potentially Krispy Kreme. As dates for specific offers approach, consumers are advised to check the specific terms and conditions on brand websites or apps, as availability may vary by location.