National Donut Day, which comes around annually on the first Friday of June, isn’t just promotional permission to partake in pastries – the celebration has some historical heft.
National Donut Day was created in 1938 by The Salvation Army to recognize the group’s Donut Lassies and Donut Girls—women who traveled to France during World War I to serve donuts and other treats to soldiers. “National Donut Day is a moment to reflect on a unique part of history and honor the brave men and women who have served our nation,” stated The Salvation Army’s national commander, Merle Heatwole, in a recent announcement.
The Salvation Army plans to hand out donuts to veterans in multiple U.S. cities and will host events such as the National Donut Day World Donut Eating Championship at the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Throughout the U.S., donut vendors of all sizes take part in National Donut Day celebrations. Big brands like Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme, which refer to their treats as “doughnuts,” will be offering free donuts on June 6.
Dunkin’: Free donuts on National Donut Day, plus new merch
Yes, Dunkin’ is offering a free classic donut with any beverage purchase at participating locations nationwide on June 6.
But that’s just the start. Dunkin’ fans can also shop limited-edition merch made in collaboration with Stoney Clover Lane. Selected Dunkin’ stores will serve single donuts inside mini donut bags designed with this luxury lifestyle brand.
Available online beginning Friday, June 6 at 10 a.m. ET on the Stoney Clover Lane website: a reversible pouch featuring a Strawberry Frosted with Sprinkles donut on one side and a Chocolate Frosted with Sprinkles donut on the other ($78), two bag charms — an Iced Coffee Charm topped with a mini donut and a Donut Chain Charm ($48 each) — and a set of four Dunkin’-inspired patches ($18 each).
Starting early June, select Dunkin’ locations will carry Dunkin’/Stoney Clover Lane merchandise, including acrylic and stainless steel tumblers ($16.99 and $24.99), straw toppers ($6.99), and cup sleeves ($6.99), available while supplies last.
Krispy Kreme kicks off 14 Days of Glazed on National Donut Day
On June 6, Krispy Kreme will give away one free donut to every customer, no purchase required. Plus, you can score a dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts for just $2 when you buy any other dozen at the regular price.
The next day, Saturday, June 7, launches Krispy Kreme’s “14 Days of Original Glazed” event with deals like these:
- June 7–20: Krispy Kreme Rewards members can purchase a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for $9.99 (limit one per guest each day).
- June 13: All customers can buy a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for just 13 cents when they purchase any other dozen at full price.
- June 20: Customers can get a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for $2 with the purchase of any other dozen at regular price. Additionally, lucky customers at participating locations will be randomly chosen to win a year’s supply of Original Glazed doughnuts — that’s one dozen per month from July 2025 through June 2026.