National Donut Day 2025 is set to bring sweet celebrations and generous deals across the United States on Friday, June 6. Marking its 87th annual observance, this special day honors a unique piece of history while offering donut lovers plenty of reasons to indulge.
The tradition of National Donut Day dates back to 1938, when The Salvation Army established the first Friday in June as a tribute to the organization's "Donut Lassies." These brave women traveled to France during World War I, serving doughnuts and other snacks to soldiers on the front lines, providing them with a comforting taste of home amid the hardships of war. According to The Salvation Army's national commander, Merle Heatwole, "National Donut Day is a time to remember the lasting impact of a unique piece of history and to honor the heroic men and women who have served our country." This year, The Salvation Army will distribute doughnuts to veterans in several U.S. cities and host the National Donut Day World Donut Eating Championship at the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Across the country, many doughnut chains and local shops are joining the celebration with free offers and special promotions. Dunkin' is offering a free classic doughnut with any beverage purchase at participating locations nationwide, including three in Gastonia, North Carolina, located at 2165 N. Chester St., 2302 S. New Hope Road, and 350 N. New Hope Road. Beyond free treats, Dunkin' is launching a limited-edition merchandise line in collaboration with Stoney Clover Lane, featuring items such as a double-sided donut pouch, donut-themed bag charms, collectible patches, and drinkware like acrylic and stainless-steel tumblers, straw toppers, and cup sleeves. Select Dunkin' stores will also present single donuts in custom mini donut bags designed especially for the occasion.
Krispy Kreme is also making National Donut Day extra special. On June 6, customers can enjoy one free doughnut of any variety with no purchase necessary at participating stores, including the Gastonia location at 2990 E. Franklin Blvd. Additionally, Krispy Kreme offers a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for just $2 when purchasing any other dozen at regular price on the same day. The festivities don’t stop there: starting June 7, Krispy Kreme kicks off its "14 Days of Original Glazed" promotion. From June 7 to June 20, Krispy Kreme Rewards members can buy a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for $9.99, limited to one per guest each day. On June 13, all customers can snag a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for a remarkable 13 cents with the purchase of any dozen at regular price. The grand finale on June 20 includes another $2 dozen deal and a chance for multiple customers to win free Original Glazed doughnuts for an entire year, receiving one dozen per month from July 2025 through June 2026.
Convenience store giant 7-Eleven extends National Donut Day celebrations with a week-long offer. Members of the 7Rewards program can purchase glazed doughnuts for just 50 cents on June 6 and $1 each through June 24 at Gastonia locations including 1929 E Garrison Blvd, 1600 E Franklin Blvd, 2209 W Franklin Blvd, and 1750 Neal Hawkins Rd.
Other notable chains and local shops are also participating nationwide. Duck Donuts offers a free cinnamon sugar donut on June 6 for in-store customers, with six cinnamon sugar donuts available for $6 and $1 off medium hot or iced coffee. Paris Baguette rewards members with a free sugar mochi or twisted donut with any purchase on June 6. Shipley Do-Nuts gives away a free glazed donut with any purchase, both in-store and online using the code DonutDay25. Tim Hortons Tims Rewards members can redeem a free donut with any beverage purchase through June 8 via the app. Voodoo Doughnuts offers a free donut with the purchase of a dozen of their signature pink glazed donuts in-store. LaMar’s is giving away a classic glazed donut with no purchase necessary, and several regional favorites like Stan’s, Honey Dew Donuts, Graeter’s, and Fractured Prune are joining in with their own unique offers.
For those in Delaware, Hill Donut Co. & Pancake House in Brandywine Hundred is debuting a $2 doughnut hole sundae featuring house-made soft serve in flavors such as churro, vanilla, and strawberry. Sandy Pony Donuts in Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach will offer a free doughnut to every customer on June 6, with a bonus half dozen free doughnuts for customers purchasing a T-shirt. Sleeping Bird Doughnuts in Talleyville is unveiling a fresh menu through June 9, including specialties like strawberries and cream doughnuts, filled brioche varieties, brioche rings with patriotic sprinkles, and chocolate old-fashioned doughnuts.
National Donut Day is more than just a marketing gimmick; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the Donut Lassies who brought comfort and joy to soldiers during a dark chapter in history. It also offers a perfect excuse for doughnut enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite treats, whether glazed, frosted, filled, or twisted. And if you miss the June 6 date, don’t worry—June is National Donut Month, with many deals extending throughout the month. Plus, there’s a separate National Doughnut Day observed on November 5 for those who simply can’t get enough of these delightful confections.
So whether you’re grabbing a free classic donut with your morning coffee at Dunkin', savoring a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts at Krispy Kreme, or exploring new flavors at local bakeries, National Donut Day 2025 promises to be a delicious celebration that honors history while satisfying sweet cravings nationwide.
