Celebrating National Coffee Day: A Cup of Deals and Freebies
As September 29th approaches, coffee enthusiasts across the nation are gearing up for National Coffee Day, a celebration that brings with it a cascade of deals and freebies from beloved cafes and restaurants. This year’s offerings range from complimentary beverages to substantial discounts, creating the perfect opportunity for coffee lovers to indulge in their favorite brews without breaking the bank. Whether you prefer your coffee hot or iced, plain or flavored, there’s something brewing for everyone on this caffeinated holiday that has become an annual tradition for both major chains and local coffeehouses alike.
Major coffee chains are leading the charge with enticing offers. Dunkin’ is treating its Rewards members to a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase through their app, while DoorDash is sweetening the deal by offering $6 off any $20+ Dunkin’ order. Starbucks isn’t far behind, rewarding its loyal customers with 100 bonus Stars for ordering any size hot or iced coffee through September 29. Grubhub+ members can enjoy $7 off $20 Starbucks orders specifically for the holiday. Other chains like Einstein Bros. Bagels are offering rewards members a free coffee with purchase, while Pret A Manger is providing a free organic, barista-made coffee to customers who order through their app—including their new Cinnamon Swirl Latte. Perhaps the most unique collaboration comes from Smoothie King, which is launching a “Stars for Smoothies” program where Starbucks Rewards members can show their accumulated stars to receive a free protein-packed coffee smoothie at any location nationwide during morning hours.
The celebrations extend beyond traditional coffee shops, with fast-food restaurants and convenience stores joining the festivities. Krispy Kreme has partnered with Joe Jonas to offer not just a free medium hot or iced coffee but also a free doughnut of choice with no purchase necessary, plus an Original Glazed dozen for just $1 with the purchase of any dozen at regular price. Circle K is providing a free medium hot or iced coffee through their app, while Burger King Royal Perks members can get a free medium iced coffee with just a $1 purchase online or in-app. Tim Hortons is taking a different approach, offering a reward program where customers who make four separate brewed coffee purchases and scan for rewards each time will earn enough points for a free coffee. 7-Eleven is extending their celebration throughout the month, allowing loyalty members to get a free coffee with the purchase of any breakfast sandwich through October 28.
Several specialty coffee providers are offering unique promotions that go beyond a simple free cup. Peet’s Coffee is launching its first-ever Cold Brew Pass, a $30 subscription-style program that offers members one medium cold brew per day for 30 consecutive days. Additionally, they’re offering a sitewide 25% discount from September 29 through October 1. Bean Box is giving away a free 12-ounce bag of coffee (valued at $17+) with any purchase when customers use the code “COFFEEDAY25” at checkout. GoPuff is rolling out a variety of deals spanning a full week, including buy-one-get-one offers on Dunkin’ Iced Coffee, Groundwork Cold Brew, and discounts on specialty brands like Chamberlain Coffee and Death Wish. Shake Shack is bringing back its popular Coffee Shake, made with dark roast coffee hand-spun with house-made vanilla frozen custard, while La Colombe is giving away either a free 12-ounce drip Corsica coffee or a 16-ounce Oatmilk Draft Latte at all their café locations in major cities.
Regional favorites and specialty shops are also making the most of National Coffee Day with distinctive offerings. Gregorys Coffee is launching a new beverage called the Protein Buzz—a plant-based protein coffee with 18 grams of protein, peanut butter, cold brew, coconut water, and date syrup—and giving away free full-size drinks to anyone who downloads their app and uses the promo code “GAINS.” BIGGBY Coffee is offering a straightforward but appealing $1 deal on 16-ounce hot or iced coffee at participating locations. Dutch Bros is taking a different approach by giving away two free car coasters with any purchase of two or more drinks, while supplies last. Whataburger is offering a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee with no purchase necessary, which can be customized with vanilla, caramel, or sweet cream. Rita’s Italian Ice is bringing a refreshing twist with a $1.99 Cold Brew Frozen Coffee in flavors such as Mocha and Caramel for app users nationwide.
The breadth of National Coffee Day deals showcases how deeply coffee culture has become embedded in American daily life. From New York institution Zabar’s offering a free small coffee with any purchase at both its store and café, to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf providing loyalty members with $5 large beverages all day, the options are abundant. Playa Bowls is getting in on the action with a buy-one-get-one deal on their 20-ounce Playola Cold Brew or Sweet Cream Cold Brew for loyalty members. PJ’s Coffee is treating customers to a free 16-ounce cold brew when ordered through their app. These varied offerings reflect not just a marketing opportunity for businesses but a genuine celebration of a beverage that brings comfort, energy, and routine to millions of Americans every day. As we raise our cups on September 29th, National Coffee Day serves as a reminder of coffee’s special place in our culture—a daily ritual worthy of celebration, especially when it comes with such delicious deals.
