Friday is National Donut Day, a food holiday created in 1938 to honor “Donut Lassies,” women volunteering with the Salvation Army to serve doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.
Salvation Army lassie Stella Young holds a pan of doughnuts for service members during World War II. (The Salvation Army)
In honor of the holiday, several San Diego County doughnut shops are giving away the free pastry orbs on Friday, and the Salvation Army is hosting a doughnut festival aboard the USS Midway Museum on San Diego Bay. Here’s a guide:
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ locations will be giving away one free doughnut with any drink purchase on Friday while supplies last. In-person pickup only. For San Diego County locations, visit dunkindonuts.com/en/locations
Krispy Kreme locations are giving away one free doughnut to every customer on Friday in honor of National Donut Day. (Getty Images)
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme locations will give away one free doughnut of any flavor per person. The chain is also offering a $2 deal, where customers who buy a dozen glazed doughnuts at full price can buy a dozen more for just $2. In-person orders only. For locations in San Diego, Oceanside and Chula Vista, visit krispykreme.com/offers.
Parlor Doughnuts
This artisan doughnut chain will offer in-store customers a free French Toast layered doughnut with any purchase on Friday. 331 N. Cleveland St., Oceanside. parlordoughnuts.com/shops/oceanside-ca
Staff members stock glazed doughnuts at Randy’s Donuts in Pasadena.. (2024 photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Randy’s Donuts
L.A.-based Randy’s Donuts, which opened its first San Diego County shop last year, will give away one free classic doughnut to every customer from 6 a.m. to noon Friday. 3737 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego. randysdonuts.com/locations/san-diego/
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
This Del Mar artisan shop isn’t giving away free doughnuts to all comers on Friday, but customers who sign up for the company’s loyalty program, like their Instagram page and purchase a doughnut in person or online Friday will be eligible for up to $500 in cash, prizes and merch. Del Mar Highlands Town Center, 3435 Del Mar Heights Road, Suite D7, San Diego. sidecardoughnuts.com/locations
7-Eleven
7-Eleven convenience stores will be offering one classic glazed doughnut per person for 50 cents on Friday to members of its 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards programs at participating locations. Also available Friday is a 7-Select Mini Donut pack for $1. 7-eleven.com
USS Midway Museum
The Salvation Army is hosting its third annual Donut Day Festival from noon to 2 p.m. Friday aboard this retired aircraft carrier museum on San Diego Bay. Free doughnuts provided by BakeMark will be available with suggested donations to the Salvation Army. Among the participating local bakers are Donutgram, Get-n-Go Donuts, Goody’s Donuts, Peterson’s Donut Corner and Mary’s Donuts, among others. There will also be live music and tours of the Midway for those who register early. Admission to the festival is free, but pre-registration is required online due to limited space. Noon to 2 p.m. Friday. USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. eventbrite.com/e/national-donut-day-donut-festival-tickets-1988864084014
Dunkin’ is giving away free doughnuts on Friday in honor of National Donut Day. (Dunkin’)
