As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, October is not only a time for pumpkin-flavored everything, but it’s also packed with delicious food holidays that come with deals and freebies.
Contents
- 31 October National Food Holidays That Offer Freebies
- October 1 – National Homemade Cookies Day
- October 1 – World Vegetarian Day
- October 4 – National Taco Day
- October 6 – National Noodle Day
- October 7 – National Frappe Day
- October 8 – National Pierogi Day
- October 8 – National Salmon Day
- October 9 – International Beer and Pizza Day
- October 9 – National Submarine-Hoagie-Hero Grinder Day
- October 10 – National Angel Food Cake Day
- October 11 – Yom Kippur
- October 12 – National Gumbo Day
- October 13 – National Yorkshire Pudding Day
- October 13 – World Egg Day
- October 14 – National Dessert Day
- October 15 – National Chicken Cacciatore Day
- October 16 – World Food Day
- October 17 – National Pasta Day
- October 18 – National Chocolate Cupcake Day
- October 21 – National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
- October 22 – National Nut Day
- October 23 – National Boston Cream Pie Day
- October 25 – National Greasy Foods Day
- October 26 – Mince Meat Pie Day
- October 26 – Pumpkin Day
- October 27 – National Potato Day
- October 28 – National Chocolate Day
- October 29 – National Oatmeal Day
- October 30 – National Candy Corn Day
- October 31 – National Caramel Apple Day
- October 31 – Halloween Freebies
- Tips for Scoring October Freebies and Deals
- Conclusion
31 October National Food Holidays That Offer Freebies
Whether you’re a fan of savory dishes, sweet treats, or comforting beverages, here are some of the top October food holidays that you won’t want to miss.
October 1 – National Homemade Cookies Day
Kick off October with freshly baked goodness! On National Homemade Cookies Day, many bakeries and cafes offer free cookies or special promotions. Be sure to check with local bakeries for potential deals, or if you’re a baking enthusiast, whip up a batch at home and celebrate by sharing with family and friends.
October 1 – World Vegetarian Day
Kick off the month with a healthy start by celebrating World Vegetarian Day on October 1! Many restaurants and cafes offer special promotions or free plant-based dishes to highlight the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. From veggie burgers to salads and hearty grain bowls, it’s a great opportunity to try out some delicious meat-free meals. Be sure to check with local vegetarian and vegan restaurants for discounts, free samples, or special menus featuring plant-based goodness.
October 4 – National Taco Day
Get ready to taco ‘bout deals! National Taco Day on October 4 is a favorite for foodies, and many Mexican restaurants and fast-food chains offer free tacos or taco deals. Popular chains like Taco Bell and Del Taco typically have BOGO (buy one, get one) offers or even free tacos with any purchase, making it the perfect day to indulge in your taco cravings.
October 6 – National Noodle Day
Celebrate your love for noodles on October 6 with a tasty dish of your favorite pasta or stir-fried noodles. Many Italian and Asian restaurants offer special promotions or discounts on noodle dishes, and some may even provide freebies. Whether it’s spaghetti, ramen, or lo mein, National Noodle Day is the perfect excuse to slurp up some delicious noodles.
October 7 – National Frappe Day
Cool off with a refreshing frappe on National Frappe Day! On October 7, cafes and coffee shops may offer free or discounted frappes to celebrate this delicious, creamy beverage. Whether you prefer a coffee-based frappe or a fruit-flavored one, this is a great day to treat yourself to something sweet and chilled.
October 8 – National Pierogi Day
Celebrate the comforting flavors of pierogi, the Eastern European dumpling stuffed with potatoes, cheese, or other fillings. On October 8, many Polish restaurants and eateries offer deals or freebies on pierogi to mark the occasion. It’s a perfect opportunity to indulge in this savory dish with a side of sour cream or fried onions.
October 8 – National Salmon Day
October 8 also brings National Salmon Day, a day to enjoy this delicious and nutritious fish. Seafood restaurants often offer special deals or discounts on salmon dishes, including grilled, smoked, or baked options. If you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy salmon at a lower price or even for free!
October 9 – International Beer and Pizza Day
What’s better than pizza and beer? Celebrating both on the same day! International Beer and Pizza Day on October 9 is the perfect excuse to indulge in a classic combination. Many pizza joints and bars offer deals like buy-one-get-one-free pizzas, discounted pints, or combo deals to celebrate. Whether you’re out with friends or ordering in, it’s a great day for a pizza party with a cold brew.
October 9 – National Submarine-Hoagie-Hero Grinder Day
No matter what you call it, this day is for sandwich lovers. On National Submarine-Hoagie-Hero Grinder Day, sandwich shops across the country celebrate by offering special promotions, including discounted or even free hoagies or subs. Popular chains like Subway or Jersey Mike’s may offer deals, so keep an eye out for sandwich freebies on this day.
October 10 – National Angel Food Cake Day
Celebrate the light and airy sweetness of angel food cake on October 10. Some bakeries and dessert shops offer free slices of cake or discounts on full cakes to celebrate. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to this fluffy, delightful dessert.
October 11 – Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, is a solemn holiday observed by fasting, prayer, and reflection. Many individuals who observe Yom Kippur fast for 25 hours, from sunset the evening before until nightfall on October 11. While this day is not associated with food deals or freebies, it is an important occasion for spiritual reflection and fasting in the Jewish tradition. After the fast, families often gather to break their fast with traditional meals, such as bagels, smoked fish, or kugel. Some Jewish delis and bakeries may offer special orders for Yom Kippur break-fast meals.
October 12 – National Gumbo Day
Warm up with a bowl of flavorful gumbo on National Gumbo Day. Restaurants specializing in Creole and Cajun cuisine may offer deals or discounts on this savory dish. It’s a great day to explore local eateries or enjoy a free or discounted bowl of this Southern favorite.
October 13 – National Yorkshire Pudding Day
Celebrate the iconic British side dish on National Yorkshire Pudding Day! On October 13, restaurants specializing in British cuisine may offer discounts or free Yorkshire puddings with meals. Whether served with a traditional roast or as a savory treat, Yorkshire puddings are beloved for their crisp exterior and fluffy interior. Keep an eye out for deals at local pubs and British-style eateries.
October 13 – World Egg Day
World Egg Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate the incredible versatility of eggs. On October 13, cafes and breakfast spots may offer free or discounted egg-based dishes like omelets, scrambled eggs, or eggs Benedict. Whether you enjoy them sunny-side up, poached, or hard-boiled, it’s a great day to indulge in your favorite egg dishes while taking advantage of some egg-cellent deals.
October 14 – National Dessert Day
For those with a sweet tooth, National Dessert Day is a can’t-miss occasion! On October 14, many dessert shops, bakeries, and restaurants offer free desserts or special discounts to celebrate. From cakes and pies to ice cream and pastries, it’s the perfect excuse to indulge.
October 15 – National Chicken Cacciatore Day
Celebrate the rich flavors of Italy on National Chicken Cacciatore Day! On October 15, many Italian restaurants may offer special promotions or discounts on this classic dish, made with braised chicken, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and herbs. Check with local Italian eateries for deals, and enjoy this hearty and savory meal at a great price.
October 16 – World Food Day
World Food Day is celebrated globally to raise awareness about food security and hunger. Many restaurants and food chains participate by offering deals, promotions, or even free meals while supporting charitable causes. It’s also a great time to support local food banks or contribute to initiatives fighting hunger. Some restaurants may even donate a portion of proceeds from specific meals to food-related charities.
October 17 – National Pasta Day
Indulge in a comforting bowl of pasta on National Pasta Day! On October 17, Italian restaurants and pasta spots often offer discounts or free pasta dishes to celebrate. Whether you prefer spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, it’s the perfect day to enjoy your favorite pasta dish with marinara, Alfredo, or a rich Bolognese sauce. Be sure to check local eateries and chain restaurants for pasta specials!
October 18 – National Chocolate Cupcake Day
Chocolate lovers rejoice! On October 18, bakeries across the country may offer free chocolate cupcakes or special deals on their sweet treats. Whether you prefer them plain, frosted, or filled, this is a day dedicated to enjoying the richness of chocolate cupcakes.
October 21 – National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
Embrace the flavors of fall with National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day. On October 21, some bakeries or restaurants offer special deals or free slices of this autumn-inspired dessert. If you’re a cheesecake lover, this is a great opportunity to indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of pumpkin cheesecake.
October 22 – National Nut Day
National Nut Day celebrates the versatility and health benefits of nuts. Some snack brands and grocery stores offer free samples or discounts on nut-based products like trail mix, peanut butter, or roasted nuts. Keep an eye out for deals at grocery stores or specialty food shops.
October 23 – National Boston Cream Pie Day
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of a classic dessert on National Boston Cream Pie Day. Many bakeries and dessert shops may offer free slices or special discounts on this decadent treat, which features layers of sponge cake filled with custard and topped with a chocolate glaze. Be sure to check your local bakery for promotions!
October 25 – National Greasy Foods Day
Sometimes, nothing hits the spot like greasy comfort food. On October 25, celebrate National Greasy Foods Day with discounts or freebies on your favorite indulgent eats like fries, burgers, and fried chicken. Many fast-food chains and diners offer deals on these beloved comfort foods, making it the perfect day to enjoy a greasy favorite.
October 26 – Mince Meat Pie Day
October 26 marks Mince Meat Pie Day, a day dedicated to this traditional, spiced pie filled with minced meat or fruit mixtures. While less common in the U.S., some bakeries and British-style restaurants may offer deals or free slices of mince meat pie to celebrate the day.
October 26 – Pumpkin Day
Celebrate all things pumpkin on October 26! From pumpkin pies to lattes and savory dishes, Pumpkin Day brings special promotions at cafes, bakeries, and grocery stores. Whether you’re picking up a pumpkin-spiced treat or enjoying a hearty pumpkin soup, it’s a day to savor the flavors of fall.
October 27 – National Potato Day
Potato lovers unite on October 27 for National Potato Day! Whether you like them mashed, fried, or baked, this versatile vegetable takes center stage. Many restaurants, particularly fast-food chains, may offer free or discounted potato dishes like French fries, baked potatoes, or potato wedges. It’s the perfect day to enjoy your favorite potato dish without the guilt
October 28 – National Chocolate Day
Celebrate the universal love for chocolate on National Chocolate Day. Many candy shops, bakeries, and dessert spots offer free chocolate treats or discounts on chocolate products. Whether it’s dark, milk, or white chocolate, this day is perfect for indulging in all things cocoa.
October 29 – National Oatmeal Day
Start your day off right on October 29 with National Oatmeal Day. Some breakfast spots or cafes offer free or discounted bowls of oatmeal, often with toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or honey. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a hearty, healthy breakfast on a budget.
October 30 – National Candy Corn Day
As Halloween approaches, National Candy Corn Day is the perfect time to stock up on this seasonal treat. Many candy shops and stores offer discounts on candy corn, or you may even find some places giving away small bags of this Halloween classic.
October 31 – National Caramel Apple Day
Celebrate Halloween with a sweet and sticky treat on National Caramel Apple Day! On October 31, many candy shops, orchards, and bakeries offer free or discounted caramel apples to mark the occasion. Whether dipped in rich caramel and coated with nuts or sprinkles, these festive treats are a Halloween favorite. Be sure to check local spots for caramel apple promotions while enjoying the Halloween festivities!
October 31 – Halloween Freebies
On October 31, Halloween brings a host of food freebies, especially for kids in costume. Many fast-food chains, donut shops, and restaurants offer free treats to customers who stop by in costume. Be sure to check with your local eateries for Halloween-themed promotions and candy giveaways.
Tips for Scoring October Freebies and Deals
- Sign Up for Loyalty Programs: Many chains offer exclusive deals or freebies to members of their loyalty programs. Sign up to receive notifications and special offers around these food holidays.
- Check Social Media: Restaurants and food chains often announce holiday promotions and freebies on their social media pages. Follow your favorite spots to stay updated on the latest offers.
- Plan Ahead: Some freebies may require a purchase or coupon, so planning ahead can ensure you get the best deal.
- Visit Local Spots: While national chains often participate in these food holidays, don’t forget to check with local restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, as they may have unique offers and freebies to celebrate.
Conclusion
October is packed with tasty opportunities to enjoy everything from savory tacos to sweet desserts, often at no cost. Mark your calendar, plan your visits, and enjoy the delicious freebies all month long!
