Let’s simmer on this idea for a moment: Free food year-round. Depending on where you live, there is a good chance you can score some free meals all throughout the year—you just need to know when to look for these deals so you can plan accordingly. A simple Google search with the following holiday names plus your area should yield results of deals near you.
Jot these holidays down on your calendar now to remind you to search later for local deals:
- National Buffet Day: Jan. 2
- World Nutella Day: Feb. 5
- Pizza Pie Day: Feb. 9
- Great American MEAT-OUT: March 20
- National Spanish Paella Day: March 27
- National Burrito Day: April 7, 2022 (First Thursday in April)
- National Prime Rib Day: April 27
- Totally Chipotle Day: May 5
- National Hamburger Day: May 28, July 28 and Dec. 21
- International Sushi Day: June 18
- National Fried Chicken Day: July 6
- National Hot Dog Day: July 21
- National Chicken Wing Day: July 29
- National Chicken and Waffles Day: July 30
- International Beer Day: Aug. 8
- National Bacon Lovers’ Day: Aug. 20
- National Gyro Day: Sept. 1
- National Cheeseburger Day: Sept. 18
- National Quesadilla Day: Sept. 25
- World Vegetarian Day: Oct. 1
- National Taco Day: Oct. 4
- International Beer and Pizza Day: Oct. 9
- World Food Day: Oct. 16
- Food Day: Oct. 24
- National Sandwich Day: Nov. 3
- National Nachos Day: Nov. 6
- National Pizza with Everything Day (Except Anchovies): Nov. 12
- National Pastry Day: Dec. 9
- National Fried Shrimp Day: Dec.20
- Bacon Day: Dec. 30
Once you have your targeted holiday, look up restaurants, bakeries, or shops in your area, call a few days ahead, or stop by in person to ask if they are doing anything special for that day. Even if they have nothing planned, there is a chance they might put something out last-minute or even treat you to a deal for being aware of the holiday.
Another great place to check is on social media. Restaurants will often post ads using the name of the holiday with the hashtag on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.