What better way to let freedom ring than with free treats from your favorite food chains on July 4, 2026?
This Independence Day is a really special one. Not only does it fall on a Saturday — so we can celebrate long after the fireworks have ended — but it’s also the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.
To commemorate this momentous semiquincentennial, lots of our favorite restaurants and fast food chains are open and serving up deliciously patriotic treats, menu specials, discounts and even some freebies. We’ve also spotted several value-priced $2.50 menu items as a not-so-subtle nod to this historic America250 celebration.
Read on for our curated list of the best Fourth of July food specials in 2026. Just keep in mind that some of these deals may require you to make a purchase, install the restaurant’s app or join the rewards programs to take advantage of the freebie or deal — but we’ve made note of that for you wherever possible. Some deals may also be limited to select locations, so check with your local spot before you go!
Fourth of July Restaurant Deals At-A-Glance
Top Freebie: Wear red, white and blue to get a free donut at Krispy Kreme.
Best Promo Code: Get 10% off your catering order of $150+ at Moe’s Southwest Grill with Code: SUMMER26.
Best $2.50 Deal: Sonic’s America $2.50 menu includes classics like the All-American Hot Dog and a Red, White & Blue Slush Float at a bargain price.
True Fourth of July Freebies & BOGO Deals
Biggby Coffee
Deal: From July 3 through July 5, 2026, buy one select Fourth of July beverage at Biggby Coffee and get one free. The festive drinks and limited-time Star-Spangled Cake Pop will launch on June 29.
Dairy Queen
Deal: Snag a small Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float at Dairy Queen for just $2.50 from June 29 through July 5, 2026, and score 250 bonus DQ points if you’re a rewards member. The brand-new float features layers of cherry and blue raspberry slush, and soft-serve topped with patriotic star sprinkles.
DoorDash
Deal: DashPass members will be treated to many Summer of DashPass deals from July 2 through July 8, 2026, including BOGO Create-Your-Own Pizza at Pizza Hut and BOGO Whoppers at Burger King. The only caveat is that you do need to be a paying DashPass member to get the deals.
GrubHub
Deal: GrubHub will run several BOGO fast food deals and freebies during the week of June 29 through July 5, 2026, including BOGO 2-piece Chicken Combos at KFC, BOGO Whopper Jrs. at Burger King and a free Bacon Cheeseburger at Shake Shack.
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream
Deal: Participating locations of Happy Joe’s are hosting America250 Block Party events from 4–8 p.m. on June 29, 2026, featuring free slices of America250 Birthday Cake Pizza. Also look out for themed giveaways and free red-white-and-blue popcorn for kids from June 29 through July 31, 2026.
Krispy Kreme
Deal: Wear red, white and blue to a participating Krispy Kreme on July 4, 2026 and you’ll get one free Original Glazed doughnut. Also, from July 2 through July 5, 2026, use Code: USA online or in the app to tack on an Original Glazed dozen for just $2.50 with your purchase of any Krispy Kreme dozen (including the patriotic Fourth of July doughnut collection) or 16-count Minis.
Fourth of July Fast Food & Takeout Deals
Del Taco
Deal: Just in time to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Del Taco has brought back Funnel Cake Fries for just $2.50 and re-launched the limited-time Independence Poppers beverage collection with strawberry, blue raspberry and festive popping boba pearls.
HTeaO
Deal: From July 1 through July 4, 2026, three gallons of freshly brewed tea is just $17.76 at HTeaO. You can also get the Blue Razzler Energy Refresher (complete with patriotic sprinkles) in a limited-edition cup commemorating America’s 250th through Labor Day.
The Human Bean
Deal: The Human Bean is serving up shaken espressos, lemonades and flavored iced teas for just $2.50 each, now through July 6, 2026. And, while they’re not part of the deal, you can also try the trio of brand-new patriotic drink specials — the All-American Cherry Citrus Soda, the Birthday Cake Granita, and the Red, White, and Blue Shake — through August 4, 2026.
McDonald’s
Deal: In honor of America’s 250th birthday this Fourth of July, McDonald’s has brought back an American icon; the fan-favorite Fried Apple Pie is now back on the menu for the first time since 1992.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Deal: If it’s too hot to toil over a steamy barbecue this Fourth of July, plan ahead and feed your friends and fam with 10% off Moe’s Southwest Grill catering orders of $150 or more. Use Code: SUMMER26 at checkout online or in-app, now through July 31, 2026.
Sonic
Deal: In honor of the country’s birthday, the America $2.50 Menu is available at Sonic through July 12, 2026, featuring the Jr Double Cheeseburger, All-American Hot Dog, medium onion rings and the limited-time Red, White & Blue Slush Float, priced at just $2.50 each.
Fourth of July Sit-Down & Fine Dining Specials
Applebee’s
Deal: Throughout the month of July, dine-in guests (21 and up!) can enjoy the return of the legendary Applebee’s Dollarita — a $1 margarita made with tequila, triple sec and lime.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Deal: Starting June 11, 2026, guests at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse can indulge in the limited-time Stars & Stripes Pizookie, a deep-dish cookie topped with fresh strawberries and patriotic sprinkles. Then, the non-alcoholic beverage aptly named the Firework Fizz launches on June 25, with strawberry popping boba for festive effect.
Cracker Barrel
Deal: Cracker Barrel partnered with America250 to create three Americana-inspired treats — the All-American Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake, the Cherry Coke Float and the All-American Kids Sundae — available now for a limited time.
Jack’s
Deal: Starting June 24, 2026, guests at Jack’s Family Restaurants can snag the limited-time Red, White & Blueberry Sundae for just $3.49 while supplies last, and the new Blueberry Biscuit starting at $1.29 through August 11, 2026.
Fourth of July Desserts & Sweets
Dunkin’
Deal: Dunkin’ has crafted a patriotic lineup of beverages and treats in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, including a Strawberry Sparkler Cloud Latte, a Dazzleberry Coolatta, a Starlight Lemonade, a Rocket Pop Donut and Stars & Stripes Munchkins. The limited-edition, collectible Eagle Cup ($10.99) will also become available with your choice of medium beverage on June 29, 2026.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Deal: Limited-time patriotic treats and seasonal flavors are available now through July 19, 2026 at Nothing Bundt Cakes, including Fireworks and Freedom Bundtinis, the Patriotic Bundt and the S’mores Bundt. Plus, Bundtastic Rewards members earn 250 bonus points on any purchase from July 3 through July 5, 2026 — just be sure you’re logged into your rewards account before checkout!
Rita’s Italian Ice
Deal: Starting June 22, the five-layer 4th of Gelati is back for a limited time at Rita’s Italian Ice, finished off with a festive Firecracker Glitter topping. Plus, if you download the Rita’s Ice app, you’ll earn double loyalty punches for purchasing a 4th of Gelati from June 29 through July 5, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Independence Day in 2026?
July 4, 2026 falls on a Saturday and marks the 250th birthday of the United States of America, but you’ll find that restaurants and fast food spots typically extend their Fourth of July food deals for a few days around the holiday.
What restaurants give free food on the Fourth of July?
Krispy Kreme is giving away a free doughnut to anyone who wears red, white and blue on July 4, 2026, while other spots like Biggby Coffee, Burger King and KFC (the latter two via GrubHub) are hosting buy-one-get-one-free specials.
Will there be more Fourth of July food deals in 2026?
Yes, plenty of other fast food chains and restaurants are expected to host Independence Day food deals or boosted rewards around July 4, 2026, including Starbucks, 7-Eleven, Burger King, White Castle, Baskin-Robbins, Carvel, Cinnabon, Denny’s, Arby’s, Papa John’s and Pizza Hut. We’ve seen all of these spots host Fourth of July food deals in past years, and they are often announced closer to the holiday.
Are there any other food deals and freebies this July?
There’s an extra bit of patriotism in the air as the U.S. plays co-host to the FIFA World Cup, so lots of restaurants are hosting World Cup-themed food deals and freebies this July, too! Check out our favorites here.
The post Celebrate America 250 With Fourth of July 2026 Food Freebies and Patriotic Specials appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
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