October 2026 Freebies & Deals: Food, Kids’ Events + Calendar

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 · 9 AM–NOON

Home Depot: free Witch Candy Box workshop

FREE ACTIVITY · Register with your store

Start spooky season with a hands-on build! Home Depot’s October kids’ workshop is a Witch Candy Box. Pick a participating store on the workshop page and register. Bring your child and plan for adult help with the project.

Kits are available while supplies last, so arriving earlier in the session is a good idea. A registration is not a reason to assume late-arrival stock.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 · STARTING AT 10 AM

Lowe’s: FREE glow-in-the-dark Halloween tote bag

FREE IN-STORE GIVEAWAY · First 150 MyLowe’s Rewards members · Limited supplies

Here’s a fun freebie for trick-or-treat season! Lowe’s official announcement says the first 150 MyLowe’s Rewards members in store can get a free glow-in-the-dark trick-or-treat bag beginning at 10 AM on October 3.

Join the free rewards program before going, have your membership information ready, and check the offer in your account under Member Deals & Discounts. The giveaway is walk-in, while supplies last; limit one per member. This is separate from the October 17 kids’ workshop.

Plan ahead: Confirm participation with your local store and consider arriving before 10 AM. A rewards account does not reserve a bag.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 · NOON–4 PM

Target: wet bag gift at The Right Diaper Event

GIFT WITH QUALIFYING PURCHASE · Ages 16+ · Participating stores

Target’s The Right Diaper Event offers an interactive look at diaper options and a compact wet bag with a qualifying diaper purchase. The official terms name Pampers 360 cruisers, bumbum diapers or Pampers Amore Diapers; confirm the eligible package at the event.

This bag is not a no-purchase freebie. Target limits the giveaway to ages 16 and older, with limited supplies. Check the participating-store list before making a special trip; attending does not guarantee a bag.

SATURDAY–SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3–4

Bank of America Museums on Us

FREE GENERAL ADMISSION · Eligible cardholders only

Eligible Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can enjoy free general admission at participating museums during the first full weekend of the month. Bring your eligible card and photo ID.

The benefit is for the cardholder—not automatically the whole family. Special exhibitions and ticketed events may be excluded. Check the museum list, opening hours and any reservation requirement before leaving.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 · NOON–4 PM

Target: FREE Halloween party punch kit + Liquid I.V. sample

FREE GIVEAWAY · Ages 16+ · Select stores · While supplies last

Stop by a participating Target to check out Blood Orange Liquid I.V. and pick up a Halloween party punch kit. Target lists a Liquid I.V. sample stick, recipe card, stir sticks and more in the giveaway.

The event is for ages 16 and older. The official listing does not state a purchase requirement for this kit. Supplies can run out before 4 PM, and only selected stores participate.

Check the Sunday store list separately. A store hosting Saturday’s diaper event is not automatically a location for this giveaway. Search the PDF for your city or ZIP code and call before leaving.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 · 11 AM–NOON; CONFIRM LOCALLY

JCPenney Kids Zone: Dalmatian Fireman

FREE KIDS’ CRAFT · While supplies last

October’s Kids Zone project is a Dalmatian Fireman. The scheduled session is 11 AM to noon, with free craft materials while available. Confirm the setup with your local JCPenney; the event is short, so don’t plan a late-afternoon visit.

Parents may receive a separate shopping coupon. You do not need to turn a free craft outing into a shopping trip.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 · SELECT YOUR STORE’S SESSION

Lowe’s: free Firefighting Plane build

FREE KIDS’ WORKSHOP · Registration required

Lowe’s lists a Firefighting Plane project for its October kids’ workshop. Open the registration page, choose your location and reserve a session. Follow the time on your confirmation; the national event listing shows a 10 AM start.

Space and kits are limited. Reserve ahead and bring your child to build with you instead of assuming there will be a spare take-home kit.

OCTOBER 4, 10, 11 & 24 · CHECK YOUR STORE’S SCHEDULE

Michaels: Halloween crafts and Pumpkin Fest

FREE KIDS’ CRAFTS + SEPARATE PURCHASE-REQUIRED EVENTS

• October 4: Pumpkin Fest. Buy a craft pumpkin; Michaels provides the decorating supplies. This is not a free pumpkin giveaway.
• October 10: Lil’ Witching Hours Yarn Wrapped Frame kids’ craft.
• October 11: Ghost in a Jar, listed for ages 13+. Purchase your jar; the materials to make the ghost are provided. Check your store for the time.
• October 24, 10 AM–noon: Chenille Stem Ghost or Spider, a free in-store craft listed for ages 4+.

Confirm local hours, supplies and age guidance. See the ghost-or-spider project, Ghost in a Jar requirements and Pumpkin Fest description.

OCTOBER 24–31 · DURING PARTICIPATING STORE HOURS

LEGO Stores: Halloween scavenger hunt + a treat

FREE STORE ACTIVITY · Treats while supplies last

Visit a participating LEGO Store for its Brick or Treat pumpkin scavenger hunt. Find the brick-built pumpkins hidden around the shop and receive a treat while supplies last.

Check your store’s event page before going. LEGO does not promise a particular take-home building set in this announcement. This is a retail-store activity, not free admission to LEGOLAND or its ticketed Halloween events.

OCTOBER 1–31, 2026 · SAN DIEGO REGION

San Diego: Kids Free October museum offers

REGIONAL OFFER · Usually requires a paid adult + coupon

Visiting or living near San Diego? The San Diego Museum Council lists more than 70 participating museums and attractions for Kids Free October. The general offer gives children 12 and under free admission with a paying adult; some participating venues are free for everyone.

Download the coupon for your chosen venue and check its age rules, number of free children per adult, hours and exclusions. Special exhibitions can cost extra, and a sightseeing pass may not count as paid adult admission. This is a regional program—not free admission to every museum nationwide.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27

National parks: an October fee-free entrance day

U.S. CITIZENS & RESIDENTS · Entrance fees only

October 27, Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, is a 2026 National Park Service entrance-fee-free day for U.S. citizens and residents. Pick a participating park, check its identification and entry requirements, and plan your route.

This waives the applicable entrance fee—not camping, tours, parking charged separately, concessions or reservation fees. Timed-entry or other advance reservations can still be required.

PRINT WHENEVER YOU LIKE

A free Halloween activity you can do at home

FREE PDF · Your paper, ink & supplies

No driving or signup needed for this one: download our 24 Halloween coloring bookmarks, print them and let the kids color their favorites. They work for a quiet afternoon, classroom activity or Halloween reading challenge.

The printable is free; printing and craft supplies are your own.

OCTOBER 6–7, 13–14, 20–21 & 27–28

AMC: 50% off tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

PAID DISCOUNT · Free AMC Stubs Insider membership available

AMC Stubs members can save 50% off the adult evening base ticket price on eligible Tuesday and Wednesday showtimes. You can join the free Insider tier; a paid membership is not required for this benefit.

Taxes, convenience fees, premium-format surcharges and excluded events are not automatically half price. Sign in and check your actual ticket total before purchasing.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 · ALL DAY

Cinnabon: $1 Classic Rolls on October 4

PAID $1 DEAL · Cinnabon Rewards · In-bakery only

National Cinnamon Roll Day brings a $1 Classic Roll offer for Cinnabon Rewards members at participating bakeries. Join before your visit and redeem in person; the brand’s 2026 announcement says the offer lasts all day.

Also October 2–3: members can add an eligible small beverage for $1 when buying any baked good. Options include coffee, cocoa, lemonade, cold brew and soda; Chillattas, MochaLatta Chill and bottled beverages are excluded. Check local participation and the reward terms before ordering.

FRIDAY–SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2–4

California Tortilla: buy one taco, get one free

BOGO TACOS · In-store only · Up to two free tacos per person

California Tortilla is celebrating with buy-one-get-one-free tacos over the October 2–4 weekend. Purchase an eligible taco to receive the matching free-taco benefit, with a limit of two free tacos per person.

Available in person at participating restaurants, not through online ordering or delivery. Use the chain’s own dates: its celebration is October 2–4, while some other taco brands have offers on October 6.

MONDAY–FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5–9

Chronic Tacos: five days of app rewards offers

LOYALTY MEMBERS · New daily app offer · Participating locations

Join Chronic Tacos’ loyalty program and open the Offers section of its app for National Taco Week:

• October 5: buy one taco, get one free.
• October 6: free taco.
• October 7: buy two tacos, get two free.
• October 8: $2 off a taco plate.
• October 9: buy one taco, get one free.

One daily offer per member at participating locations. Each expires that day. Check eligible choices and any additional terms in the app before ordering.

BOGO: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 · $5 DEALS THROUGH OCTOBER 27

Laredo Taco Company: BOGO tacos + $5 meal deals

PURCHASE REQUIRED · Participating Laredo Taco Company locations

October 6 only: buy a Potato & Egg Taco and get a second free, or buy a Chicken Fajita Taco and get a second free. These offers are at participating Laredo Taco Company restaurants inside selected 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores—not every convenience-store location.

Through October 27: advertised $5 options include two El Gran Tocino breakfast tacos, one El Gran Tocino burrito, or a meal with a chicken taco, bean-and-cheese taco, small side and Big Gulp. Tax is additional. Check serving hours and local availability; the BOGO offer does not last through October 27.

THROUGH OCTOBER 4, 2026

McDonald’s: free medium fries with $1+ purchase

FREE WITH PURCHASE · App + Rewards · Once per week

Redeem the free medium fries app offer with a qualifying $1 or more purchase. McDonald’s currently lists it through October 4, once per week, at participating restaurants; tax and McDelivery are excluded.

A separate $2 breakfast sandwich app offer also runs through October 4. Don’t assume these extend through the whole month or can be combined.

THROUGH OCTOBER 5 · CODE: DEALS20

Grubhub: $20 off a $30+ restaurant order

PAID ORDER · Active Grubhub+ through Amazon Prime required

Amazon’s official early-deals announcement lists $20 off a qualifying Grubhub order of $30 or more with DEALS20. Link your eligible Prime benefit and check that your Grubhub+ membership is active through Amazon.

This is not a $20 cash gift. The minimum applies before tax, tip and fees; those can increase your total. The promotion is limited to one redemption per user and eligible restaurant orders. Verify the discount in checkout before paying.

MONDAYS, OCTOBER 16 & OCTOBER 30–31

Dunkin’: October points bonuses & a $6 meal

REWARDS POINTS · Not free food on those dates

• October 5, 12, 19 & 26: 4X beverage points with an activated Mobile Monday offer and app order ahead; once per Monday.
• October 16: 3X food points; single use.
• October 30–31: 3X points on half-dozen or dozen donuts and 25- or 50-count MUNCHKINS; activate the offer. Excludes fancies.
• Through October 31: Boosted Status members can activate 100 bonus points after 1 PM; limit once per day.

Dunkin’ also advertises a $6 meal with a Bacon, Egg & Cheese sandwich, Hash Browns and medium hot or iced coffee. No substitutions; participation varies. Check account terms and don’t assume bonuses stack.

OCTOBER 1–14, 2026

McAlister’s: free dessert with an eligible entrée

FREE WITH PURCHASE · Rewards · Single use

McAlister’s Rewards members can apply an offer for one free dessert with an eligible entrée in the same transaction. The terms exclude Kids Meals and the $7.99 Value Meal.

Apply the reward before checking out. Add-ons, tax and fees are extra, and the offer cannot be combined with other offers or third-party delivery.

REPORTED THROUGH OCTOBER 11 · CONFIRM IN YOUR ACCOUNT

KFC: check the KFSPEED free-bucket offer

APP-CHECK OFFER · $15+ qualifying purchase

The current KFSPEED promotion is reported to offer an eligible free bucket with a $15+ digital purchase through a KFC Rewards account, with a reported October 11 end date and one-use limit.

Check before planning a purchase: We could not independently complete a logged-in offer check. Enter the code on KFC’s official site or app and read the bucket choices, location eligibility and expiration shown there. Only proceed if the promised discount appears; this is not a guaranteed offer for every account.

OCTOBER 1–31 · PLUS $5 SPECIALTY-DRINK FRIDAYS

BIGGBY COFFEE: free kids’ drink in costume

KIDS’ COSTUME FREEBIE · Participating locations

Kids who visit BIGGBY COFFEE wearing a costume can receive a free kids’ drink during October. The brand’s announcement does not list a purchase requirement; ask your local store about eligible drinks and any age or redemption limits.

For a separate paid deal: any 20-ounce specialty beverage is advertised for $5 every Friday, all day, through October 30. October dates are 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Confirm local participation before making a special trip.

THURSDAYS: OCTOBER 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Buffalo Wild Wings: BOGO boneless Thursdays

BUY ONE, GET ONE · Participating locations

Buy a qualifying order of boneless wings and get one of equal or lesser value free. The official Thursday terms cover participating dine-in locations and eligible takeout/delivery through the BWW website or app—not third-party delivery.

Size exclusions, taxes and fees apply. Limit one; not combinable with other offers. Check your selected location before ordering.

WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS · CHECK YOUR APP

Wendy’s: Wednesday nuggets & Friday fries

FREE WITH $5 PURCHASE · Rewards offers

Wednesdays—October 7, 14, 21 & 28: free 6-piece nuggets with a $5 qualifying purchase. Fridays—October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: free any-size fries with a $5 qualifying purchase.

Wendy’s official page also lists free small chili with a $5 purchase. Check the app’s current expiration, exclusions and selected restaurant, then apply one eligible offer before paying. Don’t assume offers stack.

OCTOBER 7, 14, 21 & 28

Smashburger: kids eat free on Wednesdays

KIDS 12 & UNDER · Purchase an adult meal · In-restaurant only

Get a free Kids Meal with the purchase of an adult meal that includes an entrée, side and drink. Buying just an adult burger does not meet the published meal requirement.

For children 12 and under at participating locations, in-restaurant only. Not valid online, in the app or through third-party delivery. Taxes are excluded and offers cannot be combined.

OCTOBER 4, 11, 18 & 25

MOD Pizza: kids eat free on Sundays

KIDS 12 & UNDER · Buy a Regular-size pizza or salad

Buy a Regular-size pizza or salad and get one Kids Meal free for a child 12 or younger. Each qualifying adult item covers one kids’ meal.

MOD’s current terms allow the Sunday offer in-restaurant, on its website and in its app at participating locations. Third-party delivery and phone orders are excluded. Alternative crusts can cost extra; make sure the offer applies before paying.

OCTOBER 4, 11, 18 & 25 · CODE: CHICKENSUNDAY

Shake Shack: free Chicken Shack on Sundays

FREE WITH $10 OF OTHER QUALIFYING FOOD OR DRINK

Add a Chicken Shack or Chicken Shack Lettuce Wrap plus at least $10 of other qualifying food or drinks. Enter CHICKENSUNDAY in all caps.

Use the Shack app, website or in-store kiosk at participating U.S. locations. Excludes drive-thru, third-party delivery and certain special locations. Limit one free sandwich, up to $9.99; the free sandwich does not count toward the $10 minimum. Taxes, fees and paid extras remain separate.

MONDAYS: OCTOBER 5, 12, 19 & 26

Love’s: check the free Monday app item

APP FREEBIE · Item changes · Participating locations

Love Your Mondays gives app users a free featured product at participating Love’s locations. Open the Love’s Rewards app that Monday, add the available promotion and show your barcode at checkout.

The specific October products were not yet listed on the public schedule when checked. This is a reminder to check the weekly freebie, not a promise of the same snack or drink every Monday.

NEW MEMBERS · NOT EXCLUSIVE TO OCTOBER 9

Jimmy John’s: a sandwich after your first qualifying order

FIRST $5+ PURCHASE REQUIRED · Reward may take 24 hours

Join Jimmy John’s Rewards and make a first qualifying purchase of $5 or more, excluding taxes, fees and discounts. The free sandwich reward can take up to 24 hours to reach your account, so plan it for a later visit.

Choose from the sandwich options in your reward and use it before its expiration. The official welcome-offer terms explain the qualifying purchase and reward delivery.

NEW POTBELLY PERKS MEMBERS

Potbelly: free Original-size sandwich

AFTER YOUR FIRST $5+ PURCHASE

Join Potbelly Perks and make your first qualifying purchase of at least $5 to earn a free Original-size sandwich. The sandwich is a reward earned after that purchase—not a free first order.

Check your account for the reward, eligible choices and redemption deadline.

NEW REWARDS MEMBERS

Cinnabon: four Original BonBites

FREE WITH ANY PURCHASE · Use within 14 days

New members can receive a four-count Original BonBites reward with any purchase. Apply it at checkout at a participating location and use it within 14 days of issue.

Chocolate and Caramel Pecan BonBites are excluded. No combining with other offers; online service fees and applicable taxes can still apply. See Cinnabon’s signup reward terms.

NEW REWARDS MEMBERS

Krispy Kreme: a free doughnut with your next purchase

PURCHASE REQUIRED · Eligible reward choices

Krispy Kreme currently advertises a free doughnut with your next purchase when you join its U.S. Rewards program. Sign up, check the reward in your account and follow its redemption terms.

This is an ongoing welcome offer—not a special free-doughnut day on October 18.

NEW MCALISTER’S REWARDS MEMBERS

McAlister’s: a free Big Tea for joining

SIGNUP FREEBIE · Reward valid 30 days

Choose an eligible Big Sweet Tea, Unsweet Tea or listed tea blend with the new-member reward. Flavor shots are excluded.

The reward lasts 30 days from delivery to your account. Apply it at checkout; participating locations only. Online/app service fees and other applicable charges can still apply, so in-store redemption is worth checking.

NEW QDOBA REWARDS MEMBERS

QDOBA: free queso & chips

ENTRÉE PURCHASE REQUIRED · Reward valid 60 days

Sign up for QDOBA Rewards to receive free queso and chips with an entrée purchase. The official FAQ limits this signup perk to new members and gives 60 days to use it.

Join before ordering, sign in or scan your rewards account, and select the reward in checkout.

NEW TACO BELL REWARDS MEMBERS

Taco Bell: new-member welcome item

APP REDEMPTION · Use within 14 days

Taco Bell offers a new-member welcome reward for a free item from its predetermined choices. Redeem once in the app at a participating U.S. restaurant, while supplies last, within 14 days of issuance.

Use the choices shown in your own account; the signup reward does not make every item on the menu free. Tuesday Drops are a separate, limited-availability promotion.

AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME · WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

Wendy’s Boo! Books: five Frosty coupons for $1

PAID COUPON BOOK · U.S. offer

Each $1 Boo! Book contains five free Jr. Frosty coupons plus a separate coupon for a $1.99 Kids’ Meal with purchase. A portion supports the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

The coupons are redeemable in-restaurant through December 31, 2026. Follow each coupon’s limits; buying a book and redeeming every coupon at once are not the same thing.

SELECT RESTAURANTS · ASK LOCALLY

McDonald’s Halloween Treats Books

$2 BOOK · 12 coupons for free food in the featured pack

Our featured McDonald’s Halloween Treats Pack has three hamburger coupons, three vanilla-cone coupons, three apple-slice coupons and three apple-juice-or-milk coupons. The food covered by the coupons is free; the book costs $2 at the location featured in our article.

Books are not available at every McDonald’s. Ask about stock, price, child-age rules, redemption dates and per-visit limits before buying. Do not assume older books’ terms apply to your current pack.

THROUGH OCTOBER 4 AT 11:58 PM CENTRAL TIME

Woot: a $1 graphic tee for new customers

PAID DEAL · Code DOLLARSHIRT · One-use new-customer coupon

New Woot customers can take $14 off an eligible shirt with code DOLLARSHIRT. An eligible $15 tee becomes $1 before tax. Our separate guide includes the checkout screenshot showing a $1.08 total with free shipping and 8¢ tax.

Choose from the promotional selection and confirm your own shipping, tax and discount before ordering. The offer can sell out; existing customers should not expect this new-customer code to work.

OCTOBER 5–11

Walmart fall deals

SHOPPING SALE · Products and prices vary

Walmart’s fall event announcement advertises October 5–11. Browse the official event page for current products and any early-access details. A sale badge alone does not guarantee the lowest available price.

OCTOBER 6–7

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days

PRIME-MEMBER SHOPPING EVENT

Prime Big Deal Days runs October 6–7, 2026. The event begins at 12:01 AM Pacific October 6 and ends at 11:59 PM Pacific October 7. Prime membership is required for the member-exclusive deals.

If you start a trial, read the renewal terms first; a paid membership is not necessary just to read this guide.

OCTOBER 6–7

Target Circle Deal Days

FREE TARGET CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP · Shopping required

Target Circle Deal Days runs October 6–7, with advertised savings up to 40% on selected products. Sign in to Target Circle and check the specific item’s discount and stock.

For in-store demos and possible giveaways, use Target’s separate store-events page. A sale event is not a promise of a free sample box at every store.

NEW REWARDS MEMBERS · NOT AN OCTOBER 23-ONLY SALE

Bath & Body Works: $10 off $30 welcome coupon

PAID SHOPPING DISCOUNT · Allow up to 72 hours

New rewards members receive a $10 off $30 welcome offer. It may take up to 72 hours to appear in your wallet and is valid for 30 days, according to the official welcome-offer FAQ.

Join ahead of your shopping trip and read the coupon’s exclusions. This discount does not make a $30 order free.

TUESDAYS: OCTOBER 6, 13, 20 & 27

T-Mobile Tuesdays: a weekly check-in

ELIGIBLE T-LIFE CUSTOMERS · Offers change weekly

Eligible customers can check T-Life each Tuesday for that week’s deals and perks. Save offers before their individual claim deadlines, then follow each redemption window.

Sweepstakes are separate from guaranteed customer rewards. Visit our T-Mobile Tuesdays guide for the current write-up and official entry links; upcoming weeks’ prizes should not be assumed in advance.

BIRTHDAY REWARD · SIGN UP AHEAD

October birthday? Check Yankee Candle’s gift

FREE ELIGIBLE CANDLE · Online shipping may cost extra

Fragrance Family Rewards offers an eligible birthday candle that can be redeemed online or in store. Add your real birthday and follow the program’s email and account requirements.

Online delivery is not automatically free. Check shipping charges or redeem at a store. Joining on your birthday does not guarantee an immediate reward.