Where to Find Free Doughnuts on National Doughnut Day in Boston

This year's doughnut extravaganza has some sweet surprises, including free rounds and other special offers at Boston's top shops.

Photo by Union Square Donuts on Facebook

Photo by Union Square Donuts on Facebook

Nothing could be better than fried rings of dough, custard-filled and glazed in a sugary sheen, unless of course they were free. Friday, June 5 is officially National Doughnut Day, a tradition that dates back to 1938, when Salvation Army workers distributed doughnuts and coffee to soldiers during World War I. Since the Great Depression, that sweet, sentimental custom has prevailed, hence becoming one of the only national food holidays with any real hype or substance.

To help you take full advantage of all those gratis chocolate glazed, jelly-stuffed, bacon-studded confections around town, we’ve put together a list all the doughnut deals being offered at hometown favorites like Union Square, Blackbird, and your friendly neighborhood Dunkin’ Donuts:

Dunkin’ Donuts

Get a free doughnut of any choice with the purchase of a beverage. The offer is good all day at nationwide Dunkin’ Donuts locations.

dunkindonuts.com.

Blackbird Doughnuts

In partnership with Postmates, Blackbird is giving away free doughnuts starting at 10 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday morning. By ordering through the Postmates app, your doughnuts will be brought to you—albeit with a small delivery fee. There is a limit of one order per customer, but each order comes with two doughnuts of Blackbird’s choosing. Supplies are limited, so make sure to download the app and send in your order ASAP.

492 Tremont St., Boston; 617-425-0200 or blackbirddoughnuts.com.

Honey Dew Donuts

With the purchase of a medium drink, receive a free Mocha Madness doughnut: a plain doughnut drizzled in chocolate and topped with mocha frosting. The offer lasts all day at participating Honey Dew locations.

honeydewdonuts.com.

Union Square Donuts

Union Square Donuts will be packed with treats Friday. The Somerville shop will have a photo booth provided by The Danger Booth, coffee demos by Counter Culture Coffee (free espresso samples provided), Cuppow reusable cup information and giveaways, and National Doughnut Day posters designed by Union Press. The celebration doesn’t stop there though—take an Uber to Union Square Donuts any time between Friday and Sunday, show them your receipt, and receive a half-dozen doughnut holes on the house.

20 Bow St., Somerville; 617-209-2257 or unionsquaredonuts.com.

Kane’s Donuts

Kane’s Donuts wanted to do something “crazy and super and different than anybody else,” says owner Maria Delios, which meant the return of the Saugus-based bakery’s “The Super Dozen.” Originally created by Maria and Paul’s father Peter, Kane’s’ Super Dozen includes 15 doughnuts for the price of a dozen.

120 Lincoln Ave., Saugus,781-233-8499; or 90 Oliver St., Boston; kanesdonuts.com.

Bonus: J. Crew

You read that right, J. Crew is celebrating National Doughnut Day by offering complimentary doughnuts from 10 a.m. to noon, as well as 40 percent off all clothing.