Freebies For Pancake Day And Mardi Gras

What a perfect storm of events...pancake day and Mardi Gras fall on the same day for 2025. And, however you choose to celebrate...one or the other or both, getting free stuff is always a plus. Two major chains are offering freebies for pancake day and Mardi Gras.

First, let's start with National Pancake Day. How did this one sneak up on me? I'm usually on top of the national days celebrating food. And, there's some confusion over the date. Apparently, there is another official pancake day in September. I'm ok with two. Regardless, how did it start?

Well, that's up for debate as well. However, some say it dates all the way back to 1445 when a housewife was busy making pancakes and heard the church bells, dashing to service still holding her frying pan and pancake! No matter how it began, chains like IHOP have pounced on the opportunity to bring customers in with the allure of free pancakes.

So, here's the deal. Today, March 4, 2025, customers who dine in at IHOP until 8 p.m. can enjoy a free short stack to celebrate pancake day. While there is no minimum purchase required, IHOP encourages customers to donate on their check or online to Feeding America. For the past 18 years, IHOP has had a national month of giving, and pancake day kicks it off.

Then, there's Mardi Gras. How do you celebrate Fat Tuesday? Well, don some Mardi Gras beads and head to Krispy Kreme. The chain offers customers wearing beads a free original glazed doughnut, limit one per person. The offer is good in the shop or drive-thru. No purchase is necessary.

Ok, there you have it. Two ways to celebrate March 4, 2025. I see no reason to choose one or the other. So, it's pancakes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And, Krispy Kreme makes a perfect dessert! See stores for participation and terms.