Leap Day, occurring every four years on February 29th, presents a unique occasion for special promotions and freebies. The event is tied to the need to keep the calendar synchronised with the astronomical year, which is approximately 365.25 days long. The next Leap Day is expected to be on Tuesday, February 29th, 2028. While many Leap Day offers are available to all consumers, a distinct category of promotions is specifically for individuals born on February 29th, often referred to as "Leaplings" or "Leapers." These individuals are typically required to present a valid form of identification, such as a driving licence or passport, to prove their date of birth to claim these exclusive freebies.
The following article details the types of freebies and offers that have been historically available on Leap Day and are anticipated to return in 2028. This information is based on reported offers from the previous Leap Day in 2024, which are expected to be repeated in the next cycle. The promotions span various categories including food and beverage, retail, travel, and entertainment.
Food and Beverage Freebies for Leaplings
A significant number of freebies are offered by restaurants and food chains to celebrate Leap Day, particularly for those born on February 29th. These offers often require in-person verification.
- Krispy Kreme: This brand has a history of offering Leaplings a free dozen original glazed doughnuts, with no purchase necessary. The claim requires proof of birthday with a valid ID.
- Cowboy Chicken: In previous Leap Years, Cowboy Chicken gifted Leaplings one free whole rotisserie chicken. To claim this, individuals born on February 29th needed to visit a location with an ID confirming their birthdate. No purchase was required.
- Home Run Inn: This pizza chain has been known to give away pizzas to the first 29 leap year babies (aged 18 or older) who present a valid ID on Leap Day.
- Jackson's Taziki's (Tennessee): For dine-in guests with a Leap Day birthday and valid ID, this location offered freebies such as a pack of Taziki's cookies, a slice of baklava, or a slice of baklava cheesecake.
- Insomnia Cookies: Insomnia Cookies has previously offered Leaplings four free cookies and a free in-store birthday party, requiring valid ID.
- Duck Donuts: This brand is likely to celebrate Leap Day with a $2.29 deal on their Cinnamon Sugar Donut and medium coffee.
- 7-Eleven: A potential deal for Leap Day 2028 includes a special price of $2.29 for bone-in wings, available through the 7-Eleven app.
- BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: A past offer included a $2.29 Pizookie (dine-in only) with a purchase. This deal is anticipated to return.
- Burger King: An in-app only freebie, such as a Whopper or Impossible Whopper with purchase, has been a past offer.
- Chipotle: Chipotle Rewards members may receive a promo code for free guac with any regularly priced entree.
- Starbucks: Select Starbucks Rewards accounts may be offered a BOGO Leap Year deal, such as a BOGO free handcrafted drink or a $3 handcrafted drink.
Retail and Product-Based Promotions
Beyond food and drink, several retailers and brands have offered special discounts or free products for Leaplings or general consumers on Leap Day.
- Build-a-Bear Workshop: This retailer offers Leaplings a discounted Birthday Treat Bear. In 2024, the bear was available for $4 (regular price $14) on February 29th. An ID is required to obtain this deal.
- Milk Bar: Leap Year babies can typically expect a free 6-inch birthday cake from Milk Bar, along with a discounted cereal milk soft serve.
- Oh My Cupcakes (Sioux Falls locations only): This location has offered free cupcakes to Leap Day babies.
- Staples: Staples has a history of offering 29,000 passport photos for free via their app on Leap Day. This offer is predicted to be available again in 2028.
Travel, Hotel, and Entertainment Offers
Leap Day also brings opportunities for discounts and free experiences in the travel and entertainment sectors, some exclusive to Leaplings.
- The STRAT Hotel (Las Vegas): Guests born on February 29th can expect a free STRAT Skyjump (valued at $129.99 in 2024) on Leap Day.
- Wollman Rink (New York City): A free day of skating on Leap Day is a predicted offer.
- Planet Fitness (select states): Select locations offer free admission for anyone (including non-members) to work out only on February 29th.
- Sharlot Hall Museum (Arizona): Free admission for Leap Day is a hoped-for return offer.
- Tom Quick Inn (Pennsylvania): A rate discount at this inn is anticipated for Leap Day 2028.
- Cielo Lodge (Costa Rica): A 50% off deal is expected when booking any four-night stay that includes Leap Year night.
- The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection (California): A Leap Day discount is expected at this hotel.
- Islamorada Resort Collection (Florida Keys): A one-day flash sale is anticipated, potentially including book 2 nights, get the third night free, plus a $100 dining credit.
- Ocean Edge Resort & Marina (Florida): A Leap Year discount is expected to run through February and March 2028.
General Leap Day Consumer Offers
Many brands run promotions on Leap Day that are not restricted to Leaplings. These are typically available to all shoppers and often involve percentage discounts or special pricing.
- Bob Evans: Savings are available on dine-in or online orders at BobEvans.com with a coupon.
- BurgerFi: A dine-in only discount for Leap Day babies is a past offer.
- General Restaurant Deals: Leap Day is known for a variety of BOGO, $2.29, and 29% off food deals across restaurants, hotels, and stores. The specific offers vary by location and year.
Important Considerations for Claiming Offers
When seeking Leap Day freebies, it is crucial to note several key points:
- Identification is Essential: For any offer specifically for Leaplings, a valid form of identification proving a February 29th birthdate is mandatory. This typically includes a driver's licence, passport, or government-issued ID.
- Participation Varies: Offers and local participation may vary by location. Not all branches of a chain may participate in the promotions.
- Advance Verification: While the source material provides predictions and historical examples, specific offers for 2028 should be verified directly with the brands or retailers closer to the date. The information provided is based on past events and expected repetitions.
- No Purchase Necessary: Many Leapling-specific freebies, such as the doughnuts from Krispy Kreme or the chicken from Cowboy Chicken, explicitly state that no purchase is necessary to claim the freebie.
Conclusion
Leap Day presents a unique opportunity for special promotions, with a particular focus on individuals born on February 29th. The next occurrence, on February 29th, 2028, is anticipated to feature a return of many offers from previous Leap Years, including free food from chains like Krispy Kreme and Cowboy Chicken, discounted products from retailers like Build-a-Bear Workshop, and special deals in travel and entertainment. For Leaplings, the key to accessing these exclusive freebies is always a valid form of identification. For the general public, Leap Day often brings a variety of discounts and promotional pricing across numerous sectors. As the date approaches, consumers should monitor official brand communications for confirmed offers and participation details.