The total solar eclipse on 8th April 2024 represented a significant astronomical event for North America, prompting numerous brands and retailers to offer special promotions, free products, and exclusive deals. These offers spanned various categories, including food and beverage, household goods, and safety accessories. Many companies structured these promotions to be accessible nationwide, while others targeted specific geographic areas within the path of totality. The following guide details the verified freebies and discounts available during this period, based on official announcements and reliable reporting.
Food and Beverage Promotions
Restaurants and food brands were among the most active participants in eclipse-themed marketing, offering limited-time menu items, discounts, and free food items. These deals ranged from specific date-only offers to week-long celebrations of the celestial event.
Burger King
Burger King offered a significant promotion for members of its loyalty program. The offer required customers to text the keyword "ECLIPSE" to 251251. Upon doing so, members received a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) offer on Whoppers. This deal was redeemable through the Burger King app or website. The promotion was valid for a specific window following the eclipse, extending through April 15, 2024. Another source indicated the offer was available on April 8, 2024.
7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes
7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes offered promotions for members of their 7NOW Gold Pass. Subscribers could add a free pair of solar eclipse shades with any order made between April 4, 2024, and April 8, 2024, while supplies lasted. Additionally, on April 8, 2024, 7NOW Gold Pass subscribers could enjoy a whole pizza for just £3 (assuming currency conversion based on context). Participating stores also sold solar glasses.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme collaborated with Oreo to release a limited-edition Total Solar Eclipse doughnut. This offering was available from April 5, 2024, through April 8, 2024.
Sonic
Sonic offered a promotional item called the Blackout Slush Float. With the purchase of this item, customers received free limited-edition solar eclipse viewing glasses, while supplies lasted. The Blackout Slush Float featured a cotton-candy- and dragonfruit-flavored black slush base, vanilla soft serve, and blue and purple "galaxy" sprinkles. This item was available until May 5, 2024.
SunChips
SunChips ran a time-sensitive promotion for their new limited-edition chips: Solar Eclipse Pineapple Habanero and Black Bean Spicy Gouda. To claim a free bag, visitors were required to visit the SunChips site at 11:33 am PST (7:33 pm GMT) on April 8, 2024. The offer was available for a duration of 4 minutes and 27 seconds. The chips were packaged in a solar eclipse-themed bag.
Raising Cane’s
Raising Cane’s offered a free Texas toast on April 8, 2024, with the purchase of a combo meal. This offer was valid at over 190 locations specifically situated along the "Path of Toast-tality." Additionally, the brand hosted an online contest where participants could sign up to win "Free Cane’s for 20 years," valid until the next total eclipse.
Smoothie King
Smoothie King offered special Smoothie King-branded solar eclipse glasses to patrons located within the path of totality. This offer was valid from now through April 8, 2024. The brand also launched a new beverage called the Eclipse Berry Blitz, made with bananas, wild blueberries, and other ingredients, available to anyone in view of the eclipse.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s offered a free Frosty (either chocolate or the new orange dreamsicle) with any purchase from April 8, 2024, to April 14, 2024. Additionally, Wendy’s offered a £0.00 delivery fee on April 8, 2024.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s offered a new cocktail called the Perfect Eclipse Margarita. This drink was made with Patrón Premium Silver Blanco Tequila, Citrónge Orange Liqueur, Monin Blue Raspberry and Passion Fruit syrups, lemon, and lime. The offer was available through April 14, 2024. Availability varied by location.
Biggby Coffee
Biggby Coffee offered special eclipse-themed drinks on April 8, 2024. The menu included The Solar Flare and The Eclipse Biggby Blast.
Blue Moon
Blue Moon offered an Eclipse Sips kit for sale at a price of $25. The kit included special black light coasters, a flashlight, four Blue Moon pint glasses, and "Moon Dust" designed to make the beer glow. Kits went on sale starting April 3, 2024, at 12 p.m. ET on the Blue Moon website.
La Madeleine
La Madeleine handed out complimentary solar eclipse glasses with the purchase of an entree at all Texas locations. This offer was valid from Friday through Monday (referring to the eclipse weekend), while supplies lasted.
Marco’s Pizza
Marco’s Pizza offered a discount of 50% off all menu-price pizzas. This promotion was valid from April 8, 2024, to April 14, 2024. To redeem, customers used the promo code ECLIPSE when ordering online or in the app.
MoonPie
MoonPie offered a limited edition Solar Eclipse Survival Kit for $9.99. The kit included four mini MoonPies and two pairs of solar eclipse glasses. The kit was also available at Dollar Tree, select Walmart stores, and grocery stores. Note that the glasses were sold separately for $1.99 at these retail locations.
SusieCakes
SusieCakes offered limited-time cupcakes specifically for the Solar Eclipse. These were intended for those hosting and attending Solar Eclipse parties on April 8, 2024.
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks gave out free eclipse glasses on April 8, 2024. The venue also offered specific drinks for the event, including a Twin Peaks Margarita on "The Rock," Blue Moon Belgian White, Corazón Tequila Sunrise, Lunazul Silver Shot, and a Starbust Shot.
Ocho at Hotel Havana
On April 7, 2024, Ocho hosted a four-course, sign-inspired dinner with a specialty cocktail. Festivities included readings from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with dinner starting at 7:30 p.m.
Retail and Health Freebies
Beyond food and beverage, several retailers and health service providers offered free products, specifically focusing on safety equipment required for viewing the eclipse.
Warby Parker
Warby Parker gave away free Solar Glasses for the Total Eclipse at all their stores. To obtain a pair, customers simply needed to drop by their closest store. This offer was valid through April 8, 2024.
MyEyeDr.
MyEyeDr. gave away expert-approved solar eclipse glasses for free at 438 offices across 20 states in the eclipse’s path of totality. Customers were advised to check their local MyEyeDr. to get a pair while supplies lasted.
Natural Grocers
Natural Grocers offered free solar eclipse viewing glasses with purchase in specific states: Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, and Kansas. There was a limit of one pair per customer.
Tincup Whiskey
Tincup Whiskey offered a Totality Bundle. This bundle included a 750-milliliter bottle of their 10-year bourbon and two Carabiner mugs for $78, with free shipping included.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When participating in these promotions, consumers should be aware of several factors. Availability often varied by location; for example, Applebee’s noted that availability may vary, and La Madeleine specified that the offer was at Texas locations only. Similarly, Natural Grocers restricted their free glasses offer to specific states.
Supplies were frequently limited. Phrases such as "while supplies last" appeared in the terms for 7-Eleven, Sonic, SunChips, La Madeleine, and MyEyeDr. offers. This suggests that popular items could run out quickly, particularly on the day of the eclipse.
Dates were critical. Many offers were strictly time-bound to April 8, 2024, or the surrounding few days. For instance, the SunChips giveaway lasted only 4 minutes and 27 seconds starting at a specific time. Consumers were advised to check specific start and end dates for each promotion.
Verification of participating locations was also recommended. One source noted that readers should "Always call ahead to make sure your location is participating!" This is a standard precaution for nationwide chain promotions where franchise ownership may dictate participation.
Conclusion
The total solar eclipse of 2024 generated a wide array of promotional activity from brands across the food, beverage, and retail sectors. The offers primarily focused on themed menu items and essential safety gear, such as solar viewing glasses. While many deals were available nationwide, others were restricted to specific geographic regions within the path of totality or specific retail locations. Consumers looking to take advantage of such future promotions should monitor official brand announcements closely, adhere strictly to stated deadlines and redemption instructions, and verify local availability before travelling.