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National Donut Day

A food observance on the first Friday in June celebrating donuts and honoring The Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.

Friday

June 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFirst Friday in June

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYDesserts

ORIGIN

Institutional Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

The Salvation Army

FIRST OBSERVED

1938

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The Salvation Army in Chicago established National Donut Day in 1938 as a fundraiser during the Great Depression and to honor their "Donut Lassies," women volunteers who served donuts to US soldiers on the WWI front lines. The first observance was in Chicago on the first Friday in June.

Institutional Recordvia salvationarmyusa.org

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to get ready for a sweet treat - it's National Donut Day on the first Friday of June! This day has been celebrated since 1938 and is a great excuse to indulge in your favorite donut. The idea behind National Donut Day was created by The Salvation Army in 1938, not only to honor those that served donuts to soldiers during World War I, but also to raise much needed funds during the Great Depression. So let's all come together and celebrate this special day with some delicious donuts!

DEALS & OFFERS

2026’s deals have wrapped

See who celebrated this year, and browse offers from past years.

Offers wrapped for 2026

National Donut Day ran on June 5. Here’s who celebrated with offers this year.

20 brands offered a deal this year

Stan's Donuts & Coffee +12 more

See past offers

TIMELINE

National Donut Day Timeline

Donut Invention

The ring-shaped donut was reportedly invented by Hanson Gregory, an American, in 1847 on board a lime-trading ship.

Donuts in War Time

Volunteers from The Salvation Army served homemade donuts to American soldiers in France during World War I, an act that boosted the popularity of donuts in the United States.

First Donut Shop Chain

The first national donut chain, Krispy Kreme, opened its doors in Nashville, Tennessee, marking the beginning of nationwide donut shops.

National Donut Day

The Salvation Army declared the first Friday of June as National Donut Day to raise funds during the Great Depression and honor their World War I volunteers.

Dunkin' Donuts Founded

The multinational donut company, Dunkin' Donuts, was founded, expanding the popularity of donuts even further.

Donut Varieties and Celebrations

Donuts evolved with countless flavors, styles, and sizes and National Donut Day continues to be celebrated with special promotions and new donut introductions.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Donut Day

Bake your own donuts

Making your own donuts is not nearly as hard as it seems. All you need is flour, sugar, yeast, milk, eggs, and butter. Mix the ingredients together and then fry them in hot oil for a few minutes. Enjoy the taste of homemade donuts!

Go out for donuts

For those who don't have time to make their own donuts, try out that new bakery that serves them. Search for Donuts on Yelp and see where your donut adventure takes you.

VISIT

Visit a donut museum

There are many museums dedicated to the history and art of donuts. Visit one to learn about the history of donuts, how they are made, and where they originated from.

HOST

Host a donut-making party

Invite your family and friends over for a fun evening of making donuts together! Everyone can take turns adding ingredients, rolling out the dough, and frying the donuts.

TAKE

Take a donut-making class

Search out your local cooking school and sign up for a donut making class. You'll learn so much about making delicious donuts that you'll never want to buy store bought again.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Donut Day

Donuts bring people together

What's better than enjoying a tasty donut? Enjoying it with others! National Donut Day is a great excuse to gather together for some sugary goodness and good conversation. So get together with friends, family or coworkers and celebrate everyone's favorite sweet treat!

Donuts are delicious

It's hard to deny the deliciousness of donuts. Whether it's a classic glazed, filled with cream or jelly, or topped with frosting, sprinkles or other toppings, donuts just make us happy! They're the perfect treat for any occasion and can add sweetness to any day.

Donuts are customizable

With so many different types of donuts to choose from, you can easily customize them to suit your taste. Top them with various frostings, fillings, and decorations, and you'll have an irresistible treat that all your friends and family will love!

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WED

Oct 2026