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Halloween deals, discounts and freebies 2021
2021-10-19 12:41 UTC by Bryan K. Chavez

October isn’t just about scary monsters, haunted houses and candy everywhere. It’s also about enjoying lots of sweet food deals and freebies for trick-or-treaters of all ages.

And, for frugal families, it’s always a big treat, whenever they can save money — especially because the major holidays just around the corner. (It’s never too early to start saving for all the presents, decorations and holiday fun, right?)

Check out your local deals at our network sites here. And make sure you take a look at all our current Restaurant Deals, added daily to Living on the Cheap.

There’s no bad luck for bargain hunters on Halloween, just lots of restaurant specials and “monster” savings at various other businesses.

We’ve added the Halloween deals for 2021 to our list of October deals, discounts, and freebies! This is where you’ll find the Halloween food deals offered every year — perfect for families who want something a little more substantial than just candy for Halloween night dinner.

Halloween Restaurant Specials 2021

Here are the restaurant deals, discounts and giveaways lurking around Halloween month (which also features National Taco Day Oct. 4!). But beware – some of these spooky specials are only available on Oct. 31, and some require a costume.

We will update and add to this list all month, so keep checking in. And don’t forget to search your favorite “local haunts” for more deals, as promos are not always just limited to national chains. 

NOTE: Not all locations offer the same national promotions. As a result, price and participation may vary. It’s always wise to call ahead for verification in your area. We strive to keep up with limited-time offers, but deals may end without notice.

Applebee’s

Get two entrees and an appetizer for just $22. Go here and select “order” to see your options. Enjoy your dinner with one of the chain’s $5 Spooky Sips: Dracula’s Juice, a wildberry creation of a Patron Silver margarita and Bacardi Superior daiquiri, or the Tipsy Zombie, made with Bacardi Superior, passion fruit, pineapple, cherry, lime and a gummy brain topped with melon liqueur. 

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

For a limited time, get half off large pizzas Tuesday through Sunday with no limit. Use the promo code HALFOFF at checkout.

Chili’s

Get a $5 Margarita of the Month – The Spider Bite ‘Rita – special during the month of October.

Chuck E. Cheese

You can party like every day is Halloween at the kids’ entertainment venue, starting now and lasting through Oct. 31. The Halloween Boo-Tacular lets kids enjoy games, ghoulish goodies and free game play for kids in costume.

Families can dance into the moonlight with DJ Munch during a special nighttime show, featuring upbeat pop music and on-screen cameos from Chuck E. and friends. Plus, at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 local time,  families can show off their best spooky dance moves at the new Haunted House Party dance, with free Chupa Chups candy to sweeten the deal.

For families celebrating in the comfort of their own castles and carriages, Chuck E. Cheese has exciting new Boo-tacular-themed videos every Friday during “Afternoon Fun Breaks” to enjoy at home. They’ll  be available on YouTube and YouTube Kids.

On Friday afternoon, Oct. 29, kids can enjoy a free 30-minute YouTube streaming special, The Best of Chuck E. Cheese Halloween Boo-tacular Show, where Chuck E. and his friends get together and share some of their favorite Halloween videos. Parents and kids can watch together at 3 p.m. Central Standard Time. 

And, because the spooky day falls on Sunday this year, Chuck E. will follow the tradition of Sensory Sensitive Sunday. Restaurants will open two hours early for a sensory-friendly celebration with sugar-free treats included.

Check this link for the fine print, and be sure to verify if your local Chuck E. Cheese is participating before you go.

Coco’s Bakery

Take a bite out these two Coco’s Bakery specials: On Tuesdays all day long, kids 10 years of age or younger will receive a free kid’s meal with any online order. Use the code FREEKIDSMEAL when ordering. Restrictions apply. And on Wednesday, buy a Family Meal using the code FREEPIE and receive a free slice of pie.

Dickey’s  Barbecue Pit

Order a Complete Feast for Thanksgiving from Dickey’s barbecue between now and Nov. 15 and get a free pumpkin pie. The Complete Feast serves 10-12 and includes:

• A choice of spiral cut ham, smoked turkey, Cajun fried turkey, peppercorn garlic or traditional prime rib
• Cornbread dressing
• Gravy
• Baked potato casserole
• Green beans with bacon
• 12 buttery rolls

Huddle House

The full-service Southern diner with more than 300 locations across the U.S. will be offering a free Kids Meal (dine-in only) Oct. 30 and 31 with the purchase of an adult entrée at participating locations. 

Krispy Kreme

Starting Oct. 16, doughnut lovers can enjoy Saturday Scary Sharies every Saturday  through Oct. 30. Buy any dozen doughnuts and get  a $1 “Saturday Scary Sharies” dozen packaged in a special edition spell-book box (while supplies last.) On Halloween, get a free doughnut when you visit a Krispy Skreme  — er, Krispy Kreme shop — in costume. No purchase is necessary!

Papa John’s

Who has time to cook (or eat) dinner on Halloween? Papa John’s has a festive deal to keep you out of the kitchen. Order Papa John’s festive Jack-o-lantern pizza with a pepperoni border and smiley face made from your favorite pizza ingredients and toppings. The price varies by market but is usually around $11.

P.F. Chang’s

Get a 1,000 point bonus toward your first $15 reward when you sign up for the P.F.Chang’s Rewards Program.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

During the entire month of October, Romano’s Macaroni Grill is serving up a big dish of gratitude for the community heroes by sharing one its most popular dishes on the house — Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti. The offer is available to firefighters, police officers, paramedics and hospital medical staff.

Wendy’s free food on fry-days

The fast-food chain is spotlighting its Hot & Crispy Fries with a weekly special for fry fans. Customers who purchase a medium fry will score a different freebie each Friday in October via an in-app offer. Get more details here.

Wendy’s Boo Books

Get the chain’s Halloween BOO! Book for just $1 with 5 coupons — each good for a FREE Jr. Frosty. The books are available through Halloween, while supplies last.

Zaxby’s

Zaxby’s is partnering with the American Red Cross for an October-long initiative to drive blood donor turnout. Zaxby’s will encourage people to give up their lunch breaks, roll up their sleeves and donate blood for a free Signature Sandwich. No Zaxby’s near you? You can still be rewarded for donating blood. The Red Cross will honor each donation with a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.

The Signature Sandwich features a double hand-breaded fillet, with three thick-sliced, crinkle-cut pickle chips served on a buttery toasted, split-top potato bun with a choice of Zax Sauce or Spicy Zax Sauce. Donors can redeem the free Signature Sandwich by clicking the link included in the American Red Cross “thanks for donating” email. 

Need some cheap and easy costume ideas? Check out our round-up of more than 100 ideas. And don’t forget about Fido — click here for pet costume ideas. 

NOTE: Not all locations offer the same national promotions. As a result, price and participation may vary. It's always wise to call ahead for verification in your area. We strive to keep up with “limited-time offers,” but deals may end without notice.

Hungry for more food deals?

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Friday, October 22, 2021

Saturday, October 23, 2021

Sunday, October 24, 2021

Monday, October 25, 2021

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

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Halloween freebies, discounts, and deals

These October deals are from last year. We hope they come back for 2021…

Apple TV+

For the first time in years, the popular Peanuts’ Halloween special will not air on network television. All of the Peanuts specials are moving to Apple TV+. However, families can stream It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown for FREE –– from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. 

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

October is National Pasta Month, and Carraba’s is offering a deal. Get a Family Bundle starting at $34.99. You can order at carrabbas.com.

Carvel

Wednesday is Sundae at Carvel – and a BOGO deal day. When you buy a classic soft-serve sundae, you get one FREE only on Wednesday. And for a limited time, try the Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween Hocus Pocus Shake.

Chuy’s

Add a crispy beef taco to any dine-in entrée purchase for $1. Want something stronger? Get a $5 1800 Silver tequila for $5, or $1 floaters for your favorite margarita. And Chuy’s continues its celebration of National Taco Day in its own special way – now through October 4, dress up like a taco and post a photo of yourself in costume with the hashtag #chuystacoday for a chance to win a FREE Taco Meal Kit!

Chronic Taco

Download the app at Chronic Taco and set up an account by Oct. 2, and get a free taco on Oct. 4.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen is offering more deals on this page. And during the month of October, you can order a Pumpkin Cookie Butter Shake. If it is not served upside down, your next Blizzard is free.

Del Taco

From 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., get three Value Tacos for $1.49. On Thursdays, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., purchase 3 Grilled Chicken Tacos for $2.49. And, on Oct. 3 and 4, get a FREE Del Taco with any purchase through the Del Taco app. Look for the coupon in the Del Taco app. Every Saturday during Tacoberfest, app users can score a FREE menu item via the Del Taco app with any purchase.

El Pollo Loco

Get free chips and guac when you sign up for El Pollo’s Loco Rewards program. For a limited time, enjoy the $5 Fire Grilled Combos, including a drink and chips.

Insomnia Cookies

Teachers get a lesson in savings with a FREE six-pack of cookies at Insomnia Cookies. The offer is valid with any purchase in-shop. The giveaway is available all month long in October.

Jimmy John’s

Get sandwiched by savings with the chain’s buy-one-get-one sandwich at 50% off with this promo code. The offer runs through Nov. 8.

Joe’s Crab Shack

Kids eat for 99 cents at Joe’s Crab Shack the entire month of October. There are restrictions, and participation may vary among restaurants. We encourage you to call ahead to your local restaurant.

Long John Silver’s

No need to sail out for the fish. You can get FREE delivery from Long John Silver’s from Oct. 4 to 11 through DoorDash, UberEATS, Postmates or, GrubHub. And watch the Long John Silver’s website or social media sites for more information on National Taco Day coupons.

Mooyah

Rewards members can get a BOGO FREE burger at Mooyah every day from Oct. 5 to 9.

Noodles & Co.

Sign up for Noodles Rewards by Oct. 5 to be eligible for some good offers. On Oct. 6, rewards members will save 25% on any order. And starting Oct. 7, members are eligible for 25 days of FREE delivery.

Panera Bread

Enjoy $5 off an order of $20 or more with this promo code — valid online or in-restaurant. The offer runs through Oct. 31.

Party City

From October 2 to October 4, attend Party City for a 72-hour Halloween Flash Deal, which includes getting 20% off any single Halloween costume or accessory when you use the coupon shown here. Or you can use the promo code PRFRIGHT20 when you shop online.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

First responders can dig into the chain’s Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti for FREE — just show a proper employee ID to the server. The offer is available all month long in October.

Rubio’s

Taco Day is two days long at Rubio’s. You can get any taco on their menu free when you make any purchase from October 4 through October 5. Bring this coupon to a participating Rubio’s location, or use the promo code MKTG965 if you are ordering online or on the app.

Sonic Drive-In

Are you craving the tiny Halloween candy bars? For a limited time, get a chocolate Trick or Treat Blast and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Taco Cabana

On National Taco Day, October 4, get $1 tacos at the drive-through, online, curbside or in-store dining.

Taco Del Mar

Get a FREE Taco Del Mar face mask on National Taco Day, October 4, when you buy Dos Tacos, a side, and a drink. Offer is good while supplies last.

Taco John’s

Receive one free Beef Stuffed Grilled Taco all day on October 4, 2020. You must download the Taco John’s App. If you already have the app, you will receive this coupon in your offers that morning.

Target

Target Deal Days returns on Oct. 13 and 14, so make your list. The deals begin now, and continue into November. Sign up for the Target Circle loyalty program to access all the deals during those two days.

The Cheesecake Factory

It’s National Dessert Month, so The Cheesecake Factory is handing out slices of cheesecake for $5 on Oct. 1. Limited to one slice per takeout order or delivery order through DoorDash. Use the promo code SLICEFIVE when you check out.And from October through October 9, get $10 off when you spend $40 or more on takeout via the website or delivery through DoorDash by using the promo code CHESECAKE10.

Applebee’s Kids Eat Free on Halloween

Frugal families can scare up big savings. Kids (12 and under) eat for FREE (from the Kids’ Menu) with the purchase of an adult entrée at regular price. (Limit two offers per adult entrée.) The offer is for dine-in only. Plus, customers must mention the “Kids Eat FREE” offer, when ordering.

Participation is limited to AAG Applebee’s locations in Lake Tahoe, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Ohio, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Delaware, Alabama, Georgia, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island and Plattsburgh and New York. As always, call ahead to confirm availability and participation.

Blaze Pizza

Slam dunk! LeBron James’ pizza chain, Blaze Pizza, and Nestlé Crunch Bar have teamed up to give away a FREE full-size candy bar — no purchase required.

On Oct. 31, starting at 4 p.m. local time, every person who stops by and says “trick or treat” can snag one of the sweet treats, while supplies last. 

Each of the more than 300 Blaze Pizza locations across the country will have hundreds of bars to give away.

The Cheesecake Factory

Through Oct. 30, spend $30 or more on a pick-up order through The Cheesecake Factory‘s website or delivery order via DoorDash and get a FREE slice of Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake or Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake. 

Add the slice to your cart and use promo code TREAT, before submitting your order to get the complimentary slice. 

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Hungry ghosts and goblins can enjoy a buy-one-get-one FREE entrée on Halloween with Chipotle’s Boorito giveaway. However, you first need to claim the required digital coupon via text from Oct. 29 to 31.

Corner Bakery

From Oct. 26 to 31, families can enjoy a FREE kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée at Corner Bakery. For added festivity, kids are encouraged to wear their costumes, but it’s not required. 

Dairy Queen

“Little monsters” can chomp on a Kid’s Meal at Dairy Queen for just $1.99 via the chain’s app. The DQ Kid’s Meal includes choice of an entrée, side, drink and Kid’s Cone (vanilla or chocolate.)

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

On Halloween, families can take the kids for a special treat at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. All kids (12 & under) dressed in their Halloween costume can eat for FREE. 

IHOP

From Oct. 26 to 31, kids (12 and under) can sink their “fangs” into a Mr. Mummy pancake for FREE at IHOP — from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The sweet offer is also available online with promo code FREEMUMMY. However, a minimum purchase of $20 is required for online orders. 

Insomnia Cookies

Show up in costume and bite into a FREE Classic Cookie at Insomnia Cookies — no purchase necessary.

Even better, costumed customers also can scare up sweet savings with a buy-one-get-one FREE offer on the chain’s ice cream sandwiches, Wiches.

Krispy Kreme

Get a Sweet-or-Treat dozen for just $1 with the purchase of any dozen, Saturdays in October — including Halloween. Plus, on Oct. 31, costumed customers of all ages get a FREE doughnut of your choice.

LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee

Any customer in costume gets a FREE donut at LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee. Specialty donuts are not included. (If you choose a specialty donut, there will be an upcharge.) 

McAlister’s Deli

From Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, kids (12 and under) wearing a costume get a FREE kids meal with the purchase of an entrée at McAlister’s Deli. If you prefer to enjoy your meal at home, use promo code FREETREAT20 to redeem the offer via the chain’s app. Not yet a member? Sign up!  

McDonald’s

The burger chain’s Halloween Treats Pack is back for 2020. The $1 coupon book includes 12 coupons for various FREE treats for children (12 and under.) The trick here is that the books can be difficult to track down, as participating locations nationally are limited. Read more about the coupons on Mile High On The Cheap.

Papa John’s

Slice into the pizza chain’s Jack-O’-Lantern Pizza (a large, thin-crust pepperoni pizza) for $11 at Papa John’s. The specialty pizza is available through Oct. 31. The pizza arrives unsliced, so you’ll need to do your own carving first — before digging into the zesty “pumpkin.”

Papa Murphy’s

Heat up the oven for a fun Halloween meal. Slice into Papa Murphy‘s large Jack-O Pizza for $12. The specialty pizza is available through Oct. 31. Price and participation may vary by location. 

Red Lobster

Red Lobster is offering a FREE order of seafood-stuffed mushrooms with dine-in or to-go orders of more than $40 placed online with promo code LOBSTER28. The offer runs through Nov. 1. 

Plus, the seafood restaurant is offering FREE delivery on to-go orders placed through RedLobster.com on Oct. 31. 

Rubio’s Coastal Grill

It’s all about the Halloween treats at Rubio’s Coastal Grill, when every “boorito” on the menu is just $5.99 on Oct 31. Simply bring the this required coupon or use promo code MKTG982 for online orders at Rubios.com or on its app.

7-Eleven

Convenience store giant 7-Eleven is offing a two-for-one pizza deal for purchase in-store, order-ahead-pickup or delivery on Oct. 30 and 31. The deal is frightfully good because customers can redeem the offer twice per day. 

To redeem the offer, customer must scan their 7Rewards barcode upon checkout. The offer is also available through the 7NOW delivery app.

Smashburger

Shake up Halloween! Smashburger is offering a FREE vanilla milkshake for kids (12 and under) in costume with any purchase. The sweet deal is only available in-store for pick-up, carry-out or dine-in. There is a limit of five complimentary shakes per purchase. 

Sonic Drive-In

Halloween is the time to be corny. And you can make it cornier at Sonic Drive-In with its special on Oct. 31 — get a corn dog for just 50 cents, all day. There is no limit, so everyone can bite into a dog for just a few bucks. 

You can also add a ½ Price Drink or Slush, when you order online or via the app. Deals will automatically apply to online and app orders. 

Steak ‘n Shake

All children (12 and under) in costume can enjoy a FREE kid’s shake of their choice at Steak and Shake. Choose from classic flavors (including vanilla, chocolate or strawberry) or specialty flavors (including chocolate chip cookie dough, M&M or and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.)

     

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