Trick-or-treat for grown-ups: Your ultimate guide to scoring free & cheap Halloween goodies this year

Halloween isn’t just for the little trick-or-treaters—grown-ups can join the fun, too! While kids are gearing up to fill their candy buckets, adults can grab something a little heartier than chocolate bars.

Major chains are serving up eerie-sistible food deals that’ll satisfy every craving without scaring your wallet. From free doughnuts to buy-one-get-one burgers, these limited-time Halloween offers are too good to ghost.

No costume, no problem deals

Not everyone wants to dress up, and thankfully, plenty of restaurants understand this. KFC is running daily surprise deals through October 31 for rewards members, including a free Classic Chicken Sandwich with a $10 purchase and 50% off a 12-piece chicken bucket. The best part? No costume required, just membership in their free rewards program.

QDOBA rewards members can buy one burrito (or any entrée) and get another one free with a drink purchase on Halloween when they also purchase a drink, perfect for couples or anyone wanting leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. Similarly, Buffalo Wild Wings offers buy-one-get-one-free boneless wings at participating locations on Halloween, making it an ideal spot for watching Halloween night sports.

Baskin-Robbins celebrates Halloween with 31% off all ice cream scoops, a clever play on their famous 31 flavors that doesn't require any special attire, just a sweet tooth.

White Castle is rolling out a new freebie every day for loyalty members from October 27 to October 31:

• October 27: Free small fry
• October 28: Free 6-piece Chicken Rings with purchase
• October 29: Free dessert on a stick with purchase
• October 30: $2 off a 10-sack of sliders
• October 31: BOGO free combo

Also read: Don’t miss these limited-time breakfast deals that are too good to pass up this October

Family deals perfect for grandparents

If you're planning to dine out with grandchildren after their trick-or-treating adventures, several restaurants are rolling out exceptional family-friendly offers. Applebee's is offering two free kids' meals with each adult entree purchase for children 12 and under, you just need to mention the deal when ordering.

McDonald's brings back their popular Boo Buckets with Happy Meals, introducing a new blue bucket this year that doubles as a trick-or-treating container. It's a practical purchase that gives kids something useful while keeping meal costs reasonable.

For a truly memorable experience, consider SONIC's iconic 50-cent corn dog deal on Halloween—normally $2 corn dogs are available for just 50 cents with no purchase necessary. You can buy as many as you'd like, making it perfect for feeding a crowd of hungry trick-or-treaters.

Hosting a Halloween get-together? From October 24 through November 1, Round Table Pizza is offering its Double Play pizza for $22, available for dine-in, carryout, or delivery. Add a shareable side like mozzarella sticks or garlic parmesan twists for just $5.

Families can dig into an Italian-style deal at Fazoli’s. Between October 30 and November 2, purchase any adult entrée and use code TRICKORTREAT25 to get a free kids meal. You can also use code Breadstick25 to score six free breadsticks, because no Fazoli’s visit is complete without those warm, garlicky favorites.

Outback Steakhouse is joining the Halloween fun with a free kids meal for every adult entrée purchased. Just use code SpookyFree at checkout. It’s a great excuse to enjoy a Bloomin’ Onion and a steak while the little ones chow down for free.

Friendly’s is also offering a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée for loyalty members. It’s a sweet way to cap off a night of trick-or-treating—or to recover from the sugar rush the next day.

When dressing up pays off

If you don't mind putting on a costume, the savings get even better. Chipotle's beloved Boorito promotion returns, offering $6 entrees for rewards members who visit in costume from 3 PM until closing. This deal is only available for in-store orders, but the savings are substantial on their typically pricier menu items.

Krispy Kreme keeps things simple with a free original glazed doughnut for anyone wearing a costume on October 25 and again on October 31 Halloween—one of the easiest “costumes for food” deals to take advantage of.

If you’re out late and need a sweet pick-me-up, Insomnia Cookies is offering a free classic cookie with any purchase for anyone in costume from October 30 to November 2. Perfect for those midnight snack cravings after the last porch light goes out.

Special menu items worth trying

Beyond the deals, restaurants are creating genuinely creative Halloween-themed menu items. Burger King's Monster Menu features a Jack-O-Lantern Whopper with a striking orange bun topped with black sesame seeds, plus vampire-shaped nuggets served in coffin-shaped containers.

Krispy Kreme has launched their Halloween Trick-or-Treat Collection with doughnuts decorated like monsters and pumpkins, topped with seasonal icing and sprinkles in orange, black, green, and purple. These aren't just regular doughnuts with orange frosting—they're carefully crafted seasonal treats.

If you’re taking refuge from the chilly night at the mall, Auntie Anne’s has a tasty twist for you. Order the Halloween “Twist or Treat” bucket of pretzel bites between October 27 and Halloween, and you’ll earn a $5 reward for your next visit.

Papa Murphy’s is serving up a “scream of a deal” with their Halloween bundle: a large jack-o'-lantern-shaped pizza (complete with pepperoni eyes and a cheesy smile) and a tub of ready-to-bake chocolate chip cookie dough for just $15. It’s a fun, festive meal that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike.

Also read: The 7 Best Zero-Sugar Drinks everyone’s rushing to try right now

Smart strategies for deal hunting

The key to maximizing these Halloween deals lies in preparation. Most restaurant chains now require membership in their free loyalty programs to access the best offers. Download the apps and sign up at least a day before you plan to dine—many deals are delivered via email or app notifications.

Some restaurants like Bojangles are getting creative with timing, requiring customers to log into their app at exactly 10:31 PM during “Boo Time” to unlock nightly promo codes that are valid for the following 24 hours.

Remember that participation varies by location, so it's worth calling ahead if you're planning to visit a specific restaurant for a particular deal. Many franchise locations have some flexibility in how they implement corporate promotions.

Making the most of Halloween night

The most common Halloween restaurant deals include free or discounted kids' meals with adult entree purchases, buy-one-get-one offers on popular menu items, and free desserts for costumed customers. This pattern holds across most major chains, making it easier to plan your Halloween dining strategy.

Consider timing your restaurant visit for early evening if you're dining with trick-or-treaters. Many costume-required deals start at 3 PM, giving you plenty of time to eat before the prime candy-collecting hours begin.

Also read: A free pumpkin cheesecake? Here's where to get one on October 27

Read next:

• October's best fast-food deals will stretch your budget further than ever
• Don’t miss these spooky Krispy Kreme deals—here’s how you can score sweet Halloween treats!
• Shake Shack rolls out October BOGO burger deals—grab yours before they’re gone

Key Takeaways

• Lots of fast-food and chain restaurants across the US are offering free and discounted meals for Halloween.
• Deals include freebies for kids and buy-one-get-one-free offers on popular menu items, plus rewards and discounts for loyalty members.
• Several offers require you to dress up in costume or use a code at checkout, so be sure to check the terms before heading out.
• Many deals are only available for a limited time around Halloween, so it’s worth grabbing these tasty specials while they last.

Have you tried any of these Halloween restaurant deals in previous years? Which ones are you most excited to try this year? Share your experiences and money-saving tips in the comments below—our community loves hearing about real-world results from fellow deal hunters!