Food & Drink

Krispy Kreme treating graduates to free doughnuts. Here’s when & how to get them

Krispy Kreme is celebrating class of 2026 graduates with a sweet reward, but only if they dress the part.

On Thursday, May 21, recent high school and college grads donning their regalia (cap and gown, stole, medals, etc.) can visit any participating Krispy Kreme shop and get a free three-pack of original glazed doughnuts, the Charlotte-based doughnut chain said.

No purchase is required.

A large batch of freshly made original glazed doughnuts are shown on a wire rack. They are a golden brown color with a shiny glaze coating, and the ones in the back are starting to be coated with a white icing.
Charlotte-based Krispy Kreme, best known for its “Hot Now” glazed doughnuts, previously tested an expanded menu with more flavors. Photo by Krispy Kreme

“You did the work, passed the tests, and made the memories – now it’s time for a little treat,” said Alison Holder, chief brand and product officer for Krispy Kreme. “You earned every bite.”

The freebie is available in-shop and in the drive-thru. The 3-packs, which typically cost around $5.79, are limited to one per customer.

Earlier this year, Krispy Kreme debuted an expanded menu featuring nine new doughnuts, including New York Cheesecake, Oreo Cookies and Kreme and Cinnamon Apple Filled, CharlotteFive previously reported.

A close-up shot features a round, glazed doughnut with a bite taken out of it, centered against a solid yellow background. The glossy, golden-brown glaze catches the light, revealing a soft, fluffy interior filled with a bright yellow lemon curd. The missing bite showcases the gooey texture of the filling nestled perfectly inside the pastry.
Krispy Kreme’s original glazed lemon filled doughnut is back for a limited time at participating shops nationwide. Krispy Kreme

More recently, the shop returned its popular lemon filled original glazed doughnut to menus for a limited time.

Find your nearest Krispy Kreme here.

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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 8:26 AM with the headline "Krispy Kreme treating graduates to free doughnuts. Here’s when & how to get them."

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Tanasia Kenney
Sun Herald
Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.
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