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The Best DC Birthday Freebies

Posted on October 24, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

Who has the best birthday cupcake in D.C.? Here are a few

Who has the best birthday cupcake in D.C.? We tested them all to find out. (Priyanka Tilve/City Cast DC)

City Cast DC just had our second birthday. You know what that means? Birthday freebies! In honor of the occasion, I’m sharing a list of local bars and restaurants where anyone can score a free goodie on their special day. (Think if I show up with this newsletter, it will count? 🤔🤭)

Have a favorite local freebie that we didn’t mention? Let us know.

Signing up for Jeni’s rewards program gets you a free scoop of ice cream for your birthday. Even if your birthday isn’t coming up soon, it’s worth the trip to Jeni’s for the new fall flavors like the Miso Butterscotch Brownie 😋

Get a free cupcake when attending a show during the month of your birthday when you sign up for 9:30 Club’s free “Friends With Benefits” program.

Sign up for Arepa Zone’s email list, and they will send you a coupon for one free arepa in your birthday month.

Dolcezza’s rewards program gets you $10 off an in-store purchase for your birthday.

Anyone with the Shouk app gets a free birthday meal at this plant-based Middle Eastern restaurant. Plus, you get a $10 credit when you sign up.

Maryland’s favorite pizza restaurant goes hard with the rewards. Sign up for their rewards program and get a free 8” pizza, and a free birthday surprise (probably pizza 🤔).

Get a free lunch or dinner at Mai Thai on your birthday. Up to $14.95 on a dinner main course and $11.95 on a lunch main course.

Jeni’s ice cream

Get a free scoop of Jeni’s ice cream on your birthday! (Adam Perkins/Hey DC reader)

Save a ton on a shopping spree during your birth month as part of the thrift store chain’s rewards program.

Get a free sweet treat to accompany your movie at any Alamo Drafthouse location on your birthday by signing up for their rewards program. Sadly, the movie ticket is still full price.

More Deals!

District Taco will give you a free (mystery) birthday reward when you sign up for their rewards program. So will CAVA. And, rumor is that Lyman’s Tavern gives you free rail drinks on your birthday, but I haven’t tested this one. So, please go check it out and report back.

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