12 Things That Are Free in September

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

Young man eating a taco
Daisy Daisy / Shutterstock.com

Autumn is on its way, bringing cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice lattes and a bounty of fabulous freebies.

From free granola bars and fruity waffles to no-cost national park admission and fishing, we’ve gathered some of the best deals you’ll find this month.

Read on to learn how you can kick off fall with these fantastic perks. And for even more options, head on over to Money Talks News’ freebies page.

Free Taco Bell taco — Sept. 5

Taco Bell
Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

Taco Bell says that in late July, “Taco John’s courageously decided to abandon its Taco Tuesday trademark registration.” That means all taco restaurants now can use the phrase.

To celebrate, Taco Bell will offer free tacos in 49 states on Sept. 5, a “Taco Tuesday.”

Head to the popular chain on Tuesday, Sept. 5, to claim your gratis Doritos Locos Taco, unless you live in New Jersey. Get the delicious details.

Free groceries — ongoing

happy woman in kitchen putting money in piggy bank
Alliance Images / Shutterstock.com

If you have difficulty paying for groceries — and who isn’t these days? — food stamps and food banks aren’t the only options. There are other ways to stock your shelves with free food, no matter your income level.

You can find out more in “5 Ways to Get Groceries for Free (No, Really).”

Free BOGO Subway sandwich — through Sept. 7

Subway restaurant
monticello / Shutterstock.com

Start fall with a “buy one, get one” footlong Subway sandwich. To get the deal, you must order online or via the Subway App and use the promo code FLBOGO. Find out more.

Free pocket historical documents — ongoing

Independence Hall in Philadelphia
f11photo / Shutterstock.com

Hillsdale College — a private college in Hillsdale, Michigan — is currently offering pocket-sized versions of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence for free. You can get one just in time for Constitution Day on Sept. 17. Sign up now.

Free national park entry — Sept. 23

People canoeing in Grand Teton National Park
Phillip Rubino / Shutterstock.com

Sept. 23 is National Public Lands Day. All National Park Services sites that typically charge entrance fees will be waiving them for all visitors in honor of the day. Find a park near you.

Freebies for recycling — ongoing

www.rawpixel.com / Shutterstock.com

It feels good to recycle: You know that you’re doing your part to help protect the planet.

But what if we told you that you can earn discounts and freebies for your good deeds? Retailers including Advance Auto Parts, H&M, Madewell and The North Face are offering gift cards, store credit and other rewards for recycling.

For more, check out “8 Retailers That Will Reward You for Recycling.”

Free fishing days — dates vary by state

Wisconsin man showing off fish
Steve Oehlenschlager / Shutterstock.com

Want to catch a big one, but don’t have a fishing license? Not a problem. Free fishing days allow anglers to cast their rods without having to purchase a license — perfect for beginners looking to try out the sport.

Free fishing days vary by state, but several states are hosting such days in September, including:

  • Georgia (Sept. 23)
  • Indiana (Sept. 23)
  • New Mexico (Sept. 30)
  • New York (Sept. 23)

Get details.

Free way to research your family tree — ongoing

Happy older couple laughing while using a laptop
Jacob Lund / Shutterstock.com

Want to learn more about your family tree without subscribing to a pricey genealogy website? We’ve got you covered!

Check out no-cost databases and other resources for those seeking information on their ancestry. You will find them in “10 Ways To Research Your Family Tree for Free.”

Free Nature Valley crunch bars — through Oct. 16 (while supplies last)

Nature Valley bars
ZikG / Shutterstock.com

Nature Valley snack bars are known for their sweet and satisfying flavor, but General Mills has decided to shake things up by adding three savory selections to their product lineup.

For a limited time, you can enjoy a brand-new White Cheddar, Everything Bagel or Smoky BBQ Nut Crunch Bar for free. Learn how.

Free Fruity Pebbles or Cocoa Pebbles Waffles — through Oct. 31

Little girl with waffle
PeopleImages.com – Yuri A / Shutterstock.com

Attention Flintstones fans and waffle lovers! We’re excited to share that you can receive a complimentary box of Cocoa or Fruity Pebbles Waffles if you act by Halloween. Get offer details.

Free Hallmark greeting card — every month through December

birthday cards
Niloo / Shutterstock.com

You can get a gratis Hallmark greeting card to give to friends or family every month for the rest of the year. Simply sign up for the retailer’s Crown Rewards program, keep an eye on your inbox for coupons and visit your local store to choose your greetings.

Learn more and sign up.

Free $5 coupon for Dunkin’ Donuts — ongoing

Dunkin' Donuts
ricochet64 / Shutterstock.com

Want to receive $5 toward Dunkin’ restaurant treats — plus bonus offers, a birthday gift and new product alerts?

Join the Dunkin’ at Home Extras program, purchase qualifying products at your local grocery store, upload your first receipt and redeem your points for a tasty treat. Learn all about it.

Get smarter with your money!

Want the best money-news and tips to help you make more and spend less? Then sign up for the free Money Talks Newsletter to receive daily updates of personal finance news and advice, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter today.