Not to be confused with National Cheeseburger Day, National Hamburger Day (or just National Burger Day) is on May 28th every year, around Memorial Day. That’s not to say you can’t put cheese on your hamburger. This year it’s on Thursday, May 28, 2026, right after Memorial Day Weekend.
We’ve rounded up a few freebies and deals to help you celebrate! We’ll be adding more soon.Also, scroll down for our complete list of restaurant deals.
Burger King
Burger King is celebrating National Hamburger Day with a limited-time offer for members of its Royal Perks loyalty program.
On May 28, Royal Perks members can receive a free hamburger with any purchase of $3 or more at participating Burger King restaurants nationwide. The promotion is available exclusively through the Burger King app or website. More info in the press release.
Shake Shack
All through the month of May Shake Shack is celebrating National Burger Month with a FREE burger with a $10 order. From May 19 to 24, 2026, the free burger is a Bacon Cheeseburger, and from May 25 to 31, it’s a ShackBurger.
The offer is only valid for purchases placed at a kiosk in-restaurant or for delivery or pick-up via the Shake Shack app or at shakeshack.com. Use promo code FREEBURGER at checkout. (Note: Promo code might need to be entered in ALL CAPS.) More details about Shake Shack’s deal.
Dairy Queen
From May 25 thru 31, 2026, Rewards members can get $1 off any Signature Stackburger.
Sign up for Rewards here. More info in the press release.
The signature burger series includes:
Backyard Bacon Ranch, Bacon Cheese Deluxe, FlameThrower, Cheese Deluxe, and Original Cheeseburger.
Wayback Burgers
Wayback Burgers is celebrating National Hamburger Day on May 28, 2026, by offering a $5 Classic Burger. Limit two per account/person. Participating locations only. Available in restaurant and all ordering channels, except for third-party delivery services. You’ll find several Wayback Burgers locations in the Triangle. Find the closest one here. The deal was announced on Instagram.
Hardee’s
On May 28, 2026, Hardee’s My Rewards members get a special deal. Buy one Famous Star, get one for 1¢ at participating locations.
My Rewards members unlocked the offer in the Hardee’s app on May 28. New members who join on May 28 will unlock the offer instantly upon sign-up.
The Burger: Hardee’s Famous Star is a classic, made with a Quarter Pound 100% Angus beef patty, melted American cheese, special sauce and classic toppings on a toasted brioche-style bun.
Smashburger
Smashburger is celebrating National Hamburger Day with a special deal on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Get any Single (not Double) burger for $5.28 at participating locations. You can claim the deal in-store, or through Smashburger’s website or app by using the promo code 528SINGLE.
Checkers & Rally
On May 27 and 28, 2026, Checkers & Rally’s is offering a buy-one-get-one FREE Classic Burger to celebrate National Hamburger Day. Announced in a press release.
Whataburger
On Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Whataburger, order a medium Fry and medium Drink, online or scan your app in-store, and get a free Whataburger and a chance to win Whataburger for a Year. Announced in a press release.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
Deals offered by national chains are usually “participating locations only.” We can’t generally verify participation with a particular location, so we encourage you to contact the location to make sure. In addition, limited time offers can end without warning.
Upcoming Food and Drink related deals and events
Check out our big list of food and drink events and deals in the Triangle, or look at few of them here:
Various locations
