The biggest names in donuts – Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts, are only 2 of many donut makers participating in the 72-year-old event. The first Donut Day took place in 1938 and honored the women who served donuts to soldiers in World War I. Started by the Chicago Salvation Army, the fundraiser is still one of the organization’s most popular events.

If you’re in Chicago, Donut Day taggers will collect donations to benefit programs that feed children, seniors, the homeless and needy families in the Chicagoland area. And if you’re not in Chicago? Well, just enjoy the free donut, and in the spirit of the day think about giving one to someone else.

Participating Donut Locations

Krispy Kreme

The offer: a free donut. No coupons, no other purchase necessary (though we’re sure you won’t be able to resist buying an extra one).

Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona,California, Colorado, Washington, DC, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia

Download the list with addresses and phone numbers here [PDF]

Dunkin Donuts

The offer: a free donut with any beverage purchase

Locations Nationwide. Search for a store near you here

Super Saver supermarkets

Stores in Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa will participate in the event by giving away a total of 500 freshly glazed donuts. {MSMDC News}

Seattle

Microsoft’s homebase doesn’t have a nearby Dunkin’ Donuts, but there is a Krispy Kreme and even better, local bakeries joining in. Mighty O Donuts follows the Krispy Kreme offer – just show up to claim your donut, while Top Pot Doughnuts will give you a free donut with coffee purchase. {in North Seattle}

Started in 2008, the global opportunity to goof off is part of an “urban playground movement” that aims to get people out from in front of the television, and out into the streets having fun. Let’s hope it catches on as a way to settle differences, because we’ve never seen more people look so happy to be in a fight.

Our thanks to Doug Tangren, Margaret Griffis, Dilip Bhoye, Bas van Duijn, Chris Beckett, Holger Eilhard, Paul Oberle, Angel James de Ocampo, Emmanuel Alvarado, William Hoiles, Jennifer Strauss and Steve Stearns for sharing their photos.

Amsterdam Pillow Fight photo set
Bas van Duijn

Chicago Pillow Fight photo set
Steve Stearns

Cologne (Koln) Pillow Fight photo set
Holger Eilhard

London Pillow Fight photo set
Chris Beckett

Los Angeles Pillow Fight photo set
Jennifer Strauss

Miami Beach Pillow Fight photo set
Margaret Griffis

New York Pillow Fight photo pool
With images from William Hoiles

New York Pillow Fight photo set
Doug Tangren

Paris Pillow Fight photo set
Angel James de Ocampo

San Diego Pillow Fight photo set
Emmanuel Alvarado

Taipei Pillow Fight photo set
Dilip Bhoye

Washington, DC Pillow Fight photo set
Paul Oberle

Its existence has troubled academics and artists since the second half of the 20th century, but that hasnâ€t stopped millions from living there – people who either see it as a utopia or a living hell. Despite its notoriety and ubiquitous nature, however, it remains perennially overshadowed and virtually forgotten as a travel destination.

Iâ€m talking, of course, about suburbia.

If youâ€re like most urbanites, any mention of the ‘burbs conjures terrifying images of soulless houses, minivans filled with screaming children, maybe even a WalMart or two. But my fellow city-goers, as much as you tell yourself that thereâ€s no reason to ever venture beyond your cityâ€s limits, Iâ€m not afraid to voice the unpopular point: the suburbs has something unique – and maybe even better – to offer you.

Consider: when was the last time you toured a city and genuinely experienced the life of a typical inhabitant? That you ate not at a cutting edge café with “fusion” food and fussy, miniscule entrees, but at a restaurant with unabashedly local flavors and a community-oriented ambiance? That you witnessed the beauty of nature from an oasis of civilization?

Itâ€s time to stop unthinkingly dismissing the ‘burbs and uncover what they really have to offer. My first stop? Think turquoise-blue waters, expansive Midwestern skies, world-renowned architecture, and hearty food worth venturing into the bitter cold for – all tens of miles outside of Chicago.
Click “Next Page” to read on about the unappreciated bright spots of Evanston, and find out why there’s more to this college town than Northwestern.