August freebies, discounts, and savings for the back to school season

Let’s face it, this time of year is expensive. We’ve rounded up the best discounts and deals happening this month. Treat yourself and take the strain off your wallet with some of these August freebies.

Free Food

Free root beer floats

Availability Dates: August 6, 2019 from 2 pm – 8 pm

In honor of National Root Beer Float company, A&W is giving away free root beer floats with their classic root bear and vanilla soft serve. No purchase is necessary, but the event is hosted in part to help the Disabled American Veterans, so donations are encouraged.

Deals on Waffles

Availability Dates: August 24^th, 2019

National Waffle Day takes place on the 24^th this month, and you won’t want to miss out! Many restaurants offer discounts or free meals. Denny’s, Wafflette Café, Cold Stone Creamery, and iHop have offered deals in the past. Call up your favorite waffle place and see if they have anything going on!

Free fun

Free admission to Orange County Fair

Availability Dates: See website  

There are numerous discounts and free days for qualifying groups throughout the fair. August 7^th – 11^th is First Responders and Law Enforcement Week. First responders with a valid ID will receive free admission and discounted tickets for guests.

You can also receive free admission through the We Care Wednesday Drives. Each Wednesday from 12-3, the fair offers free admission and a free ride ticket for anybody who donates a specific item. You can find the list of items here.

Free entry to National Parks

Availability Dates: August 25^th

The National Park Service is celebrating their 103^rd birthday and is offering free admission to celebrate! Here are a few parks nearby Orange County you could plan a visit to:

• Joshua Tree National Park – Enjoy camping, hiking, birdwatching, stargazing, horseback riding, rock climbing, and more in the open desert landscape between the Colorado and Mojave Deserts.
• San Bernardino National Forest – A favorite spot for horseback riding, photography, camping, and hunting, the San Bernardino National Forest is a 154,000-acre monument filled with mountains and forests.
• Cleveland National Forest – The Cleveland National Forest is centered in a warm, dry Mediterranean climate and is California’s most southern forest.  It’s known for camping, observatories, and hiking in the beautiful Sunset Trail.

Free bowling

Availability Dates: August 10^th

Bowling alleys across the counties offer free games each year on National Bowling day, which is held the second Saturday of August. This year it falls on August 10^th, and many local alleys are taking part. Bowlmore, Bowlero, and Brunswick Zone lanes can all get two free games by signing up for the rewards program. For more information, go here or check with your local alley to get specific offer details.

Free concerts

Availability Dates: Weekends throughout the month

Summer isn’t over yet, which means free outdoor concerts are going on nearly every weekend at locations across the county. You can check out a list of all the concerts around the area here.

Free school supplies

Free backpacks and kids’ haircuts

Availability Dates: August 17^th from 10 am – 2 pm

Join others at the Huntington Park City Hall for raffles, vision and dental screenings, free haircuts and backpacks, and more!  This free back to school event will help kids start the school year right. To secure your spot or find out more information, register here.

Free supplies and backpacks

Availability Dates: August 10^th from 11 am – 2 pm

This event is sponsored by A Child’s Dream and supplies children with bags, supplies, and other necessary items. They will giveaway items to 800 children, so be sure to register to guarantee your entrance.