Technically, National Pancake Week ended on Feb. 26, but tell that to the International House of Pancakes, who will celebrate it on Tuesday, Feb. 28 by giving away free pancakes. Whether they’re doing it on a different day to be edgy, who knows and who cares.
How to get free pancakes from IHOP
On Tuesday, Feb 28, IHOP will be giving a free short stack of their Buttermilk Pancakes at restaurants nationwide—all you need to do is visit your local participating IHOP on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and dine-in. You can check for IHOPs in your area here, just call ahead first if you want to make sure they’re participating in the deal.
When is National Pancake Day?
The official National Pancake Day date varies every year because it traditionally follows the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Pancake Day came from Shrove Tuesday, seven days before Ash Wednesday, when people used up all their eggs and fats before the fasting began, and pancakes were the perfect dish to make during the olden days.
Why is IHOP celebrating National Pancake Day a week late?
It’s not clear why IHOP is celebrating National Pancake Day a week late, and really, who cares. Maybe they just got the date wrong this year, but free pancakes are free pancakes—unless you’re fasting during lent, in which case you have every right to complain.
You can also help a good cause without spending much: IHOP has a goal of raising millions of dollars from customers by asking to give donations to the Children’s Miracle Network and other local charities, according to Chiff. They’ve raised $30 million since they started National Pancake Day, according to National Day Calendar.