Celebrate National Donut Day at DC’s Sweetest Spots

Washington D.C. may be the epicenter of American politics, but on the first Friday of June, it swaps policy briefs for pastry boxes. That’s because it’s National Donut Day, an indulgent, playful celebration that has carved out a delicious corner in the city's cultural calendar. With artisan donut shops, gourmet bakers, and even vegan innovators in the mix, the District turns this unofficial food holiday into a full-blown adventure for locals and visitors alike.

If you’re a passionate foodie, trend-savvy explorer, or someone just looking to spice up their Friday with frosting and flair, this guide is your ultimate ticket. We’ll take you across D.C.’s best donut destinations, help you plan your sugar-fueled itinerary, and reveal some sweet surprises that only happen once a year. Welcome to your insider scoop on where to celebrate National Donut Day in Washington, DC.

National Donut Day in D.C.: A Local Tradition with a Global Story

National Donut Day may seem like a marketing gimmick, but its origins are rooted in wartime compassion. The holiday was created in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor the “Donut Lassies,” women who served fresh donuts to American troops during World War I. These volunteers offered comfort and morale to soldiers in a time of chaos, and their legacy lives on with every glazed, fried, or frosted treat.

In Washington, DC, the spirit of giving is echoed in how local bakeries rally for the day. Each year, shops across the city debut limited-time donut flavors, run charitable promotions, or offer creative discounts to sweeten the day for everyone. This is also a moment for D.C.'s thriving donut scene to shine. What began with traditional mom-and-pop spots has evolved into a tapestry of elevated, chef-driven experiences that reflect the city’s diverse and experimental food culture.

From fluffy yeasted rings to mochi-textured masterpieces, there is something for every kind of donut devotee in D.C.

Top Donut Shops to Hit on National Donut Day

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken

Astro Doughnuts is the rare unicorn of the D.C. food scene where comfort meets culinary innovation. Tucked just steps from Metro Center, this small shop has made a big name for itself with its signature pairing of fried chicken and donuts.

On National Donut Day, Astro usually unveils special-edition flavors that veer toward the indulgent and inventive. Think maple bacon twists, cereal milk glaze, or their famous crème brûlée donut with its crisp, caramelized top and luscious vanilla custard filling. These offerings often sell out before noon.

Arrive early at 1308 G Street NW to avoid the crowds. If you work downtown, consider ordering ahead. Keep an eye on their menu updates at astrodoughnuts.com.

District Doughnut

District Doughnut elevates the pastry game with a chef-crafted approach. Their lineup is seasonal, elegant, and always surprising. Flavors like Brown Butter, Cannoli, and Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch highlight a dedication to both texture and taste.

The Navy Yard location at 749 8th Street SE is especially popular and features a sleek, minimalist design that invites lingering over coffee and a donut or two. On National Donut Day, they frequently offer boxes curated just for the holiday and sometimes run timed flash sales on social media.

Get the latest scoop on flavors and events at districtdoughnut.com.

Donut Run

For those looking to balance indulgence with plant-based choices, Donut Run in Takoma offers a bright, bold, and 100 percent vegan option that surprises even staunch dairy lovers. The space has a fun, modern aesthetic with donuts that pop just as much in flavor as they do in color.

Try their seasonal Strawberry Pop-Tart donut or their ever-popular French Toast flavor. The shop has a loyal following, and on National Donut Day, expect the line to wrap around the block.

Located at 6904 4th Street NW, Donut Run is a neighborhood favorite. Check their Instagram for sellout notices and flavor drops at @donutrundc.

Duck Donuts at Union Market

Duck Donuts is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its customizable, made-to-order format. Choose your base, coating, topping, and drizzle, then watch as your donut is fried fresh and served hot. While the company is a national chain, the Union Market outpost brings local flavor to the menu, sometimes incorporating seasonal fruits or area-inspired toppings.

For National Donut Day, Duck Donuts often offers one free classic donut per customer or a buy-one-get-one deal. This is an interactive, family-friendly experience perfect for groups.

Find them inside Union Market at 1309 5th Street NE, or start building your dream donut at duckdonuts.com.

MoMo’s Café

MoMo’s Café is the city’s hidden treasure for mochi-style donuts. These chewy, slightly crisp rings are made from glutinous rice flour and come in flavors influenced by East Asian desserts. Think black sesame, matcha, ube, and even durian for the adventurous.

With limited seating and small batches, MoMo’s is an ideal stop for those looking to avoid the more touristy scenes. It is perfect for foodies who appreciate texture and unique combinations.

Located at 1120 19th Street NW, MoMo’s has a subtle storefront, so keep your eyes open. They usually preview their National Donut Day lineup on Instagram.

Pro Tips for Celebrating Like a Local

Planning your DIY donut crawl is half the fun. D.C. is surprisingly walkable in clusters, and if you’re smart about it, you can hit three or four shops without doubling back.

Start with MoMo’s in Dupont Circle for something light and different. Move southeast toward downtown to visit Astro. From there, it’s a quick Metro ride to Navy Yard for District Doughnut. Finally, take the Green Line up to Takoma for the Donut Run. Add Duck Donuts early or late in the route, depending on your location.

Leave the car at home. Parking is tricky in most donut-heavy neighborhoods. Scooters, Metro, and Capital Bikeshare are ideal for hopping between stops quickly.

Social media is your friend. Follow each shop on Instagram the night before and turn on post notifications. Many share same-day specials, limited-edition drops, or last-minute freebies only via Stories.

If you can, pre-order. Several bakeries offer pre-sale boxes for pickup, allowing you to skip the line and maximize your crawl.

Bonus: Pair Your Donuts with a Great Cup of Coffee

Here are our favorite nearby coffee pairings for each featured shop to help balance the sugar high with a caffeine kick:

• Astro Doughnuts: The Wydown Coffee Bar on 14th Street offers rich espresso and a chill vibe.
  
  
• District Doughnut: Swing by Grace Street Coffee in Georgetown or La Colombe for expertly brewed options.
  
  
• Donut Run: Pair it with Lost Sock Roasters, which shares a passion for sustainability and quality.
  
  
• Duck Donuts: Peregrine Espresso inside Union Market brings an artisanal touch to every cup.
  
  
• MoMo’s Café: Match it with Blue Bottle near Farragut North for a minimalist, matcha-forward experience.
  
  

When you need a break, take a scenic stroll to walk off the sugar. Try Yards Park after your Navy Yard stop, the National Mall for a Capitol Hill loop, or stroll through Rock Creek Park if you end up uptown.

Share the Sweetness and Keep the Celebration Going

There is something satisfying about documenting your donut crawl. Make it a full event by tagging your journey with #DCDonutDay and sharing highlights on Instagram, TikTok, or Threads. Not only does it support local businesses, but your posts may inspire others to jump in on the fun.

Many shops reshare customer stories, so your Boomerang or photo op might land on their profile. Some even offer discount codes or free items for those who participate in social shoutouts.

Remember to tip your servers and leave a Google or Yelp review for standout service. And when the sugar rush fades, consider revisiting your favorite shop the following week to try more of the rotating seasonal flavors.

Happy National Donut Day, Washington D.C. May your donuts be warm, your coffee strong, and your camera roll full of memories.