Who wouldn’t want a free chicken slider? Well, fans of Dave’s Hot Chicken might be able to get just that.
On Dave’s Day, locations across the country will give away the chain’s original chicken sliders, no purchase necessary. Customers can claim the offer through the Dave’s Hot Chicken App.
Tuesday, Oct. 13, marks the fourth annual October giveaway, now dubbed Dave’s Day, according to a news release. The day allows the chicken chain to thank its fans, especially after it was rated No. 1 on Yelp’s 2025 Most Loved Brands list.
“Our guests are the reason Dave’s has grown from a parking lot in Los Angeles into the brand it is today,” Jim Bitticks, the CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, said in a statement. “Being recognized by Yelp gives us a reason to thank them in the best way we know how: with the Slider they love. On Dave’s Day, everyone is a Dave, and we hope they’ll come celebrate with us.”
The fast-food chain will also be serving a fun Halloween treat: The Slasher Slusher, a cute (and gory) twist on the chain’s slusher drink.
Here’s what to know.
How to get a free chicken slider
Fans must download the Dave’s App to receive a free chicken slider on Dave’s Day.
You must redeem the free slider in store. The offer will be available at all 500 Dave’s Hot Chicken locations nationwide.
Customize your free slider
Fans can customize the sliders they receive during the promotion with any of Dave’s Hot Chicken’s seven spice levels:
- No Spice
- Lite Mild
- Mild
- Medium
- Hot
- Extra Hot
- Reaper
While fans can customize the spice level, cheese isn’t included in their free slider.
Fans will not get free sliders on Drake’s birthday this year
For several years, Dave’s Hot Chicken has given away sliders and tenders for free on or near musician and actor Drake’s birthday, Oct. 24.
But in 2026, Dave’s Day will be replacing that giveaway, Dave’s Hot Chicken told USA TODAY. Previously, the company gave away sliders near Drake’s birthday after he invested in the company in 2021.
Make it spooky with a Slasher Slusher
In addition to the free slider, Dave’s Hot Chicken is offering its limited-edition drink: the Slasher Slusher.
For an additional $2, fans can add a Halloween twist to the fan-favorite slusher. The Slasher Slusher comes with a limited-edition cup that features a Frankenstein-inspired chicken and includes a knife-inspired straw.
Customers can order a Strawberry Lemonade, Flashin Fruit Punch, Mountain Berry Blast or Orange Lava Burst, topped with wildberry puree for a bloody look.
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers space phenomena, scientific studies and natural disasters. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected]
Reporting by Julia Gomez, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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