Doughnuts are trending in L.A. right now and it's not only because Friday, June 5 is National Donut Day.

This annual celebration of deep fried dough marks a tradition dating back to World War I when The Salvation Army volunteers served coffee and doughnuts to comfort American soldiers and their allies on the French battlefields. To commemorate these and ongoing efforts, The Salvation Army created National Donut Day in 1938, and to this day, every first Friday in June, doughnut purveyors both large and local participate by offering free doughnuts and other special offers.

It's also the perfect occasion to talk about all these gourmet doughnuts! If last year was a blitz of spectacular donut hybrids in L.A., then 2015 is all about uplifting the humble American breakfast staple into culinary excellence without straying far from the classic form. Here we've boxed up a tasty assortment of nearby deals as well as new gourmet offerings that are changing the L.A. doughnut game.

Free Donuts

Treat on one free doughnut of choice at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts all day in Santa Monica with no purchase necessary. L.A.'s one-and-only Dunkin' Donuts is also offering a free donut of choice with any beverage purchase. Read on for another free doughnut deal at one of the new gourmet shops.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts // 1231 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica 90403
Dunkin' Donuts // 1132 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica 90401

*Photo courtesy To Live And Dine In L.A. for DK's Donuts*

O-Nuts, Wownuts & Donut Swag

At DK Donuts, credited for satiating West Coast cronut envy with its double-decker O-Nuts and for introducing L.A. to the first Wownut (a waffle donut hybrid), National Donut Day will commence with six all-new flavors including the Nutter Butter bomb, a chocolate chip kookie cereal donut, mango shortcake and a s'mores O-Nut topped with torched marshmallows. As it attempts to make fresh, piping hot doughnuts for 72-hours straight, extending National Donut Day into an entire weekend, DK's will also give away free keychains and have tees and plush donut pillows available for purchase.

DK's Donuts & Bakery // 1614 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica 90404

Beachside Mini-Donuts

Everyday is like National Donut Day at Zelda's. Not only are these made-to-order mini donuts loved by locals in Venice, but you won't find a more tempting deal: 30 mini donuts for $6? Yes please.

Zelda's Corner // 9 Westminster Ave., Venice 90291

Ice Cream + Doughnuts + Coffee

Three L.A. obsessions come together in one magical place. Ice cream, doughnuts and coffee are now served in the same shop (and if you like, in the same cup!) at ICDC, an acronym for its sweet treats. Amy Knoll Fraser (BLD) and pastry chef Mariah Swan are behind the West Hollywood spot, which debuted in April. Take a trip over on National Donut Day and get a free doughnut with every doughnut or coffee purchase.

ICDC // 7454 1/2 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles 90036

Nicole Rucker's Doing Donuts

If you love the pies, baklava croissants and other delectable pastries at Venice's Gjelina Take Away (GTA) and Gjusta, thank former pastry chef Nicole Rucker. She recently moved on to Cofax Coffee in Fairfax Village where she continues to attract droves of fans with a new trick up her sleeve: gourmet donuts. You won't score any freebies here on National Donut Day, but flavors like Compartes chocolate chocolate topped with all-natural rainbow sprinkles, honey sea salt, and strawberry shortcake, are a sweet reason to pay her a visit.

Cofax // 440 N Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles 90036

Drool In Anticipation

2015 is really shaping up to be a well-rounded year of incredible doughnut debuts on the Westside. In January, Costa Mesa's beloved Sidecar Doughnuts said it plans to open a second location in Santa Monica. Then came news last week that Portland's small local chain Blue Star Donuts will open a shop in Venice this summer in the former Elvino space on Abbot Kinney. Sweet!

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee // Coming soon to Santa Monica
Blue Star Donuts // Coming soon to 1142 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice 90291