National Ice Cream Day Deals & Freebies

National Ice Cream Day is the third Sunday in July, and in 2026 that’s July 19.

The holiday dates back to 1984, when President Reagan signed a proclamation declaring the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Day and the whole month as National Ice Cream Month. More than 40 years later, restaurants and ice cream shops still go all out. Below are the deals we’ve confirmed directly, plus a few more brands worth watching in case they roll out a last-minute offer.

Table of Contents

• Confirmed National Ice Cream Day Deals
• More Deals to Watch For
• Homemade Ice Cream Recipes
• Ice Cream Party Essentials
• FAQ

Confirmed National Ice Cream Day Deals 2026

Dairy Queen

From July 13–19, DQ Rewards members can get a free Dilly Bar (one per fan) with any app purchase of $1 or more through the DQ App. Valid at participating US locations while supplies last; not valid on delivery or with other offers.

Dippin’ Dots

On July 19 only, get a free mini cup of Dippin’ Dots (any flavor!) during a two-hour giveaway window at participating franchise and shopping center locations. Check with your local store to confirm exact hours.

Friendly’s

Celebrating both National Ice Cream Day and their 91st birthday, Friendly’s is giving Fan Club Rewards members a free ice cream cone or dish in-store, online, or for carryout. Not a member? You can join for free before you order.

Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs Rewards members can get a BOGO free deal on the Caramel Cone Sundae, Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Sundae, or Hot Fudge & Caramel Sundae as part of the Sundae Funday Club. Valid in-shop every Sunday through July 26.

Del Taco

From July 17–19, Del Yeah! Rewards members can get BOGO free regular shakes.

Cold Stone Creamery

Text LOVEIT26 to 568348 to opt in and get a $5 off $10 coupon loaded to your rewards account, good in-store or online through July 31. They’re also running a limited-edition Cookies ‘n’ Peanut Butter Ice Cream Taco all month.

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

The first 250 guests at participating locations to make an ice cream purchase get a free limited-edition Handel’s hat (one per customer, while supplies last).

Kilwins

From July 19–31, Kilwins is giving away free ice cream for a year (a $650 eGift card) to one winner. Follow @Kilwins on Instagram, tag a friend on the sweepstakes post, and use #Kilwins_Sweepstakes to enter — no purchase necessary.

Stop & Shop

From July 17–23, GO Rewards members can get a free 1.5-quart tub of Stop & Shop brand ice cream by checking in at an in-store Savings Station kiosk — no purchase required, while supplies last.

More Confirmed Offers

• Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: $5 hand-spun milkshakes all day on 7/19, dine-in, any flavor including specialty options.
• DashMart: Buy two Blue Bunny Soft Pints or Mini Swirls and save $5, July 12–26.
• Gopuff: Two Halo Top pints for $10, July 13–19.

More Deals to Watch For

These brands have offered National Ice Cream Day deals in past years or are widely expected to participate in 2026, but details weren’t locked down as of publish time — check the app or your local store before you go.

• Burger King: Royal Perks members may get a free soft serve with purchase.
• Baskin-Robbins: Rewards members may see a delivery discount; separately, their standing “Celebrate31” promo offers 31% off scoops every 31st of the month.
• Marble Slab Creamery: Loyalty members may get a free small cup, no purchase necessary.
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Recent offers have included a buy-5-get-6th-free pint deal (code FREEPINT) and a free Sundae Fudge Sauce add-on — worth checking both this week.
• Wendy’s: App users may see a free small Frosty, Frosty Fusion, or Frosty-cino with purchase.
• Yogurtland: Rewards members may see double points or a promo keychain giveaway; exact dates have varied by source.
• Dunkin’: Rewards members may earn 3X points on frozen beverages.
• Insomnia Cookies: Possible free ice cream scoop with purchase, plus 3X rewards points.
• Graeter’s, 16 Handles, Halo Top, TCBY, Steak ‘n Shake: Loyalty members should watch the app for a same-day offer.
• Petco: Free pup cup for dogs, in-store.

Enjoy Ice Cream at Home with These Homemade Ice Cream Recipes!

Easy Homemade No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe

Keto Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Easy No Churn Pineapple Ice Cream Recipe

Chocolate Kitchenaid Ice Cream Recipe

Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Wendy’s Frosty Copycat Recipe (With Video)

Discover 22 more Homemade Ice Cream Recipes!

Keep your ice cream cold for longer with this highly-rated Host Double Walled Insulated Ice Cream Freeze Bowl or these other double-walled insulated bowls.

Ice Cream Party Essentials

Ice Cream Party Decor and Supply Kit – Includes 2 tablecloths, banner & decor, plus dinner plates, dessert plates, cups & napkins for 24

Make Your Own Ice Cream Sticker Sheets

Ice Cream Honeycomb Centerpieces

Ice Cream Keychains

Dessert Spoons

Disposable Ice Cream Cups

5-Compartment Condiment Server with Serving Tools – Use this for sprinkles, mini marshmallows, crushed cookies, and other add-ons

Gorilla Grip Heavy Duty Ice Cream Scoop

See more ice cream party supplies HERE

FAQ

When is National Ice Cream Day in 2026?

National Ice Cream Day falls on the third Sunday in July every year. In 2026, that’s July 19.

Where did National Ice Cream Day come from?

In 1984, President Reagan signed a proclamation declaring the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Day and the entire month as National Ice Cream Month.

Do I need a coupon to get free ice cream on National Ice Cream Day?

It depends on the retailer. Most deals require a free rewards account or app (like DQ Rewards or Fan Club Rewards), while a few, like Dippin’ Dots’ in-store giveaway, are open to everyone at participating locations during a set window.

Does every location participate?

Not always — many ice cream shops, including Baskin-Robbins, are independently owned franchises, so participation and exact offers can vary by store. Check your local location or app before heading out.

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