National Ice Cream Day is a national day I can get behind! Especially when it happens in the heat of the summer! President Ronald Reagan first declared this tasty annual celebration in 1984 to recognize the sweet treat’s popularity and its contribution to the dairy industry. 2026 National Ice Cream Day is happening on Sunday, July 19th but be sure to read the dates for each offer as some are different days or more than one day.
National Ice Cream Day always happens on the third Sunday in July.
Sunday, July 19, 2026, is National Ice Cream Day 2026. Here are all the places you can get national ice cream day freebies and deals (list will be updated if I find anymore offers!):
16 Handles
16 Handles Rewards members can enjoy a FREE frozen yogurt (up to a $5 value) on National Ice Cream Day. Check with your local store for participating locations.
Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins Rewards members can save $5 off a purchase of $20 or more from July 19–25.
Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese is offering a FREE small Dippin’ Dots with a coupon available through the Chuck E. Cheese app or on their website. Limit 1 per person. Participating locations only.
Cold Stone Creamery
Enter the Cold Stone Creamery Sweepstakes on their Instagram from July 13-22, 2026 to win digital e-gift cards each week. See the details on Instagram.
Dairy Queen
DQ Rewards members can receive a FREE Dilly Bar with a mobile order of $1 or more through the DQ app. Offer valid through July 19.
Dippin’ Dots
Visit participating Dippin’ Dots locations for a FREE mini cup during a designated giveaway window. Times vary by location, and while supplies last. One lucky guest will also win free Dippin’ Dots for a year.
Dunkin’
It’s not ice cream but it’s a good reason to go to Dunkin’! On July 19, 2026, Dunkin reward members get 4x points on donuts and MUNCHKINS for National Ice Cream Day when you activate the offer on their app. See the details on their press release.
Friendly’s
Friendly’s is offering a FREE cone or dish of ice cream at participating locations. No purchase required while supplies last.
Häagen-Dazs Shops
Häagen-Dazs Rewards members can enjoy Buy One, Get One FREE featured sundaes on National Ice Cream Day at participating shops.
Insomnia Cookies
From July 17-19, 2026, spend $5 or more and get a free cup of Insomnia Cookies ice cream at participating locations. The offer is valid in-store or online. In addition, reward members earn 2X points from July 17-19. See the offer sent to subscribers on July 17 or on their website.
Kilwins
Enter to win free Kilwins ice cream for a year. According to their press release: “From July 19-31, 2026, Instagram users who follow the official @Kilwins account may enter for a chance to win by tagging a friend in a comment on the official sweepstakes Instagram post and including the hashtag #Kilwins_Sweepstakes. One winner will receive a Kilwins eGift card worth approximately $650, based on the cost of one regular waffle cone per week for one year.” Check their Instagram account starting July 19 to enter.
Marble Slab Creamery
Marble Slab Rewards members receive a FREE small ice cream on July 19. Sign up for the rewards program before visiting if you’re not already a member.
Petco
This one is for the pups! Bring your dog to participating Petco stores and receive one FREE Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Dessert while supplies last.
Shake Shack
Use promo code CUSTARDTIME to get any frozen custard for $3. The offer is valid July 19 through August 19 when ordering through the Shack App, website, or in-store kiosk.
Stop & Shop
Stop & Shop loyalty members can receive a FREE 1.5-quart container of Stop & Shop brand ice cream by checking in at the Savings Station kiosk in participating stores. Offer available July 17–23.
Wendy’s
Get a Small Classic Frosty for just $1 through the Wendy’s app on National Ice Cream Day.
Here’s a zero calorie way to enjoy ice cream:
