Jul 13, 2026
July 19 marks National Ice Cream Day, another of the food industry’s mostly-made-up holidays, but one that consumers are happy to embrace as temperatures set record highs and scoop shops celebrate as a powerful marketing tool.
July, actually, is Ice Cream Month. But Ice Cream Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of July each year. While many food “holidays” are simply the creations of PR teams, National Ice Cream Day actually got its start in Washington, D.C.
In 1984, a joint resolution was presented in the U.S. House and Senate to celebrate both Ice Cream Month and declare Ice Cream Day. It passed easily and, on July 9, 1984, Ronald Reagan made it official with a Presidential Proclamation. (The bill was only supposed to be for that year, but what politician in his or her right mind is going to take a stand against free ice cream?)
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Dairy Queen
DQ Rewards members can get a free Dilly bar with any purchase of $1 or more in the DQ App.
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Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins rewards members can get $5 off for orders of $20 or more through July 25. (On July 26, the chain will offer Rewards members a BOGO Free Single Scoop.)
Marble Slab Creamery
Marble Slab Creamery loyalty members will receive a free small ice cream.
Dippin’ Dots
Get a free mini cup of any flavor during a two-hour window at Dippin’ Dots franchise locations. (Head here to find the two hours in the locations nearest to you.) You can also enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win free Dippin’ Dots for a year.
Friendly’s
Every guest at Friendly’s locations nationwide can get a free cone or dish, without having to worry about being a member of a rewards program or even making a purchase. The chain says it expects to hand out 12,000 to 15,000 free scoops coast to coast.
Stop & Shop
Stop & Shop is giving away free 1.5-quart tubs of its store brand ice cream through July 23. No purchase necessary. Just check in at an in-store Savings Station kiosk with your GO Rewards account. Pick from 15 classic flavors including Moose Tracks, Cookies & Cream, and Vanilla Bean.
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Chris Morris is a veteran journalist with more than 35 years of experience at many of the internet's biggest news outlets. In addition to his activities as a writer, reporter and editor, Chris is also a frequent panel moderator and speaker at major conferences, including CES and South by Southwest.
