The Ultimate Guide To National Ice Cream Day 2026: 10 Sweetest Deals & Freebies You Must Scoop Up

Get ready to mark your calendar! Sunday, July 19, 2026, is the date for National Ice Cream Day, and the nation’s top creameries and fast-food chains are already preparing to deliver the sweetest, most irresistible deals and freebies of the summer. This annual celebration, which falls on the third Sunday of July—right in the middle of National Ice Cream Month—is your golden ticket to scoring free scoops, deep discounts on sundaes, and exclusive mobile app offers on your favorite frozen dessert. We’ve compiled the ultimate, forward-looking guide to the highly anticipated recurring promotions, ensuring you know exactly where to go and what to download to maximize your free ice cream haul.

The key to unlocking the best value on National Ice Cream Day is preparation. While specific 2026 deals will be officially announced closer to the date, major brands consistently offer similar promotions year after year. By knowing the recurring patterns and having the necessary mobile apps downloaded and accounts created now, you'll be perfectly positioned to grab every free cone and discounted pint the moment they drop. From classic soft serve to signature creations, here is the scoop on what to expect for National Ice Cream Day 2026.

The Highly Anticipated 2026 National Ice Cream Day Freebies and Deals

Based on consistent recurring promotions, these are the top 10 deals and freebies you can confidently anticipate for National Ice Cream Day 2026. Remember that most of these offers require you to be a member of the brand's loyalty program or use their mobile app, so signing up early is highly recommended.

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• 1. Dairy Queen (DQ): The FREE Dilly Bar Classic: Dairy Queen is one of the most reliable sources for a National Ice Cream Day freebie. Anticipate a deal for a FREE Dilly Bar with a minimum purchase (often just $1 or more) when you order through the DQ mobile app. This promotion often runs for a full week, covering the holiday.
• 2. Baskin-Robbins: The Week-Long Discount: Baskin-Robbins frequently extends the celebration to a full week. Look for a recurring promotion offering a significant discount, such as $5 off any order of $20 or more. This deal is typically available through the Baskin-Robbins mobile app, online orders, and sometimes in-shop. They also regularly offer 31% off scoops on the 31st of any month ("Celebrate 31").
• 3. Cold Stone Creamery: The App-Exclusive Savings: Cold Stone Creamery, known for its mix-ins, rewards its My Cold Stone Club Rewards members generously. Expect an app-exclusive offer, such as $4 or $5 off a purchase of $15 or $20 or more. Keep an eye on your app notifications for a "surprise offer" on the day itself.
• 4. Wendy's: The FREE Frosty with Purchase: For those who love the classic chocolate or vanilla Frosty, Wendy's is a must-visit. The recurring deal is a FREE small Frosty with any purchase of $1 or more, redeemable exclusively through the Wendy's mobile app. This makes for a perfect cheap treat.
• 5. McDonald's: The FREE Soft Serve Cone: McDonald's consistently offers a simple yet satisfying freebie. Anticipate a coupon for a FREE vanilla soft-serve cone available through the McDonald's mobile app. This is a classic, no-strings-attached way to celebrate the day.
• 6. 16 Handles: The Free Treat: Expect 16 Handles to offer a free frozen yogurt or ice cream treat, likely for members who order through their app on the holiday. This is a great option for froyo enthusiasts.
• 7. Insomnia Cookies: Free Scoop with Purchase: This late-night bakery often celebrates by offering a free scoop of ice cream when you purchase any cookie. This is the perfect pairing for a warm, chewy treat.
• 8. Dippin' Dots: The Discount Code: Dippin' Dots, the "ice cream of the future," often celebrates with an online discount. Look for a 25% off promo code for online orders placed on or around National Ice Cream Day.
• 9. Graeter's: The Coloring Contest Freebie: Regional chains like Graeter's often run unique, longer-term promotions. Graeter's, for example, has historically celebrated National Ice Cream Month (all of July) with an annual coloring contest where children who submit a completed sheet get a free scoop.
• 10. Burger King: Royal Perks Freebie: Similar to Wendy's and McDonald's, Burger King offers a soft serve deal for its Royal Perks members, often a free soft serve cone or cup with a minimum purchase of $1 or more.

Why July 19th is the Sweetest Day of the Year: A Look at National Ice Cream Month

National Ice Cream Day is not a random summer holiday; it is the culmination of a month-long celebration: National Ice Cream Month. This entire month, July, is dedicated to the delicious frozen treat, thanks to a presidential proclamation that makes the holiday official and gives brands an excuse to run promotions all summer long.

The holiday was formally established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan. President Reagan signed a proclamation designating July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. In his proclamation, he praised ice cream as a "nutritious and wholesome food" that is enjoyed by over 90% of Americans. This historical context is why you see so many companies, from small local creameries to national giants like Dairy Queen and Baskin-Robbins, participate in the celebration with such enthusiasm.

The significance of National Ice Cream Month means that deals and special limited-time flavors aren't just confined to a single Sunday. You can often find promotions, special menu items (like Cold Stone Creamery's innovative Ice Cream Tacos), and family-friendly activities (like Graeter's coloring contest) running from July 1st through the 31st.

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Pro Tips to Maximize Your Ice Cream Freebies Haul

To ensure you get the absolute best value on July 19, 2026, you need a strategy. The "sweetest deals" are almost always tied to digital engagement. Here are the essential tips for a successful National Ice Cream Day:

Download and Register for All Loyalty Apps

This is the single most important step. Almost every major recurring deal—from the free Frosty at Wendy's to the Dilly Bar at DQ and the discount at Cold Stone Creamery—is an app-exclusive offer. Download the mobile apps for all the major chains now and complete your registration. This ensures you receive the push notifications the moment the 2026 deals go live and avoids the last-minute rush.

Check Local and Regional Creameries

While the national chains offer great deals, don't overlook your local favorites. Many independent ice cream shops and regional brands (like Amy's, Lick, or Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream) offer unique promotions, such as 50% off a scoop or a special BOGO (Buy One, Get One) deal. These local gem freebies often support community businesses and offer more unique flavors than the large franchises.

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Be Ready for the "In-App" Surprise

Brands like Cold Stone Creamery, 16 Handles, and Halo Top often use National Ice Cream Day to launch fun, high-curiosity promotions. Halo Top, for instance, has run giveaways for free pints to people whose names match common ice cream aisle brand names (like Ben, Jerry, or Jeni). Be prepared for unique, spontaneous offers that require quick action, often by checking the app or social media on the morning of July 19th.

Understand the Purchase Requirements

Note that "freebie" often comes with a small catch: a minimum purchase. For example, McDonald's may offer a free cone with no purchase, but Wendy's and Dairy Queen typically require a $1+ purchase. Always read the fine print in the app to ensure your order qualifies for the promotion.

By following this guide and preparing your mobile apps, you are guaranteed to have a delicious and budget-friendly National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Get ready to enjoy your favorite flavor, whether it’s a simple vanilla soft serve or a complex, mix-in-loaded creation!