Dairy Queen Nurses Week 2026: How To Get Your Free Blizzard® Treat And Essential Details You Need To Know

Every year, National Nurses Week is a crucial time for the healthcare community, and major brands often step up to show their appreciation for the tireless work of healthcare professionals. As of December 2025, the most anticipated annual offer for nurses comes from select Dairy Queen locations, specifically those operated by the franchisee Fourteen Foods, which traditionally offers a sweet, cold reward for those on the front lines.

This long-running promotion is a popular fixture of Nurse Appreciation Week, providing a much-needed moment of joy and a free small Blizzard® Treat to eligible nurses. It is essential to understand the specific details—including the dates, eligibility requirements, and the crucial caveat about participating locations—to ensure you don’t miss out on this delicious thank you from the ice cream and fast-food giant.

The Essential Guide to the Dairy Queen Nurses Week Free Blizzard® Treat

The tradition of offering a special treat during National Nurses Week is a fantastic gesture of corporate appreciation. While the Dairy Queen corporation itself does not run a chain-wide offer, the specific promotions run by large franchisees like Fourteen Foods are so consistent and widespread that they have become a highly anticipated annual event. This is the latest breakdown of the offer that nurses can typically expect to see around May 5–11, 2026.

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What is the Nurses Week Offer?

The standard and most common offer is a free small Blizzard® Treat. The Blizzard® Treat is Dairy Queen's signature soft-serve dessert blended with various mix-ins like cookies, candies, and fruit. This is a perfect way for nurses to cool down and enjoy a moment of indulgence during the demanding week.

• The Freebie: One free small Blizzard® Treat.
• The Dates: The promotion typically runs for the full duration of National Nurses Week, which is May 6–12, with the most common promotional window being May 5–11.
• The Requirement: Nurses must present a valid form of identification to prove their employment.

Who is Eligible for the Free Blizzard® Treat?

The promotion is specifically targeted at those who work in the healthcare and education sectors. The eligibility is broad to ensure maximum inclusivity for all who dedicate their lives to serving the community.

• Primary Target: Nurses (including Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)).
• Expanded Eligibility: The offer is frequently extended to other healthcare professionals and often includes teachers, aligning with Teacher Appreciation Week, which also falls in early May.
• Proof of Status: To redeem the offer, you must show a valid work ID badge, a pay stub, or another form of professional identification at the counter.

The Crucial Caveat: Why You Must Check Local Participation

This is the most critical piece of information for any nurse hoping to snag a free treat: Dairy Queen promotions are often franchisee-specific. Unlike a national, corporate-mandated discount, the Nurses Week offer is primarily associated with the Fourteen Foods group, which is one of the largest Dairy Queen franchisees in the United States, operating hundreds of Dairy Queen Grill & Chill locations across multiple states.

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Because Dairy Queen locations are independently owned and operated, a store not managed by Fourteen Foods may not participate in the free Blizzard® Treat promotion. This is a common point of confusion and disappointment for healthcare professionals who assume the deal is nationwide.

Steps to Confirm Your Local DQ is Participating:

1. Check the Fourteen Foods Website: Before Nurses Week, Fourteen Foods typically publishes a press release or a dedicated page listing the participating states and locations. Always check their official channels first.
2. Call Ahead: The safest way to confirm is to call your local Dairy Queen Grill & Chill location directly and ask if they are honoring the Nurses Week free small Blizzard® Treat promotion.
3. Look for In-Store Signage: Participating locations will almost always have prominent signage advertising the deal during the promotional week (May 5–11).

This focus on local participation ensures that the promotion remains fresh and unique, as it is a specific act of community appreciation rather than a blanket corporate policy. Always remember to be polite and understanding with the DQ staff, as they are simply following the rules set by their local owner or franchisee.

Beyond Nurses Week: Other Dairy Queen Deals and Community Support

While the Nurses Week freebie is highly anticipated, Dairy Queen maintains a strong commitment to community support through several other initiatives and programs. Understanding these other deals can help healthcare workers and their families save money and enjoy the iconic treats year-round.

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DQ Rewards Program

For consistent savings, all customers, including healthcare workers and their families, should download the DQ Rewards App. This loyalty program offers exclusive deals, special promotions, and a points system where you earn points on every order.

• Exclusive Deals: App users frequently receive coupons for BOGO (Buy One, Get One) deals or percentage discounts on food and treats.
• Birthday Surprise: Members typically receive a special birthday offer, which is a great way to celebrate.
• Seasonal Promotions: The app is the first place to find out about seasonal Blizzard® flavors and limited-time menu items.

Miracle Treat Day

Dairy Queen is also a major supporter of the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) through its annual Miracle Treat Day. This event, typically held in July, sees $1 or more from every Blizzard® Treat sold at participating locations donated to local children’s hospitals. This initiative highlights the brand's broader dedication to healthcare and community wellness, linking their core product—the Blizzard® Treat—directly to a charitable cause.

General Healthcare Worker Discounts

While a consistent, year-round "healthcare worker discount" is rare at Dairy Queen, it is always worth asking at your local DQ Grill & Chill. Some independently owned locations may offer a small, unadvertised discount (e.g., 10%) to military personnel, veterans, or healthcare staff as a standing policy. However, this is entirely at the discretion of the local owner/operator and is not a guaranteed deal.

In conclusion, the Dairy Queen Nurses Week free small Blizzard® Treat remains a wonderful annual tradition, primarily thanks to the efforts of franchisees like Fourteen Foods. For nurses and other dedicated healthcare professionals, the key is to mark your calendar for May 5–11, 2026, and always confirm participation with your local Dairy Queen location before making a trip. Enjoy your well-deserved treat!