National Ice Cream Day 2026 deals and freebies

As summer continues and temperatures heat up, Americans are preparing to celebrate National Ice Cream Day on July 19.

This means, several restaurants and businesses are serving up deals to mark the "sweet" occasion. 

Here's a look at the deals and freebies for National Ice Cream Day.

Carvel

This National Ice Cream Day, Carvel is turning dessert fails into free ice cream for 500 people who submit photos of their "dessert disasters" through July 24. Winners will receive a gift card for a free Carvelanche — Carvel's mashup of soft serve "piled high with an avalanche of mix-ins."

Cold Stone

According to Cold Stone's Instagram account, the ice cream chain will be offering some exciting giveaways. Follow their Instagram account for more. 

Dairy Queen

From July 13 through July 19, DQ Rewards members will get a free Dilly Bar with any purchase of $1 or more in the DQ App.

The deal will be available at participating U.S. locations. Customers must create a DQ Rewards account to receive the deal; deals may take 24 hours to appear.

Del Taco

To celebrate the occasion, Del Taco is offering buy-one-get-one free milkshakes for rewards members from 7/17 to 7/19. The offer is available in classic flavors at participating locations for Del Yeah! Rewards members.

Dippin' Dots

On July 19, fans can enjoy free mini cups at all 128 Dippin’ Dots franchise locations nationwide (no purchase necessary). One lucky fan will also win free Dippin' Dots for a year, a first for the brand's National Ice Cream Day celebration.

Customers can also get a free serving of the exclusive Chuck E.'s Cookie Crunch flavor at participating Chuck E. Cheese locations nationwide with a digital coupon.

Friendly's

A free single-scoop cone will be available on National Ice Cream Day. No purchase is necessary.

GoPuff

Food delivery service GoPuff is offering special promotions from 7/13 through 7/19. Customers can purchase 2 pints of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for $8, 2 pints of Halo Top ice cream for $10, and 30% Off Snickers and Twix Ice Cream Bar packs. 

Gopuff FAM members can also access select pints from Magnum Ice Cream, Ben & Jerry’s, Breyer’s and more for only $3.50 per pint. 

Häagen-Dazs

On National Ice Cream Day, Häagen-Dazs Shops are offering a Buy One, Get One Free sundae deal for rewards members. The offer is valid on the three featured sundaes: Caramel Cone Sundae, Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Sundae and Hot Fudge & Caramel Sundae. You can join the rewards program by downloading the Häagen-Dazs app through the App Store or online.

Handel's

The first 250 guests at each participating Handel’s location will receive a free, limited-edition Handel's baseball cap with any ice cream purchase. 

This adjustable, signature-blue cap features the brand's iconic cherry logo and is available exclusively on July 19 while supplies last, with a limit of one per person.

Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies is offering a free two-scoop ice cream cup with any $5 purchase from July 17-July 19.

Marble Slab Creamery

Loyalty members can get a free small ice cream on National Ice Cream Day.

My/Mochi Ice Cream

Every Friday in July, the brand is giving away cool "summer chill packs" with free ice cream coupons, sun hats, lip balm, and more to beat the heat. And, for National Ice Cream Day, one Grand Prize Winner will win a year's supply of My/Mochi ice cream.

To enter the giveaway, follow My/Mochi on Instagram, like the post and comment with your summer plans and tag a friend to snack with. Weekly winners will scoop up a summer chill pack and ahead of National Ice Cream Day and enter for a chance to win a year's supply of My/Mochi ice cream. 

Wendy's

Wendy's is offering a $1 small Frosty on National Ice Cream Day (7/19). The offer is available in the app. Fans can also snap the deal in store from 7/20-7/23.