National Ice Cream Day returns on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with free cones, complimentary mini cups and discounted frozen treats available at participating businesses across the United States. Dairy Queen, Friendly’s, Dippin’ Dots, Baskin-Robbins and Wendy’s are among the major chains announcing promotions, although several deals require advance rewards registration or an app-based order.
The offers are not identical. Some require no purchase, while others have minimum spending requirements, limited redemption periods or delivery exclusions. Customers should check local participation and activate digital rewards before visiting.
National Ice Cream Day deals for July 19
Dairy Queen: DQ Rewards members can receive one free Dilly Bar with an order of at least $1 placed through the DQ App. The promotion runs through July 19 at participating U.S. restaurants.
The Dilly Bar features vanilla soft serve covered with a crisp chocolate coating. Dairy Queen says a newly created reward may take up to 24 hours to appear. The offer is limited to one per person, cannot be combined with another deal and is unavailable for delivery. Customers can review the conditions on the official Dairy Queen National Ice Cream Day page.
Friendly’s: Every guest can receive a free cone or dish on July 19 without making another purchase. The giveaway is available for dine-in and carryout at participating Friendly’s restaurants nationwide.
Dippin’ Dots: Customers can receive a free mini cup in any available flavour during a designated two-hour window on July 19. The company says the promotion includes its 128 franchise locations, although customers should use the store locator to confirm participation and the precise giveaway time.
Dippin’ Dots is also offering 25% off online orders on July 19 with code NICD26. Its National Ice Cream Day sweepstakes offers eligible entrants a chance to win free Dippin’ Dots for one year and branded merchandise. Entries close at 11:59 p.m. ET on July 19, and age and residency requirements apply.
Wendy’s $1 Frosty promotion dates
Wendy’s Rewards members receive early access on July 19 to a small Classic Chocolate or Vanilla Frosty for $1. The promotion begins for other eligible customers on July 20 and continues through August 23 at participating Wendy’s restaurants nationwide.
The $1 Frosty can be ordered for dine-in, carryout or drive-thru collection when the purchase is placed through the Wendy’s app or website. Delivery orders are excluded. Customers can review the complete dates and redemption conditions for the Wendy’s $1 Frosty deal before ordering.
Baskin-Robbins extends its celebration
Baskin-Robbins Rewards members can receive $5 off an order of $20 or more from July 19 through July 25. Customers should sign in to their account and check that the digital offer has been applied before completing the purchase.
A second promotion arrives on July 26, when Rewards members can receive a free Single Scoop after purchasing another eligible Single Scoop. Redemption methods, exclusions and store participation should be confirmed through the Baskin-Robbins app.
More free and discounted treats
16 Handles: Rewards members can claim free frozen yogurt worth up to $5 through the company’s app on July 19 at participating locations.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: Customers can purchase a single-dip sugar cone for $1.56 from July 17 through July 19.
Insomnia Cookies: A free two-scoop ice cream cup is available with an eligible purchase of at least $5. Pickup and other ordering restrictions may apply, while rewards members can earn double points.
Marble Slab Creamery: Loyalty members can receive one free small ice cream on July 19 at participating stores.
Shake Shack: A single scoop of frozen custard is available for $3 from July 19 through August 19 with code CUSTARDTIME through eligible app, website or kiosk orders.
Stop & Shop: Eligible loyalty customers can obtain a free 1.5-quart container of participating store-brand ice cream after checking in at the in-store savings kiosk. The promotion continues through July 23.
Petco: Participating stores will offer one dog-friendly ice cream cup per dog while supplies last. Owners should confirm availability locally before travelling.
What customers should check first
Many promotions require customers to join a rewards program before ordering. An app-only deal may not provide a barcode for payment at the counter and may instead require the entire transaction to be completed digitally.
Participation, flavours, opening hours and stock can vary. Free items may run out, and most promotions cannot be combined with other coupons. Minimum purchase amounts generally apply before tax, while delivery charges and third-party delivery orders are commonly excluded.
Customers comparing other limited-time restaurant promotions can also check the ordering requirement for the Dunkin’ free Parke tumbler offer, which similarly depends on purchasing a qualifying menu item while promotional stock remains available.
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America’s most-ordered ice cream flavours
Instacart data released on July 8 showed that vanilla remained its most-ordered ice cream flavour in 2025, accounting for nearly 21% of orders. It ranked first in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. for the third consecutive year.
Chocolate placed second, followed by cookie dough, cookies and cream, and chocolate fudge or brownie. Häagen-Dazs was the platform’s most-ordered ice cream brand, narrowly ahead of Ben & Jerry’s. Breyers ranked third, followed by Tillamook and Halo Top.
Instacart also identified premium and “better-for-you” products among its fastest-growing choices, including Alec’s Ice Cream, Rebel, Straus Family Creamery and Van Leeuwen.
How National Ice Cream Day began
National Ice Cream Day is observed on the third Sunday of July. President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation in 1984 designating July as National Ice Cream Month and recognising the third Sunday as National Ice Cream Day.
The 2026 event falls at the height of summer, but the practical value for customers depends on planning. The strongest no-purchase offers may attract queues, while app-based rewards should be activated before arriving at the restaurant.
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