Celebrating National Ice Cream Day: Sweet Deals Across the Nation

The third Sunday in July is known as National Ice Cream Day, a celebration dedicated to one of America’s favorite treats: ice cream. This year, July 21 is the particular date when enthusiasts across the nation can indulge in various sweet offerings from numerous ice cream parlors and chains, many of which are providing exclusive discounts and free items to celebrate the occasion.

National Ice Cream Day has been recognized annually since 1984, when then-President Ronald Reagan declared the third Sunday of July a day to honor this beloved dessert. He famously described ice cream as a ‘nutritious and wholesome food’ and established July as National Ice Cream Month, which has been a cause for celebration ever since.

As the day approaches, ice cream shops are gearing up to attract customers looking for sweet deals. Friendly's, a family restaurant chain celebrating its 89th birthday this year, is treating its patrons with a special offer: a single-scoop cone available for just 89 cents from now until July 21. This promotion not only honors their anniversary but also aligns with the festivities of National Ice Cream Day.

Additionally, those who register for the Friendly’s Fan Club will gain access to a ‘Fribble’ for just $2 for the duration of July, further sweetening the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the month.

Baskin-Robbins is also joining in on the fun. From July 21 through July 27, customers can enjoy $5 off any purchase of $20 or more. Plus, a special gift card can be snagged with the purchase of an ‘ice cream social’ necklace, which features popular flavors like cotton candy and cappuccino blast.

Dairy Queen has reached out to its rewards members with a unique offer for National Ice Cream Day. On July 21, participating locations will provide a complimentary Dilly Bar with any order totaling $1 or more. This special offer has already sparked excitement among loyal customers eager to celebrate.

Meanwhile, for those with a penchant for late-night snacks, Insomnia Cookies plans to dish out a free ice cream treat with any purchase over the weekend of National Ice Cream Day, providing an exciting blend of cookie and ice cream for patrons who are willing to indulge.

Cold Stone Creamery will reward its members of the Cold Stone Club with a $5 discount on any purchase exceeding $10, a treat that runs until July 23. They are also bringing back some fan-favorite retro snacks, including the beloved Root Beer Float and Classic Fudge Sundae, delighting customers with nostalgia.

Dippin’ Dots has planned an enticing giveaway: on the day of the holiday, they are offering free mini cups of their colorful ice cream during a two-hour promotional window. Patrons are encouraged to check their local shop for the precise timing of this sweet giveaway to ensure they don’t miss out.

In a similar spirit, Burger King rewards members can also take advantage of a National Ice Cream Day offer. On July 21, they can redeem a free soft-serve ice cream with a purchase of just $1. Furthermore, Royal Perks members can redeem a soft serve cup or cone for only 150 points—a discount from the usual 250 points—through the end of July.

As for those in search of unique flavors, the popular ice cream shop Humphry Slocombe in San Francisco is hosting a raffle to commemorate National Ice Cream Day. They are giving away three 9-inch breakfast ice cream cakes, with raffle tickets priced at just $1, with proceeds benefitting Project Open Hand—a charity dedicated to providing meals for the sick and vulnerable.

Salt & Straw, another celebrated ice cream destination, also has exciting offers lined up. They are providing a free pint of ice cream with the purchase of three pints ordered for delivery. This month, they are unveiling several limited-time flavors including birthday cake & blackberries and huckleberry cornbread pudding, enticing locals and visitors alike to experience their innovative creations.

Marble Slab Creamery has also decided to join the festive atmosphere by offering customers a free small cup of ice cream when they purchase another small cup or larger in-store on July 21. In addition, they are providing a $5 discount on ice cream cakes via a special promotional code, allowing ice cream lovers to celebrate the occasion in style.

As the nation gears up for National Ice Cream Day, there’s no shortage of delicious deals designed to sweeten the day. Whether it’s a classic scoop, a nostalgic treat, or a modern spin on the frozen favorite, ice cream enthusiasts have plenty of opportunities to indulge in their favorite flavors across the country.