National Ice Cream Day & Free Cone Deals (2026)
National Ice Cream Day falls on Sunday, July 19, 2026 — the third Sunday of July — and it caps off National Ice Cream Month, which is all of July. It's the biggest day of the year for ice cream deals, and a perfect excuse to visit a local scoop shop. Here's what the day is about and how to make the most of the deals.
What is National Ice Cream Day?
National Ice Cream Day is an unofficial food holiday celebrated on the third Sunday of July. It grew out of a 1984 presidential proclamation that named July "National Ice Cream Month" and the third Sunday "National Ice Cream Day." There's no official body running it — it's simply a nationwide celebration that shops, chains, and ice cream lovers lean into every summer.
Key dates for 2026
| Occasion | 2026 date |
|---|---|
| National Ice Cream Month | All of July |
| National Ice Cream Day | Sunday, July 19 |
| National Ice Cream Sandwich Day | August 2 |
| National Ice Cream Cone Day | September 22 |
How to find free and discounted ice cream
Deals change every year, but the patterns are reliable. Around National Ice Cream Day you can usually expect:
- Local scoop shops running dollar-off scoops, BOGO cones, or free samples — often the best and most generous deals, and the ones worth seeking out.
- App and loyalty perks — many shops and chains push a free or discounted scoop to app users and email subscribers, so sign up a few days ahead.
- Chain promotions announced in the week or two before — check each brand's app or social media for that year's specific offer rather than assuming last year's deal returns.
Separately, Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day is its own event (typically in spring, not July) — worth watching for if a scoop shop near you is a scoop shop partner.
Make a day of it
National Ice Cream Day is a great reason to try a shop you've never been to. Use it to taste a new flavor, compare gelato and frozen custard, or finally visit that local creamery across town. Find an artisan ice cream shop near you and see who's celebrating.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Ice Cream Day 2026?
National Ice Cream Day 2026 is Sunday, July 19 — the third Sunday of July. The entire month of July is National Ice Cream Month.
Where can I get free ice cream on National Ice Cream Day?
Watch local scoop shops (often the best deals), plus chain apps and loyalty programs, which frequently offer a free or discounted scoop. Deals are announced each year in the week or two beforehand, so sign up for apps and email lists ahead of time.
Is National Ice Cream Day the same as Free Cone Day?
No. National Ice Cream Day is the third Sunday of July. Ben & Jerry's "Free Cone Day" is a separate, brand-run event, usually held in the spring.
Ready to celebrate? Find an ice cream shop near you.