H2 – Introduction: A Sweet Celebration of Summer
Every third Sunday in July, we celebrate National Ice Cream Day—a day to indulge in creamy, cold delights. This year, July 20, 2025, brings exciting deals and freebies from favorite ice cream shops and fast-food chains. In addition, big and small brands offer deals all month. With so many choices, this guide helps you scoop up the best offers and enjoy the sweetest summer treat.You know about theglobespot, andaazdaily, openrendz and ice cream specials for national ice cream day also Buzzfeed.
H2 – The Origins of National Ice Cream Day and Month
July is officially National Ice Cream Month, with National Ice Cream Day falling on the third Sunday. These observances stem from joint congressional resolutions in 1984, signed by President Reagan via Proclamation 5219 Wikipedia. Since then, Americans have embraced July for celebrating ice cream.
National Ice Cream Day began on July 15, 1984 Wikipedia. Today, it falls on July 20, 2025, aligning with tradition and giving us one more reason to enjoy a frozen treat.
H2 – Major Chains Serving Freebies & Sweet Deals
H3 – Dairy Queen (July 14–20)
Deal: Free Dilly Bar (classic vanilla dipped) with any $1+ app purchase Dairy QueenThe IndependentPeople.com
Why it’s great: Soft, crunchy treat.
How to redeem: Download DQ® App → Rewards account → add Dilly Bar and another item → apply deal.
H3 – Wendy’s (July 20 Only)
Deal: Free small Frosty with any purchase through the Wendy’s app AllrecipesLiveNOW
Why it’s great: Choose from chocolate, vanilla, or limited-edition Fusion flavors like Oreo Brownie or Pop-Tarts Strawberry.
H3 – Burger King (July 20 Only)
Deal: Free soft serve cone with any $1+ purchase for Royal Perks members LiveNOWThe Independent
Why it’s great: Classic BK soft serve, no frills.
H3 – Baskin‑Robbins (July 20–26)
Deal: $5 off $20+ orders via delivery apps for Rewards members People.comFortuneAllrecipes
Also: New “Sweet on Sydney” menu with rainbow sherbet cone and soda-based shake Allrecipes
Why it’s great: Big savings + star-powered menu items.
H3 – Cold Stone Creamery
Deal: July 18: $3 off $10+ with code NICD3OFF10. July 19: $5 off $15+ by texting LOVEIT25. July 20: Chance to win free ice cream for a year via Instagram LiveNOWWBIR
Why it’s great: Multi‑day deals and sweepstakes.
H3 – Friendly’s (July 20)
Deal: Free cone or dish for Fan Club members; all can buy single scoop for $0.90 AllEars.NetThe Independent
Why it’s great: Affordable for everyone, exclusive perk for fans.
H3 – Dippin’ Dots (July 20)
Deal: Free mini cup during a two‑hour window; first 100 get souvenir cup.
Plus: 25% off online orders with code NICD25 People.comAllEars.Net
Why it’s great: Novelty flash giveaway + digital savings.
H3 – Graeter’s Ice Cream (July 18–20)
Deal: Sugar cones for rewards members at $1.55 LiveNOWAllEars.Net
Why it’s great: Heritage chocolatier offering classic savings.
H3 – Marble Slab Creamery (July 20)
Deal: Free small ice cream for loyalty members; valid for 7 days LiveNOWAllEars.Net
Why it’s great: Extended redemption window after National Ice Cream Day.
H3 – Van Leeuwen (July 20, 12–2 pm ET)
Deal: $3 scoops of Honeycomb flavor in-store LiveNOWAllEars.NetThe Independent
Why it’s great: Premium gelato at budget price, limited hours.
H3 – Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (July 20)
Deal: Free sundae fudge sauce topping with any scoop People.comAllEars.Net
Why it’s great: Flavor enhancement on artisanal ice cream.
H3 – Halo Top
Deal: Free pint for those with certain names (Ben, Jerry, Edy)—submit proof by July 20 LiveNOWPeople.com
Why it’s great: Fun promotion with brand pun.
H2 – Grocery and Brand-Level Promotions
H3 – Popsicle (All July)
Deal: Buy one, get one free at Target, Publix, Kroger People.comAllEars.Net
Why it’s great: Stock the freezer without overspending.
H3 – Klondike Bar (All July)
Deal: Digital coupons via Fetch, iBotta, Walmart Cash People.comAllEars.Net
Why it’s great: Easy-to-use savings on classic bar.
H3 – Talenti (July 14–20)
Deal: BOGO‑50% off gelato at stores and Wakefern; iBotta deals through mid‑August People.comAllEars.Net
Why it’s great: Premium gelato for less, with extended deals.
H3 – Breyers (Late July)
Deal: BOGO free and bundled deals at Publix, Kroger, Albersons People.com
Why it’s great: Freeze deals after peak season.
H3 – My/Mochi Ice Cream (July 20)
Deal: Instagram contest to win a year’s supply AllEars.NetWBIR
Why it’s great: Fun social engagement + free mochi.
H3 – Petco Pup Cups (July 20)
Deal: Free pup cups in-store AllEars.NetThe Independent
Why it’s great: Celebrate with your furry friend!
H3 – DoorDash x Ben & Jerry’s (July 20)
Deal: $5 off grocery/convenience order with two pints via DashPass The Independent
Why it’s great: Delivery convenience with savings.
H2 – Regional & Local Ice Cream Events
H3 – DC‑Area Free Scoops & New Shops
In Washington DC, free scoops and grand opening specials (like Yala Greek Ice Cream in Georgetown) are announced for Sunday Allrecipes+11Axios+11Allrecipes+11.
H3 – Richmond, VA Weekend Fun
Gelati Celesti offers free ice cream July 20 as part of a weekend event with live music and community activities Axios.
H3 – Other City Highlights
Many local parlors host freebies, deals, and events—check your favorite shop’s socials or website.
H2 – Tips to Maximize Your Ice Cream Day Experience
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Join loyalty programs & download apps – Many deals require membership.
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Plan your route – Schedule shorter lines like DQ (all week) vs pop-ups like Van Leeuwen (2 hr window).
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Stack savings – Use digital coupons (Cold Stone, Klondike) plus delivery promos.
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Think beyond cones – Include grocery deals for future enjoyment at home.
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Bring your pet – Pup cup from Petco makes it inclusive!
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Drive responsibly – Plan pick-ups or walk to avoid traffic.
H2 – Beyond Deals: Community, Charity & Fun
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Many shops use promotions to support charities or local causes.
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Social campaigns like Halo Top’s name-based giveaway and My/Mochi contest add engagement.
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Events like pup days or live music turn ice cream into a celebration.
H2 – How to Enjoy National Ice Cream Day
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Friends & family: Turn it into a social outing or tasting tour.
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Pet friendly plans: Bring your dog for a frozen treat.
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At home celebrations: Stock popsicles, BOGO gelato, and have backyard sundaes.
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DIY tribute: Create fancy sundaes honoring history like sundaes (originating in the 1890s) Axios+2Wikipedia+2AARP+2Allrecipes+7timeout.com+7AllEars.Net+7Allrecipes+4AllEars.Net+4People.com+4LiveNOWAxios+1People.com+1People.com.
H2 – Hottest Trends and Flavors in 2025
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Fusion flavors at Wendy’s Frosty and Cold Stone mix-ins.
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Artisanal offerings at Jeni’s and Van Leeuwen.
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Unique experiences like Greek ice cream in DC and pup cups.
H2 – National Ice Cream Day FAQ
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When is it? Third Sunday of July—July 20, 2025.
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Why celebrate? It honors a presidential proclamation and celebrates summer favorites.
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Deals vary by location: Always check terms, apps, and local hours.
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Limit one per account: Many offers restrict redemptions.
H2 – What to Do Post-Day
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Use extended deals through July 26 (Baskin‑Robbins), month-long coupons (Klondike/Popsicle), and app promos (Cold Stone).
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Share your favorite scoop on social media—brands often repost fan content!
H2 – Conclusion
National Ice Cream Day 2025 brings an abundance of free treats, discounts, and fun events for ice cream lovers. Whether indulging in a Frosty, exploring local shops, grabbing grocery freebies, or sharing pup cups with your dog, this holiday offers something sweet for everyone. Plus, many deals continue beyond July 20, giving you more reasons to celebrate all month.
