Ice Cream Franchises Celebrate Summer with Discounts and Specials
July 20 marks a special occasion when calories don’t count, sprinkles and whipped cream reign supreme and eating dessert before dinner is not only acceptable — it’s encouraged. It’s National Ice Cream Day!
This sweet celebration has taken place on the third Sunday in July since 1984, when President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation No. 5219. That year, July 15 was designated the first official National Ice Cream Day, and July was declared National Ice Cream Month. Reagan even described ice cream as “a nutritious and wholesome food, enjoyed by over 90 percent of the people in the United States.” And honestly — who can argue with that?
Today, the average American consumes about 20.8 liters, or more than 5 gallons, of ice cream annually. To keep up with this demand, ice cream makers produce over 870 million gallons, according to the World Population Review.
While it feels like National Ice Cream Day every day at ice cream franchises, these beloved brands are sweetening their marketing campaigns with great deals and discounts.
National Ice Cream Day 2025: Cool Deals and Freebies
16 Handles
Ice cream fans, rejoice! 16 Handles is offering free treats (up to $5) to anyone who orders through its app on July 20. This offer is valid at participating locations.
Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins rewards members can enjoy $5 off orders of $20 or more through third-party delivery July 20-26.
Burger King
Burger King is helping Royal Perks members beat the heat on National Ice Cream Day with a free soft serve cone or cup with purchases of $1 or more. This deal is valid only on July 20.
Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery is having fun this National Ice Cream Month with a week of mouthwatering deals and the debut of the Birthday Cake OREO Cookie Ice Cream Taco (above). On July 20, guests can enter for the chance to win ice cream for a year! Entry details are available on the ice cream franchise’s Instagram.
Dairy Queen
In celebration of National Ice Cream Day, Dairy Queen is offering its rewards members a free Dilly Bar (above) with any online or in-app purchase of $1 or more July 14-20.
Dippin’ Dots
For a two-hour window on July 20, Dippin’ Dots is offering free mini cups. Giveaway hours vary by location, so guests are encouraged to contact their local shop for details. Additionally, the first 100 people in line will score a collectible cup.
Friendly’s
Friendly’s is celebrating its 90th birthday and National Ice Cream Day with great deals from July 18-20. The brand’s loyalty members get a free cone or dish, and non- members can get a dish or cone for 90 cents.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
To commemorate its 80th anniversary and National Ice Cream Day, Handel’s is giving guests 80 and older a free small cone or dish at participating locations on July 20.
Kilwins
Kilwins is taking National Ice Cream Day to the next level with a great sweepstakes. From July 20-31, fans of the dessert franchise can enter for the chance to win free ice cream for a year by tagging a friend in the comments on the sweepstakes Instagram post and including the hashtag #Kilwins_Sweepstakes. The lucky winner will receive a Kilwins e-gift card valued at approximately $600.
Marble Slab Creamery
Marble Slab Creamery is giving its loyalty members a great reason to be excited about National Ice Cream Day. On July 20, they will receive a free small ice cream offer that is valid for seven days.
Yogurtland
Yogurtland is rewarding its loyalty members with double points on all in-store and online orders made on July 20.
