Free ice cream? 6 California chains have National Ice Cream Day deals
Looking for a sweet way to beat the California heat?
National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 19 — and several popular California chains are celebrating with free treats, giveaways and limited-time deals.
The annual food holiday falls on the third Sunday of July each year after President Ronald Reagan officially designated it as National Ice Cream Day in 1984.
Whether you’re craving a shake or other frozen treat, here’s where you can score National Ice Cream Day deals at participating California locations:
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How can I get free ice cream from Dairy Queen?
At participating locations, Dairy Queen is giving DQ Rewards members free Dilly Bars — featuring ice cream in a crunchy chocolate shell on a stick — with any $1 purchase made through the DQ app.
The promotion runs through Sunday, July 19, giving customers a few days to redeem the offer.
To qualify, you’ll need to sign up for a free DQ Rewards account and place your order through the app.
“Deals may take 24 hours to appear” for new members, according to the Dairy Queen website.
The deal is limited to one free Dilly Bar per person, cannot be combined with other offers and is not valid on delivery orders.
What deals is Dippin’ Dots offering for National Ice Cream Day 2026?
Dippin’ Dots is celebrating National Ice Cream Day by giving away free mini cups of its signature ice cream on Sunday, July 19.
The giveaway will take place during a two-hour window at participating Dippin’ Dots stores and shopping center locations.
Customers can choose any available flavor while supplies last.
Dippin’ Dots said customers should use its store locator to find participating locations and confirm giveaway hours before heading out.
How can I get free ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery?
Instead of offering free ice cream in stores, Cold Stone Creamery is celebrating with a social media giveaway.
The company will award 10 Instagram followers a $70 Cold Stone gift card.
To enter, follow Cold Stone Creamery on Instagram, like the giveaway post and tag a friend in the comments.
The giveaway ends on Wednesday, July 22.
Does Insomnia Cookies have any National Ice Cream Day deals?
From Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19, customers who spend $5 or more can receive a free cup of Insomnia Cookies ice cream at participating locations.
Customers can check the Insomnia Cookies website to see if their local store is participating.
Are there any milkshake deals?
Del Taco is offering buy-one, get-one free regular shakes from Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19.
The offer is available exclusively to Del Yeah! Rewards members at select locations.
To become a member, you can register your email online.
Where can my dog get a free treat?
Petco is giving rewards members free scoops of dog-friendly ice cream on National Ice Cream Day — Sunday, July 19 — at participating locations.
The giveaway is limited to one scoop per dog, while supplies last.
