Complete Guide To National Ice Cream Day 2024 Freebies Deals And Discounts Across America

National Ice Cream Day on July 21, 2024, offers numerous opportunities for ice cream enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite frozen treats at discounted prices or even for free. Established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, this annual celebration falls on the third Sunday of July each year and is part of National Ice Cream Month. With approximately 97% of Americans reporting that they either love or like ice cream according to a 2024 survey by the International Dairy Foods Association and Morning Consult, it's no wonder that retailers and ice cream shops across the country participate in this sweet celebration.

This comprehensive guide details the freebies, discounts, and special offers available from national chains and local establishments during National Ice Cream Day 2024. Whether you're a fan of classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or adventurous flavors, there are deals available for every palate and preference.

The History and Significance of National Ice Cream Day

National Ice Cream Day was officially established in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan designated the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day and the entire month of July as National Ice Cream Month. This presidential proclamation recognized the popularity and cultural significance of ice cream in American society.

According to a 2024 survey conducted by the International Dairy Foods Association and Morning Consult, about 97% of Americans either love or like ice cream, highlighting its widespread appeal. When asked about their favorite flavors, respondents listed vanilla as their top choice, followed by chocolate, strawberry, butter pecan, and cookie dough.

The survey also revealed interesting preferences for ice cream toppings, with hot fudge being the favorite at 35%, followed by whipped cream at 29%, caramel sauce at 24%, and chocolate sauce at 21%. These preferences help retailers design special offerings and promotions that align with consumer tastes.

Delivery service Instacart's analysis of orders from June to August 2023 confirmed vanilla as the most popular flavor, with 29% of orders including vanilla ice cream. Chocolate came in second place, while cookies and cream was third in Instacart's analysis. This data contrasts slightly with YouGov's 2022 survey, which found mint chocolate chip in third place, highlighting varying preferences across different data sources.

National Chain Restaurant Offers

Major ice cream and fast-food chains typically offer the most extensive promotions for National Ice Cream Day, with many requiring loyalty program membership or minimum purchases. Here's a detailed breakdown of offers from popular national chains:

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen is offering one of the most straightforward deals of National Ice Cream Day. DQ Rewards loyalty program members can receive a free Dilly Bar with any DQ Rewards order of $1 or more on July 21, 2024. To take advantage of this offer, customers must have the DQ App and be enrolled in the DQ Rewards program. Some sources indicate that this offer may be available through July 20, 2025, though the primary promotion is for National Ice Cream Day itself.

Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery is providing multiple ways for customers to save during the celebration period. My Cold Stone Club Rewards program members can get $5 off a purchase of $10 or more in stores, online, and in the app through July 23, 2024. Additionally, Cold Stone is offering a specific discount code FLOAT24 that members can use to take $5 off any ice cream or ice cream cake purchase over $10. This extended promotion period gives customers several days to take advantage of the savings.

Baskin Robbins

Baskin Robbins is celebrating with a week-long promotion for rewards members. From July 21 through July 27, 2024, BR app users can get $5 off orders over $20 by ordering ahead and using code SEIZETHEYAY or scanning the coupon in their BR app in-store. Some sources indicate that through July 26, rewards members can also get $5 off any order of $20 placed through third-party delivery apps, providing additional flexibility for how customers can access their discount.

Carvel

Carvel is celebrating its 90th birthday in conjunction with National Ice Cream Day by offering $6 off orders of $35 or more on UberEats and DoorDash (DashPass only). This promotion is valid from now through July 21, 2024. However, there appears to be some discrepancy in the minimum purchase requirement, with one source mentioning $85 or more, while others specify $35 or more. Customers should verify the exact terms when placing their order.

Burger King

Burger King is joining the celebration with a royally good deal for BK Rewards members. On July 21, 2024, members can receive a free soft-serve ice cream with any purchase over $1. This simple offer makes it accessible to nearly all customers who are part of the BK Rewards loyalty program.

Dippin' Dots

Dippin' Dots is maintaining an element of surprise for National Ice Cream Day. While the specifics of their giveaway are not fully disclosed, participating shops will be giving away free mini cups of Dippin' Dots during a two-hour window on July 21. Some sources indicate that 120 locations nationwide will offer these free mini cups on July 20 during a 2-hour window. Customers are encouraged to check with their local store to determine the exact timing of the giveaway.

Friendly's

Friendly's is celebrating its 89th Founder's Day in conjunction with National Ice Cream Day by offering 89-cent single-scoop ice cream cones either in-store or to-go through July 21, 2024. One source also mentions 90-cent single-scoop ice cream cones or dishes, suggesting there might be slight variations in pricing or offerings depending on the location. The first Friendly's shop opened in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1935, making this a particularly significant celebration for the chain.

Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies is getting in on the National Ice Cream Day fun by offering Insomnia Rewards loyalty program members a free cup of ice cream with any purchase through July 21, 2024. Additionally, Insomnia Rewards members get double rewards points all week, providing extra value beyond the free ice cream offering.

Marble Slab Creamery

Marble Slab Creamery is participating in National Ice Cream Day by offering a free small cup of ice cream when customers purchase a small cup or larger in stores on July 21, 2024 only. This straightforward buy-one-get-one-free style promotion provides immediate value to customers on the actual celebration day.

16 Handles

For those who prefer soft-serve treats, 16 Handles is offering a free soft-serve when customers download the 16 Handles app and visit a participating store on Sunday, July 21, 2024. This promotion encourages new customer acquisition while rewarding existing customers with a complimentary treat.

Regional and Local Ice Cream Shop Specials

In addition to national chains, many local and regional ice cream shops participate in National Ice Cream Day with unique offerings and specials. These establishments often provide more personalized experiences and community-focused celebrations.

Washington D.C. Area

The Washington D.C. metro area has several notable ice cream celebrations:

• Cut DC, located at 1050 31st St NW, Washington, D.C., is rolling out an ice cream cart at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant in Georgetown. The cart will offer special pricing on ice cream scoops, sandwiches, and "Pawpsicles" (presumably frozen treats for dogs) outside the Rosewood Washington DC hotel from 2-7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

• Dolcezza, with locations in D.C., Bethesda, Maryland, and Mosaic District in Virginia, is celebrating its 20th birthday on National Ice Cream Day. The shop is offering thousands of free scoops of Argentine-style gelato. Customers can receive a free scoop of Chocotorta gelato by saying "Dolcezza happy birthday" when placing their order. The Chocotorta is described as a dulce de leche gelato with a chocolate-cookie-dulce-de-leche-mousse cake folded into it.

• Here's the Scoop, located at 2824 Georgia Ave NW LL in Washington, D.C., is offering a buy one, get one free deal on soft serve from 1-3 p.m. As Columbia Heights' first Black woman-owned ice cream shop, this promotion supports both local business ownership and community celebration.

Ice Cream Festivals

Beyond individual shop promotions, several cities are hosting ice cream festivals on National Ice Cream Day. These events often feature multiple vendors, special activities, and larger-scale celebrations of ice cream culture. Notable festivals include those in New York City, San Francisco, St. Petersburg, Florida, and Ashburn, Virginia. While specific details about these festivals aren't provided in the source material, they represent significant community celebrations centered around America's favorite frozen treat.

How to Maximize Your National Ice Cream Day Experience

To make the most of National Ice Cream Day 2024, consider the following strategies:

1. Join Loyalty Programs in Advance: Many offers require membership in loyalty programs like DQ Rewards, My Cold Stone Club, or BK Rewards. Sign up for these programs before July 21 to ensure you can access the deals.

2. Check App Requirements: Some offers, like those at Baskin Robbins and 16 Handles, require using specific apps or codes. Download these apps and familiarize yourself with their interfaces before the promotion day.

3. Verify Local Participation: While national chains typically participate uniformly, individual franchise locations may have different policies. Call ahead to confirm that your local store is offering the advertised promotions.

4. Plan for Timing: Some offers, like Dippin' Dots' free mini cups, are only available during specific two-hour windows. Check with your local store to determine these times and plan accordingly.

5. Combine Offers When Possible: Some promotions can be combined with other discounts or offers. For example, using a delivery app promotion along with a National Ice Cream Day deal might provide additional savings.

6. Explore Local Options: Don't overlook local and regional ice cream shops, which often offer unique promotions and experiences that national chains don't provide.

7. Consider Dietary Preferences: Many shops now offer dairy-free, vegan, and low-sugar options. Check menus in advance to ensure there are options that meet your dietary needs.

8. Take Advantage of Extended Promotions: Some offers, like those at Cold Stone and Baskin Robbins, extend beyond July 21, giving you multiple days to take advantage of the deals.

Conclusion

National Ice Cream Day 2024 presents numerous opportunities for ice cream enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite treats at discounted prices or even for free. From national chains like Dairy Queen, Cold Stone, and Baskin Robbins to local establishments in various cities, there are promotions available for nearly every taste and preference.

The most significant offers include free Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen with any $1 purchase for rewards members, $5 discounts from Cold Stone and Baskin Robbins on qualifying purchases, and free soft-serve treats from Burger King and 16 Handles. Local shops in the Washington D.C. area are also getting in on the celebration with unique promotions like Dolcezza's free birthday gelato scoops and Here's the Scoop's buy-one-get-one-free soft serve deal.

To maximize these opportunities, consumers should join loyalty programs in advance, verify local participation, and plan their timing around specific offer windows. With approximately 97% of Americans enjoying ice cream, National Ice Cream Day represents not just a celebration of a beloved treat but also a significant marketing opportunity for retailers and a joyful experience for consumers.

As President Ronald Reagan recognized when establishing this holiday, ice cream holds a special place in American culture and brings people together. Whether you're a vanilla traditionalist or an adventurous flavor explorer, National Ice Cream Day 2024 offers something sweet for everyone.

Sources

1. National Ice Cream Day 2024: All the freebies, deals and discounts in metro Phoenix
2. Here's The Scoop On National Ice Cream Day 2024 Freebies And Deals
3. Free scoops and specials for National Ice Cream Day 2024
4. Free scoops and specials for National Ice Cream Day in the DC area
5. National Ice Cream Day 2025: How to get the scoop on deals, freebies
6. National Ice Cream Day 2024 Franchise Freebies and Discounts
7. National Ice Cream Day 2024: Get some cool deals at Dairy Queen, Cold Stone, Jeni's and more