Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen, and More Have Free (And Discounted) Treats In Honor of National Ice Cream Day

Mark your calendars to eat ice cream on July 21.

By Cassandra Yorgey

Edited by Laura Ratliff

Updated Sept. 24, 2024

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Every year, on the third Sunday in July, businesses that profit from the sale of frozen desserts celebrate National Ice Cream Day — a great excuse to get a deal and enjoy a treat. Let's face it: we are already going to eat ice cream every hot summer's day, so making free or discounted options available is just a bonus perk on July 21.

Finding ways to save money on things you would buy anyway can be a smart shopping hack. Still, even those who have the self-control not to eat a gallon of ice cream daily during the record-breaking heat waves can treat themselves by grabbing a National Ice Cream Day freebie.

Here's where to get the best deals and freebies next Sunday.

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Dairy Queen

For one day only, Dairy Queen is offering a free Dilly Bar with any DQ app order of $1 or more. The deal is only available to rewards program members, but it's free to sign up. Deals can take up to 24 hours to appear on the app, so be sure to sign up now to get a free ice cream treat.

The Dilly Bar is soft-serve vanilla ice cream encased in chocolate served on a stick — essentially a popsicle version of their classic dipped cones.

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Friendly's

From July 17 through 21, Friendly's will offer single-scoop cones for only 89 cents in honor of Friendly's 89th anniversary — which just so happens to coincide with National Ice Cream Day. New members of the Friendly's Fan Club who sign up in July can also receive a discount on the iconic Fribble, scoring them for only $2 for the entire month of July.

Baskin Robbins

Scoop of ice cream surrounded by pink spoons

Delivery orders from Baskin Robbins through Uber Eats and DoorDash that are over $20 will receive $5 off on July 21, but in-store purchases can also receive discounts by using the in-app promo code SEIZETHEYAY at checkout.

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Dippin' Dots

Grab a free mini-cup of Dipping Dots on July 21. The offer will only be available during a two-hour window, so you'll have to check your local store for participation times. Online shoppers can also get a deal on the little delicious dots of ice cream. By using the promo code "nicd2024," there will be a 25% discount off orders—but it's only good on July 21.

Bottom line

It's the peak of summer, and we all want creamy, delicious frozen treats to beat the heat. National Ice Cream Day on July 21 is a great way to get some quick freebies and discounts from your favorite ice cream chains. Unlike other "National Food Days," we know exactly when this one was born: July 9, 1984.

President Ronald Reagan signed National Ice Cream Day into actual law, although technically, the proclamation only specified the holiday for 1984. That did not stop ice cream manufacturers from seizing the moment and continuing the celebrations annually.

As the cost of enjoying a treat at a restaurant or ice cream shop continues to rise, taking advantage of freebies and discounts can be more important than ever to lower overall dining costs.

Finding hidden restaurant discounts and freebies can offer more freedom in your leisure time outside the home, and ice cream is one of the best summer freebies.

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