{"id":403454,"date":"2026-07-18T12:14:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T12:14:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/403454\/"},"modified":"2026-07-18T12:14:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T12:14:15","slug":"national-ice-cream-day-2026-see-ca-deals-discounts-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/403454\/","title":{"rendered":"National Ice Cream Day 2026: See CA deals, discounts & more"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking for a sweet way to beat the California heat?<\/p>\n

National Ice Cream Day<\/a> is Sunday, July 19 \u2014 and several popular California chains are celebrating with free treats, giveaways and limited-time deals.<\/p>\n

The annual food holiday falls on the third Sunday of July each year<\/a> after President Ronald Reagan officially designated it as National Ice Cream Day in 1984.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re craving a shake or other frozen treat, here\u2019s where you can score National Ice Cream Day deals at participating California locations:<\/p>\n

BEHIND THE STORY MORE <\/a> Why we did this story <\/p>\n

Our community-driven series \u2014 How to California \u2014 is here to answer your questions<\/a> about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel in the Golden State. <\/p>\n

McClatchy\u2019s service journalism team, focused on helping our readers navigate daily life, works in communities across the state, including San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Merced, Modesto and Sacramento. <\/p>\n

Ask us your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 by emailing howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com<\/a> or filling out a form here. <\/a><\/p>\n

\"National National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 19 \u2014 and several popular California chains are celebrating with free treats, giveaways and limited-time deals. Courtesy of Dairy Queen How can I get free ice cream from Dairy Queen?<\/p>\n

At participating locations, Dairy Queen is giving DQ Rewards members free Dilly Bars<\/a> \u2014 featuring ice cream in a crunchy chocolate shell on a stick \u2014 with any $1 purchase made through the DQ app.<\/p>\n

The promotion runs through Sunday<\/a>, July 19, giving customers a few days to redeem the offer.<\/p>\n

To qualify, you\u2019ll need to sign up for a free DQ Rewards account<\/a> and place your order through the app.<\/p>\n

\u201cDeals may take 24 hours to appear\u201d for new members, according to the Dairy Queen website.<\/p>\n

The deal is limited to one free Dilly Bar per person<\/a>, cannot be combined with other offers and is not valid on delivery orders.<\/p>\n

What deals is Dippin\u2019 Dots offering for National Ice Cream Day 2026?<\/p>\n

Dippin\u2019 Dots is celebrating National Ice Cream Day by giving away free mini cups of its signature ice cream<\/a> on Sunday, July 19.<\/p>\n

The giveaway will take place during a two-hour window at participating Dippin\u2019 Dots stores and shopping center locations.<\/p>\n

Customers can choose any available flavor while supplies last.<\/p>\n

Dippin\u2019 Dots said customers should use its store locator to find participating locations<\/a> and confirm giveaway hours before heading out.<\/p>\n

How can I get free ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery?<\/p>\n

Instead of offering free ice cream in stores, Cold Stone Creamery is celebrating with a social media giveaway<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The company will award 10 Instagram followers a $70 Cold Stone gift card<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To enter, follow Cold Stone Creamery<\/a> on Instagram, like the giveaway post and tag a friend in the comments.<\/p>\n

The giveaway ends on Wednesday, July 22.<\/p>\n

Does Insomnia Cookies have any National Ice Cream Day deals?<\/p>\n

From Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19, customers who spend $5 or more can receive a free cup of Insomnia Cookies ice cream<\/a> at participating locations.<\/p>\n

Customers can check the Insomnia Cookies website<\/a> to see if their local store is participating.<\/p>\n

\"a360 Dippin\u2019 Dots is among the chains offering National Ice Cream Day deals for National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Courtesy of Dippin’ Dots Are there any milkshake deals?<\/p>\n

Del Taco is offering<\/a> buy-one, get-one free regular shakes from Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19.<\/p>\n

The offer is available exclusively to Del Yeah! Rewards members at select locations.<\/p>\n

To become a member<\/a>, you can register your email online.<\/p>\n

Where can my dog get a free treat?<\/p>\n

Petco is giving rewards members free scoops of dog-friendly ice cream<\/a> on National Ice Cream Day \u2014 Sunday, July 19 \u2014 at participating locations.<\/p>\n

The giveaway is limited to one scoop per dog, while supplies last.<\/p>\n

Have a question about life in California?<\/p>\n

How to California \u2014 a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll answer your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.<\/p>\n

Ask your questions in the form below (can\u2019t see it? Click here<\/a>) or email howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\n \"Profile
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Angela Rodriguez<\/a><\/p>\n

The Modesto Bee<\/p>\n

Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor\u2019s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.\n <\/p>\n