There are many reasons to scream right now—from cyclospora to corrupt politicians avoiding accountability.
What if instead we collectively squealed for ice cream on National Ice Cream Day? Well, we’re in luck because it’s today: Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Here’s some history along with deals to make this cool snack an even sweeter treat.
Before machines, how was ice cream made?
Ice cream is made up of cream, sugar, air, and frozen water. Flavors were added based on an individual’s taste preferences. Before refrigerators and machines, these ingredients were combined in a separate container, surrounded by ice and salt, which reached temperatures below freezing.
The mixture was then stirred and churned by hand. Because of this labor-intensive process, ice cream was once just a dish for the wealthy elites.
Who invented ice cream?
A fascinating aspect of this chilled delight is that many cultures created their own frozen desserts, paving the way for ice cream.
During the Tang Dynasty in ancient China, a precursor to ice cream was a sweet drink of iced camphor-infused buffalo milk. The Roman Emperor Nero liked to sweeten his iced beverages with honey. In India, kulfi, a frozen condensed milk dish, was enjoyed by Mughal emperors.
In England, Elias Ashmole recalled King Charles II of England being served a plate of ice cream at a fancy banquet.
In America, President Thomas Jefferson served ice cream at the White House. After his death, he left behind many writings, including only 10 recipes, one of which was for French vanilla ice cream.
What inventions helped bring ice cream to the masses?
In 1843, Nancy M. Johnson invented the first hand-cranked ice cream maker. She was also wise enough to patent her “Artificial Freezer.” This machine cut down on the hard manual labor and allowed ice cream to last 30 minutes.
The invention of the home refrigerator in 1910 also helped accelerate ice cream’s popularity. By the 1940s, many had ditched the outdated ice box for the new technology.
What does Ronald Reagan have to do with National Ice Cream Day?
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July National Ice Cream Month. He designated the third Sunday as National Ice Cream Day.
Where can you get National Ice Cream Day deals?
Now ice cream belongs to the people. Here’s where you can fulfill your purpose on the big day.
Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs reward members are eligible for a buy-one-get-one-free deal through the Sundae Funday Club.
Pick between the Caramel Cone Sundae, Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Sundae, or Hot Fudge & Caramel Sundae. This deal is valid every Sunday in July and ends on the 26th.
16 Handles
While you might think of 16 Handles as a frozen yogurt spot, it also has ice cream. (And froyo is also delicious, anyway.) On National Ice Cream Day, rewards members can score a free cup, up to a $5 value.
Blue Bell Ice Cream
Blue Bell Ice Cream is celebrating all month like Reagan intended. It introduced a limited-time flavor, Chocolate Lava Cake.
Petco
Ice cream is better when it’s shared. At least that’s what the dogs want us to believe.
Thankfully, Petco is offering rewards members a free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream pup cup at participating locations while supplies last. If you are not a rewards member, it is free to sign up.
Dairy Queen
At Dairy Queen, after making a $1 in app purchase, DQ Rewards members will be rewarded with a free Dilly Bar.
If you find yourself in Chicago and ride the train, you might be in for a sweet surprise.
Petty Cool Ice Cream
Pretty Cool Ice Cream and the Chicago Transit Authority are setting up at the Logan Square Blue Line and Fullerton Brown Line at 12 p.m. and 95th St Red Line and Pulaski Orange Line at 2:30 p.m.
The first 300 people who show up and also follow @prettycoolicecream and @chicagocta will get a free popsicle based on the different lines.
Dippin’ Dots
Select Dippin’ Dots locations will be giving out free mini cups of the unique treat during a special two hour window. Click here to find a location and time frame near you.
If you want even more Dippin’ Dots, head to Chuck E. Cheese. At the place where a kid can be a kid, you can also get one free small Dippin’ Dots per household.
Shout for joy. The horrors of the world will keep while you eat your frozen treat.
