Everywhere You Can Get Free Ice Cream for National Ice Cream Day

National Ice Cream Day, one of the few “food holidays” actually worth getting excited about, is Sunday, July 16. That means ice cream purveyors across America are celebrating by handing out all sorts of cups, cones, and other frozen treats for free. While some of the sweet deals — much like ice cream toppings — are better than others, you can safely expect to have ice cream, hot fudge sauce, and sprinkles dripping down your hand before the day is up.

Here’s our running list of free ice cream giveaways and other deals from several popular chains across the country (there are plenty of local deals in cities like New York and Los Angeles, too):

Free ice cream deals

McDonald’s
The deal: Your local Mickey D’s will give you a free vanilla soft serve cone if you download the fast food chain’s mobile app and redeem the Free Vanilla Cone offer. You’ll also be entered to win a one-of-a-kind "Golden Arches Cone” that will entitle you to free McDonald’s soft serve for life.
When: July 16; 2pm to 5pm local time for the sweepstakes

Carvel
The deal: Just like last year, Carvel will give you any size soft serve ice cream cone or cup when you buy one. You can choose from three flavors: vanilla, chocolate, or Oreo.
When: July 16

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
The deal: Kids and teens under 18 will get a free kids scoop in a classic orange cake cone with sprinkles, when an accompanying adult buys a scoop or cone.
When: July 16

Dippin’ Dots
The deal: If you enjoy eating ice cream in the form of “futuristic” flash-frozen pebbles, then this shopping center and entertainment venue regular’s got you covered with a free mini cup of ice cream at most locations.
When: July 16; times vary by location, so call ahead

Cumberland Farms
The deal: You’ll get a free Farmhouse Premium Ice Cream Sandwich of your choice when you buy a 20oz Pepsi or Mountain Dew drink. Oh, and probably one helluva sugar rush. Probably not the best combo.
When: July 16

Steak ‘n Shake
The deal: The roadside burger chain has a coupon for buy-one-get-one (BOGO) Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshakes -- you know, in case you need something more substantial than a scoop or soft serve. This deal, along with a few other milkshake coupons, isn't pegged to National Ice Cream Day, but the occasion could very well be your excuse to cash in.
When: Now through August 31

Your Pie
The deal: This wood-fired, brick-oven pizza chain will give you a free scoop of its premium gelato. A spokesperson recommends contact your nearest location for more details.
When: July 16

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
The deal: The nation’s first liquid nitrogen ice cream chain is offering a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal on its custom ice cream creations.
When: July 16, 2pm to 6pm

PetSmart
The deal: Turns out your dog can get in on the dessert-filled celebration, too. The pet retailer is handing out free Doggie Ice Cream Sundaes -- dog-safe vanilla ice cream topped with a dog biscuit sprinkle -- at its PetSmart PetsHotel locations nationwide.
When: July 16

Other ice cream deals

Baskin-Robbins
The deal: Although the 31 flavors purveyor is celebrating the occasion this year early with free samples of its new ice cream pizza on Friday, July 14, the chain is also promising offers for more freebies and deals on National Ice Cream Day itself if you download the Baskin-Robbins Mobile App. Unfortunately, the company wouldn’t say what to expect.
When: July 14 and July 16

Marble Slab Creamery
The deal: Get $2 off your purchase of $10 or more at most locations in the US and Puerto Rico.
When: Now through the end of July

Friendly’s
The deal: This restaurant chain will sell you any full-size Friend-z (they come in nine flavors) for $2.99. The company will donate $2 from each one sold to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
When: All summer

Graeter’s Ice Cream
The deal: Grab an ice cream cone for $1.47 to celebrate the chain’s 147 years in business and National Ice Cream Day, of course.
When: July 16

Whole Foods
The deal: If you want to celebrate at home, the organic grocer’s got a 2-for-$6 deal on Ben & Jerry’s ice cream pints. Some stores will also hold “Sundae Fundae” sampling events throughout the day.
When: July 16

Tastee-Freez/Wienerschnitzel
The deal: Bring this coupon to your local Tastee-Freez or Wienerschnitzel location and you’ll get $1 off any candy shake, including Reese’s, M&M’s, and Oreo.
When: Now through July 31

Krystal
The deal: This quick-service chain is celebrating the date and the launch of its new line of soft-serve ice cream by offering 99-cent sundaes available in chocolate, strawberry, or Oreo flavors.
When: July 16

Cold Stone Creamery
The deal: Members of the chain's My Cold Stone Club can take advantage of a a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) ice cream offer for the occasion. 
When: Now through July 23

Wendy's
The deal: While the promotion is unrelated to National Ice Cream Day, the fast food chain has you covered with 50-cent Frostys.
When: All summer

More free ice cream?

If you know of National Ice Cream Day freebies and deals we missed, email us at news@thrillist.com and we'll add 'em here. As always, celebrate responsibly.

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Tony Merevick is Senior News Editor at Thrillist and can go for a simple chocolate soft serve cone right about now. Send news tips to news@thrillist.com and follow him on Twitter @tonymerevick.