Jump To: Local Restaurant Deals | National Chain Freebies
National Ice Cream Day Houston is back, and with the summer heat turned up, there is no better excuse to cool off with something sweet. From handcrafted scoops at beloved local shops across the metroplex to freebies and discounts from national chains, there are plenty of ways to celebrate around the city.
Whether you are a fan of bold seasonal flavors or just want to score a completely free cone, this guide has the best Houston deals for National Ice Cream Day 2026. National Ice Cream Day is happening on Sunday, July 19, bringing a massive wave of savings across the Greater Metroplex.
Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide you with accurate, updated information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out. This post may contain affiliate links.
If you click and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we truly believe in!
Curious about how we choose our content? Here’s our process.
Also check out these articles – Best Ice Cream in Houston, Best Shaved Ice and Snow Cones, and Best Desserts in Houston!
National Ice Cream Day Houston 2026 – Local Shops & Suburb Specials
Fat Cat Creamery
With multiple locations, Fat Cat is a Houston staple, celebrated for its small-batch, handcrafted ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients. They offer a mix of five year-round signature flavors alongside a rotating selection of creative seasonal scoops.
Flower & Cream
This artisan ice cream shop in Bellaire is known for its beautiful aesthetic and equally beautiful, small-batch flavors. They offer a range of unique and often colorful options, including several vegan choices.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
All four Houston-area locations will treat guests by adding their new signature sundae fudge sauce completely for free to any scoop purchase made in-store.
Milk + Sugar
Located in Montrose, Milk + Sugar takes a modern approach to ice cream, focusing on inventive mix-ins made in-house. Don’t expect plain vanilla here; they pride themselves on unique and surprising combinations.
Morelia Gourmet Paletas
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with an exciting Buy One, Get One (BOGO) offer on their handcrafted Mexican paletas if you are searching for local deals near you.
The Pit Room
Both locations of this local BBQ favorite will take $2 off any sweet creation made with Texas-legendary Blue Bell ice cream all day long.
Craft Creamery
Chef Steve and Chef Christopher scoop unique artisan flavor profiles spanning from their award-winning brisket ice cream to classic premium configurations.
Lick Honest Ice Creams
Houston-area locations are celebrating with a helpful cause, donating 10% of all holiday sales directly to the Buffalo Bayou Partnership.
Odd Fellows Ice Cream (The Woodlands)
They are celebrating all weekend long in the northern suburbs! Enjoy $3 off any ice cream flight on Friday, a Buy 1 Get 1 Free promo on Saturday, and a free scoop with any size ice cream purchase on Sunday.
Amy’s Ice Creams
This regional Texas favorite is teaming up with delivery apps to offer a free small scoop of ice cream with zero delivery fees attached to your digital order.
Buttermilk Baby
This highly styled retro pink diner serves legendary Carvel soft-serve and sweet treats. Check out their holiday flight upgrades available all weekend long.
Red Circle Ice Cream
Famous for pairing churros with unique handcrafted scoops. Swing by to claim promotional discounts on their iconic combinations for the holiday.
Tiny’s Milk & Cookies
A classic walk-up neighborhood favorite serving up custom housemade ice cream mixed with pieces of their iconic fresh chocolate chip cookies.
National Ice Cream Day Houston 2026 – Verified Chain & Restaurant Deals
16 Handles
Download their mobile loyalty app to score free frozen yogurt credits up to $5 valid at participating locations.
Baskin-Robbins
Loyalty rewards members can enjoy $5 off any order of $20 or more through the app or mobile third-party delivery services during the national holiday week.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Join their Sweetstakes online program during National Ice Cream Month for a chance to win entirely free ice cream scoops for a whole year.
Burger King
Royal Perks rewards members can cool off from the summer heat with a free soft-serve cone or cup with any purchase of $1 or more.
Cold Stone Creamery
Get a sweet savings deal online by taking $3 off orders totaling $10 or more. Use promotional code NICD3OFF10 at checkout.
Dairy Queen
DQ Rewards members can grab a completely free Dilly Bar with any digital online or in-app purchase of $1 or more at participating spots.
Dippin’ Dots
Get ready for a completely free mini cup of Dippin’ Dots during their designated two-hour promotional giveaway window at participating locations.
Friendly’s
Guests who join the Friendly’s Fan Club Rewards program will receive a free cone or dish of signature ice cream to honor the sweet occasion.
Gopuff
Customers can find deep discounts up to 30% off top pint brands like Blue Bunny, Häagen-Dazs, and Halo Top, plus special 2 for $9 deals on select Ben & Jerry’s pints.
Graeter’s Ice Cream
Sweet Rewards members can celebrate the weekend holiday with $1.55 single scoop sugar cones available exclusively through their app coupon.
Halo Top
Check out their special brand namesake promotions online to claim a free pint coupon if your name matches select criteria.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Guests aged 80 and older can claim a free small cone or dish at participating locations to celebrate their anniversary.
Kilwins
Celebrate with free scoop upgrades, free housemade waffle cones or bowls with your purchase, and free toppings of your choice all day long.
Marble Slab Creamery
Loyalty rewards members will receive a free small ice cream offer delivered directly to their accounts, valid for redemption for 7 days.
Venchi
Step outside your comfort zone with limited-edition Mediterranean gelatos like Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Parmigiano Reggiano flavors.
Yogurtland
Real Rewards loyalty members will earn double points on all in-store and online orders placed during the special holiday.
Häagen-Dazs
Check your loyalty app portal for specialized seasonal BOGO deals on standard single scoops or premier signature sundaes all weekend long.
Know Before You Go
While many of these National Ice Cream Day deals and artisan parlor specials are located in the Houston inner loop, they are easily accessible for residents in surrounding suburbs like Katy, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, and Pearland, typically within a 20-30 minute drive. Be sure to check store operating hours and local menu availability before heading out, as promotional participation can occasionally vary by franchise location.
Common Questions about National Ice Cream Day in Houston
When is National Ice Cream Day in 2026?
National Ice Cream Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of July. In 2026, the holiday officially falls on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Do I need a coupon or app to redeem these deals?
Yes. The vast majority of national chains (including Dairy Queen, Baskin-Robbins, and Cold Stone Creamery) require you to be a rewards member or use their official mobile app to redeem these ice cream day discounts.
Who is giving away free ice cream for National Ice Cream Day?
Brands like Friendly’s (with rewards signup) and Dippin’ Dots (during specific window hours) offer free scoops or mini cups with no purchase required.
Find more Houston weekend fun here after you grab your deal.
- Fun, Free & Cheap Events | July 24 – July 26 - July 20, 2026
- Houston Highlights: July 20 to July 23 – Food, Music, Arts & More - July 19, 2026
- 10 Best Places for Ice Cream in Houston: Top Shops & Flavors - July 19, 2026
