National Ice Cream Sundae Day – Jul. 8, 2026

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DessertIce CreamSweet Food
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United States
Date change rule:
Every July 8
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National Ice Cream Sundae Day arrives every July 8, inviting everyone to indulge in a classic dessert. This delightful day celebrates the creamy scoops, decadent sauces, and endless toppings that make sundaes a beloved treat. Gather your favorite ice cream, syrups, and sprinkles to create your perfect masterpiece, or visit a local parlor for a professional creation!

Want to sponsor National Ice Cream Sundae Day? Learn how

Expected National Ice Cream Sundae Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Ice Cream Sundae Day brings out the best deals from major dessert chains. Expect Dairy Queen to offer discounts on their classic sundaes, while Baskin-Robbins might feature special flavors or buy-one-get-one offers. Keep an eye on Cold Stone Creamery for promotions on their signature creations and Friendly’s for family-sized options. Even grocery stores like Kroger and Walmart often have sales on ice cream and toppings, making it easy to build your own sundae bar at home. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 8 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Ice Cream Sundae Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #IceCreamSundaeDay. Share vibrant photos of your most creative sundae creations or favorite parlor visits.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #IceCreamSundaeDay. Film a quick tutorial on how to build the ultimate sundae or a taste-test challenge.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #IceCreamSundaeDay. Ask your community to share their go-to sundae combinations.

Social Media Tips for National Ice Cream Sundae Day

Individuals

Host a DIY sundae bar at home with friends and family, offering a variety of ice cream flavors, sauces, and toppings. Share your favorite combinations online.

Creators

Develop a unique, gourmet sundae recipe using unexpected ingredients, or create a video reviewing different ice cream parlors' signature sundaes.

Brands

Run a 'build-your-own-sundae' contest, encouraging customers to share their creations for a chance to win prizes or free sundaes. Partner with a local charity for a 'sundaes for a cause' event.

Top Brands for National Ice Cream Sundae Day

  1. Dairy Queen

    Founded in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, Dairy Queen is famous for its soft-serve ice cream and signature Blizzards. Their classic sundaes, loaded with hot fudge or caramel, remain a beloved treat for generations.

  2. Baskin-Robbins

    Established in 1945 in Glendale, California, Baskin-Robbins is known for its '31 flavors' concept, offering a different flavor for every day of the month. Their sundaes allow customers to combine these many flavors with a wide array of toppings.

  3. Cold Stone Creamery

    Since 1988, Cold Stone Creamery has specialized in custom-made ice cream creations mixed on a frozen granite stone. Their sundaes are highly customizable, allowing for unique combinations of premium ice cream and mix-ins.

  4. Smucker's

    Founded in 1897 in Orrville, Ohio, Smucker's is a leading producer of fruit spreads, peanut butter, and ice cream toppings. Their hot fudge and caramel sauces are staples for any homemade ice cream sundae.

  5. Hershey's

    The Hershey Company, founded by Milton Hershey in 1894 in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest chocolate manufacturers globally. Their chocolate syrups and candies are essential toppings for countless ice cream sundaes.

  6. Maraschino Cherry Growers

    Representing growers primarily in the Pacific Northwest, this association highlights the classic maraschino cherry, an iconic and indispensable garnish for nearly every traditional ice cream sundae. They promote the versatility and history of this bright red fruit.

  7. Nestlé

    A global food and beverage giant founded in 1866 in Switzerland, Nestlé produces a vast range of products, including popular ice cream brands like Dreyer's/Edy's and Häagen-Dazs, as well as various sundae toppings.

National Ice Cream Sundae Day Hero

Charles R. Walgreen

Charles R. Walgreen (1873-1939) was an American businessman who founded the Walgreens pharmacy chain in 1901. While not the inventor of the sundae, his pharmacies became iconic for their soda fountains, which were instrumental in popularizing ice cream sundaes across the United States. Walgreen's commitment to quality and accessibility helped make the sundae a beloved and widely available treat for the average American.

History of National Ice Cream Sundae Day

Ice cream sundaes are one of the handfuls of foods that are loved by almost everyone. You might be handling a bowl of delicious right now as you read through this post, but have you ever wondered where this sweet nectar of the gods, a.k.a. sundae came from? How did it get its bizarre and unusual name? Who was the creator of this lovely dessert? We might be able to answer you.

The original ice cream sundae dessert consisted of vanilla ice cream topped with strawberry-flavored sauce, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry. They were originally served in small glass tulip-shaped vases. This glass then got the name, “sundae glass.” Over the years sundaes took many forms and shapes. They have become one of the most popular desserts in America.

Interestingly, there are several versions of the story of who is the original creator of the sundae. The key players in the list include Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Ithaca, New York, Evanston, Illinois, and Plainfield, Illinois. But according to most people, it was the Two Rivers in Wisconsin that was the original birthplace of Sundae. It was invented by Edward C. Benners, the owner of Berners’ Soda Fountain in 1881. Much like the origin, there are varied stories about how Sundae got its name. One story claims that the name comes from the translation of “Sonntag” which means Sunday in German. Another story says that when Evanston, Illinois passed the Blue Law, restricting soda on Sundays, the town invented the term Sunday Soda, which later turned into ‘sundae’.

But whatever the origin is or whatever the name is, one thing that is absolute is how much we love Sundaes. So, grab your ice cream appetite and enjoy the day!

National Ice Cream Sundae Day timeline

1881
The Invention of Sundae

Edward C. Berners from Wisconsin invents the iconic sundae.

1890
The Blue Law

Illinois passes the Blue Law that restricts activities on Sundays.

1920
Sundaes Go to the U.K.

Sundae gets introduced into the U.K., renamed “Knickerbocker Glory”.

1980s
The Most Loved Dessert

Sundae becomes one of the most loved ice cream desserts in the U.S.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Ice Cream Sundae Day

Local businesses can sweeten their offerings for National Ice Cream Sundae Day. Ice cream parlors and restaurants can create limited-edition sundae specials, using unique flavor combinations or premium ingredients. Cafes might offer a ‘mini sundae’ with coffee purchases, while grocery stores can set up eye-catching displays of ice cream, toppings, and bowls. Consider a ‘build-your-own-sundae’ kit for takeout or delivery, complete with all the fixings for a fun at-home celebration. Promote these specials on social media using #IceCreamSundaeDay to attract dessert lovers.

National Ice Cream Sundae Day FAQs

When is National Ice Cream Sundae Day?

National Ice Cream Sundae Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, July 8. It’s the perfect mid-week excuse to indulge in a delightful, customizable dessert.

How popular are ice cream sundaes in America?

Ice cream sundaes are incredibly popular, ranking among the most beloved ice cream desserts in America. Millions enjoy sundaes annually, with chocolate caramel, butterscotch, and strawberry being top flavor choices.

What are the most common sundae toppings?

Classic sundae toppings include hot fudge, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry. Nuts, sprinkles, and fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas are also very popular additions.

What is the origin of the ice cream sundae?

The exact origin of the ice cream sundae is widely debated, with several cities in the U.S. claiming its invention in the late 19th century. Stories often involve soda fountain owners creating a special dessert for Sundays, hence the name.

National Ice Cream Sundae Day Activities

  1. Eat a sundae

    The best way in which you can celebrate National Ice Cream Sundae Day is by eating a sundae. Enjoy it while you relish the memories of your childhood when you first tasted this delicious dessert.

  2. Throw an ice cream sundae party

    Are you feeling too guilty to eat this delicious dessert alone? Throw an ice cream sundae party! Invite your friends, family, and colleagues and have a blast.

  3. Pass on the joy

    You might be having the luxury to have sundaes whenever and wherever you want. There might be underprivileged kids in your community who might have not even tasted it, so buy them sundaes and share the joy.

5 Yummy Facts About Sundaes

  1. The biggest ice cream sundae

    The Serendipity 3 restaurant in New York City created the biggest ice cream sundae.

  2. The best sundae ever

    Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream in New York is voted as serving the best sundae in the U.S.

  3. The world’s heaviest sundae

    The world’s heaviest ice cream sundae weighed a hefty 55,000 pounds.

  4. The most expensive sundae

    The most expensive ice cream sundae costs $1,000.

  5. Some aide in weightloss

    There are actually ice creams that are designed for weight loss if one eats sparingly.

Why We Love National Ice Cream Sundae Day

  1. It reminds us of what is important

    We live in a world that seems to focus too much on the big picture. Days like Ice Cream Sundae Day bring back the joy of the small shared moment together, which are the important times when one looks back.

  2. It spreads joy

    Let’s all be honest, just even hearing the word ‘sundae’ brings joy and happiness. Each of us has a trip down memory lane when we hear that word. So, is there really a reason to not love this day?

  3. It brings everyone together

    National Ice Cream Sundae Day is one of those holidays that brings everyone together. You can happily enjoy a sundae with your friends, family, or even a stranger.

National Ice Cream Sundae Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 July 8 Wednesday
2027 July 8 Thursday
2028 July 8 Saturday
2029 July 8 Sunday
2030 July 8 Monday