National Soft Ice Cream Day – Aug. 19, 2026

Expected National Soft Ice Cream Day Deals

As National Soft Ice Cream Day approaches, expect a delightful array of promotions from your favorite dessert spots. While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that brands like Dairy Queen often offer BOGO deals or discounted cones. McDonald’s frequently features deals on their classic soft serve cones, while Burger King and Wendy’s might include soft serve desserts with combo meals. Specialty shops like Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard or local creameries could offer unique flavor specials or loyalty rewards. Even grocery stores like Whole Foods Market or Target might have discounts on take-home soft serve mixes or related toppings. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 19 approaches.

History of National Soft Ice Cream Day

Though there’s evidence that the first real ice cream possibility originated as early as 200 B.C., there aren’t any anecdotes or notable stories from the time. Early tales of ice cream include Alexander the Great and Emperor Nero of Rome, both of whom enjoyed flavored snow and ice. After Marco Polo came back to Italy from the East with an ice-cream-like recipe, it took off in Europe by the end of the 16th century. ‘Cream Ice’ was featured on the table of Charles I and, in 1553, Catherine de’ Medici brought it to France after marrying Henry II of France. 

America, which was later the birthplace of soft-serve ice cream, wasn’t introduced to the dessert until the 1740s. While it may have been at dinner tables earlier, ice cream first appeared in advertisements in the U.S. in 1777. George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon featured two ice cream pots, and he reportedly spent over $200 on ice cream over one summer!

It wasn’t until the 1800s that ice cream became accessible for the general public, thanks to newly constructed ice houses and ice cream manufacturing. By the middle of the century, ice cream manufacture and sale was a booming industry. Ice cream became part of American culture, which led to the emergence of soda fountains and sundaes. By World War II, ice cream was brought to troops to boost morale, and floating ice cream parlors were built for sailors in the Pacific.

Around the time of World War II, soft ice cream was born — though, there’s a battle over who started it. Carvel claims that the father of their brand, Tom Carvel, accidentally created soft ice cream when his ice cream truck caught a flat tire and he was forced to quickly sell off his melting wares. He soon returned and set up a permanent shop selling his softened ice cream with great success. Dairy Queen also claims to have invented soft-serve in Illinois, when J.F. McCullough and his son perfected their formula and held a massively successful all-you-can-eat trial at their friend’s store. There are also reports that Margaret Thatcher, former U.K. prime minister, helped develop American soft-serve recipes while working as a chemist at a food manufacturer!

We can’t know for sure how soft-serve came to be, or what involvement Margaret Thatcher had in it. Since those intrepid scientists innovated upon the centuries-old classic, soft-serve has been a staple at some of the most exciting venues — sporting events, amusement parks, and fairs! Today, most people can conjure up a great memory of soft-serve from childhood.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Soft Ice Cream Day