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Third Sunday of July -(July 19, 2026) - 5min read - Updated June 19, 2026 Food

National Ice Cream Day

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Introduction

Of course! The third Sunday in July is one of the sweetest days on the calendar because it is National Ice Cream Day! On this day, people enjoy different flavors of ice cream, visit ice cream shops, share ice cream with friends, and post about it on social media. In this post, we will discuss details about the National Ice Cream Day 2026. Okay, let's get started with the first scoop!

Key Takeaways

  • National Ice Cream Day is observed on 3rd Sunday of every July.
  • This day celebrates America's most beloved frozen treat "ice creams" and encourages the contribution of dairy industry.
  • President Ronald Reagan made it into law to celebrate National Ice Cream Day in July.
  • In US, every person eats up about 5 gallons of ice cream every year.
  • National Ice Cream Day is all about ice cream, so celebrate it by indulging in this sweetest treat with friends, family or by yourself.

What is National Ice Cream Day?

Ice cream enjoys the reputation of the perfect dessert and snacks. National Ice Cream Day is an annual celebration of ice creams. It is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of July every year. National Ice Cream Day pays tribute to one of the most beloved frozen treats for people of all ages, namely "ice creams".

This day is mainly observed as a celebration of people's love for ice cream and the dairy industry. It is a day when people come together to enjoy the creamy taste of their favorite ice cream. So wherever you are, National Ice Cream Day invites you to join in the celebration and enjoy a slice of this delicious treat.

Pink ice cream scoop in white bowl decorated with cherries to enjoy on National Ice Cream Day.
Photo by Sylwester Ficek from Pexels

Origin of National Ice Cream Day

Ice cream is not a new invention. It has been around for a long time. It is believed that the history of ice cream probably started in Iran's Achaemenid Empire, in roughly 500BC.

Some sources claim ice cream was first made during Tang dynasty. But it was gelato i.e. frozen treat without milk. Later it traveled the seas and land to reach Europe and America, and the recipe changed to what we call ice cream now. Over the years, ice cream has come in every conceivable flavor. The flavors range from the universally loved vanilla to unusual flavors like squid.

In the United States, "ice cream" was first mentioned by a guest of Governor William Bladen. He wrote about it in a letter written in Maryland in 1744. However, ice cream became popular across the country after the American revolution. Interestingly, Americans consume more gallons of ice cream each year than anywhere else in the world. At present, it is estimated that a person in the USA consumes about 5 gallons of ice cream every year, which seems like a lot.

Double scoop ice cream cone with chocolate syrup and sprinklers on top.
Photo by Claudio Ruiz from Pexels

Going back in time, in 1980s the ice cream industry was already making waves. In 1983 alone, America consumed over 887 million gallons of ice cream. President Ronald Reagan wanted to commemorate this food, enjoyed by more than 90 percent of the United States population, and encourage the growth of dairy industry.

So he decided to dedicate a day for ice cream! He signed the Ice Cream Day into law on July 9, 1984, under Public Law 5219 and declared July as Ice Cream Month. This is how the 3rd Sunday of July became the National Ice Cream Day.

Since then, the festival has garnered appreciation and is customarily observed annually.

When is National Ice Cream Day 2026?

Doing cheer with Chocolate coated ice cream bars.
Photo by Min An from Pexels

It's hard to find someone who doesn't love ice cream. National Ice Cream Day is celebrated all over the US on the 3rd Sunday of July.

This year, i.e., in 2026, National Ice Cream Day will be celebrated on July 19. Ice cream day is not just a day to eat ice cream, but it also tells a rich history of this classic frozen treat.

National Ice Cream Day Future Dates

Year

Date

Day

2025

July 20

Sunday

2026

July 19

Sunday

2027

July 18

Sunday

2028

July 16

Sunday

2029

July 15

Sunday

2030

July 21

Sunday

How to Celebrate National Ice Cream Day?

Every year on the third Sunday in July, people celebrate National Ice Cream Day. President Reagan proclaimed ice cream day to commemorate a treat enjoyed by over 90 percent of the US population. However, ice cream is popular outside of the United States as well.

Different flavored ice cream scoops, wafer, syrup and sprinkles used to make a extravagant cup of ice cream which is held by a lady.
Photo by RDNE Stock project from Pexels

National Ice Cream Day 2026 is your chance to indulge yourself in ice cream without any guilt or shame. There are many ways to celebrate National Ice Cream Day 2026. Some are given below:

  • Make your Ice Cream at Home

Making your own ice cream at home can be rewarding. You can try making a unique flavor or go for a classic that you have eaten thousands of times before. Either way, make plenty so you can relish it not only today but for some coming days too.

  • Go to your Favorite Ice Cream Shop

If you want to partake in this awesome day, go to your favorite ice cream shop. Many ice cream parlors offer great sales and special offers online and in-store to commemorate the day. So, it is better to pick one of those.

  • Treat your friends and family

Go to your favorite ice cream place with your gang. Indulge in different flavors and toppings, may be try a new flavor. If your friends are up for it, you all can do taste test and rank whose ice cream tastes the best.

  • Use the Ice Cream Day hashtag

Take a picture with friends enjoying ice cream. Post pictures of your ice cream adventures on social media using the hashtag #NationalIceCreamDay2026.

Conclusion

National Ice Cream Day is a day dedicated to enjoying one of America's favorite treats. It highlights the importance of the dairy industry and the cultural role ice cream plays in American life. Get ready to celebrate this national day now. Happy National Ice Cream Day 2026!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What national day is ice cream day?

In the country, National Ice Cream Month is celebrated each year in July, and National Ice Cream Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in July.

2. What is the 3 ice cream called?

Neapolitan ice cream, also known as Harlequin ice cream, is composed of three flavours and called 3 ice cream.

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Event by

Day of Today Team

The editorial team behind Day of Today, researching and writing about the world's most interesting holidays and celebrations.

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