Score a free ICEE on the first-ever National ICEE Day

The sweet, slushy drink kids (and adults) can’t get enough of on a hot day has been around for sixty years, and it all started with a breakdown.

When Kansas Dairy Queen owner Omar Knedlick’s soda fountain went on the fritz, he popped some soda bottles in his freezer and served up the resulting beverage, semi-frozen. His seeming misfortune was a massive hit with customers, and he knew he was on to something big.

After tinkering with the air conditioning system from a car, he perfected his invention and was on his way to financial happiness. A patent on his design for a slush-producing machine followed, and now, ICEEs are served in the hundreds of millions annually.

August never tasted so good

To celebrate that happy accident, Knedlick’s fan-favorite frozen fountain drink will be honored on August 18, with National ICEE Day. 2026 kicks off this unique annual event, for the first time ever.

Dan Fachner, president and CEO of ICEE’s parent company, J&J Snack Foods, said, “For decades, ICEE has been part of unforgettable moments for millions of fans, and National ICEE Day is our way of thanking everyone who has made the brand part of those memories. We’re excited to introduce an annual tradition people can look forward to every August. Whether it’s your first ICEE or your hundredth, it’s a delicious chance to celebrate the generations of fans who have made ICEE part of their lives while creating new memories together.”

1,800 outlets around the country will be serving up free small ICEEs at participating locations, while supplies last. Terms and conditions apply.

Please note that while some venues, such as Universal Studios Florida, Universal Epic Universe, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Six Flags & Cedar Fair Parks, serve ICEE drinks, they are not participating locations on this initial National ICEE Day.

Where can I get my free ICEE?

• Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park has 10 participating locations in Florida, including Winter Garden, Altamont Springs, Daytona Beach, and Sarasota. Admission or a valid ticket for the park is required.
• AMC Theaters has 35 participating locations in Florida, including Lake Buena Vista, Ocoee, St. Petersburg, and Miami. Admission or valid ticket for the theater is required.
• Regal Cinemas features 29 participating locations in Florida, including Dr. Phillips, Gainesville, Naples, Miami, and Key West. Admission or a valid ticket for the theater is required.
• Walmart Fuel & Convenience Store participates in National ICEE Day at 30 locations in Florida, including Orlando, The Villages, Jacksonville, and Tampa. There is no purchase necessary.