National Ice Cream Day is July 19 – Here’s where to get deals around Colorado

It’s 100 degrees outside, so hot that the state is asking you not to take selfies with fish. Colorado, you deserve some ice cream. Good news: National Ice Cream Day is this Sunday, July 19, and there are enough deals across the state to make the heat almost worth it.

Here’s every confirmed deal we could find for Sunday, organized by Colorado local spots first and national chains second. Most national chain deals require a rewards app — if you haven’t downloaded them yet, do it now so you’re ready.

COLORADO LOCAL DEALS

• Little Man Ice Cream (Denver, LoHi) — Free sprinkles on any order, plus the return of Cloud Cones (ice cream wrapped in cotton candy). Every scoop purchased earns loyalty members an entry to win a $250 gift card (one winner per location). Plus, a free National Ice Cream Day party at the LoHi location (2620 16th St.) at 7 p.m. featuring a live performance by DOGTAGS.
• Sweet Action (Denver) — National Ice Cream Week deals running through July 19, including BOGOs, 50% off specials and a giveaway of four free Ice Cream Party Boxes on Sunday.
• Bonnie Brae Ice Cream (Denver) — Celebrating its 40th birthday on National Ice Cream Day with face painting, balloon artists and prizes from noon to 5 p.m. at 799 S. University Blvd.

NATIONAL CHAIN DEALS (available at Colorado locations)

• Dairy Queen — Free Dilly Bar for DQ Rewards members with any $1+ purchase through the app (through Sunday).
• Dippin’ Dots — Free mini cup at participating franchise locations during a two-hour giveaway window on Sunday. No purchase necessary. Also 25% off online orders with code NICD26.
• Friendly’s — Free scoop (cone or cup) for everyone on Sunday. No rewards membership required. Dine-in and takeout.
• Baskin-Robbins — Rewards members get $5 off a $20+ order from July 19-25.
• Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar — $5 hand-spun milkshakes all day Sunday, dine-in only.
• Potbelly — Half-price shakes all day Sunday for Rewards members (with a $5 minimum additional purchase).
• Yogurtland — Real Rewards members earn 2x points on all purchases Sunday. Plus, 20% off an in-shop purchase on July 20 (Yogurtland’s ongoing 20th-of-the-month birthday deal).
• Wendy’s — $1 small Frostys starting July 20 (rewards members can access a day early on July 19).
• Petco — Free Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Dessert for Petco Perks members, while supplies last. Because your dog deserves National Ice Cream Day too.

A few tips: Lines will be long at the freebies, especially Little Man and DQ. Hit the local spots early in the day before the heat peaks, and remember that half these deals require you to already be signed up for the rewards app before you walk in. Don’t be the person holding up the line at Dairy Queen trying to create an account while your Dilly Bar melts.