TL;DR: ICEE is marking its first National ICEE Day on Aug. 18 with free small ICEEs at more than 1,800 locations, including participating Walmart Fuel and convenience stops, Krystal restaurants, AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, and Urban Air Adventure Park.
Tuesday just got a little sweeter. ICEE is celebrating its first-ever National ICEE Day today, Aug. 18, and is marking the occasion by giving away free small ICEEs at more than 1,800 locations across the country.
If this feels familiar, that’s because 7-Eleven ran National Slurpee Day back on July 11 — and the two drinks share an origin story. ICEE inventor Omar Knedlik first sold partly frozen Coke at his Dairy Queen in Coffeyville, Kansas, then patented the ICEE machine in 1962. 7-Eleven later licensed the tech and launched its own version as “Slurpee” in 1965.
“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,” said Dan Fachner, president and CEO of J&J Snack Foods, ICEE’s parent company, in a news release. “We’re excited to introduce an annual tradition people can look forward to every August.”
Where to get your free ICEE
Free small ICEEs are available at participating Walmart Fuel and convenience locations and Krystal restaurants, with no purchase necessary. If you’re headed to the movies, you can also snag a free ICEE with a ticket purchase at AMC Theatres or Regal Cinemas, or with paid admission to an Urban Air Adventure Park location.
Getting your free ICEE also enters you into a giveaway for prizes, including an at-home ICEE machine. To enter, share an Instagram or Facebook story on Aug. 18 featuring your free ICEE, using the hashtag #NID2026 and tagging @TheICEECompany. ICEE will announce the grand prize winner on Aug. 19 across its social channels.
