National Ice Cream Day 2026: When It Is, Why It Started & How to Celebrate in New Jersey
National Ice Cream Day 2026 was Sunday, July 19. If you missed it, you didn’t miss out — here’s how Sussex & Morris County families are still celebrating, and how you can bring the truck to your door this week with 10% OFF auto-applied.
National Ice Cream Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in July every year. Proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, it honors ice cream’s popularity in the U.S. In 2026 it was July 19, in 2027 it will be July 18.
When is National Ice Cream Day 2026?
National Ice Cream Day 2026 was Sunday, July 19, 2026. It is always the third Sunday in July, which is also National Ice Cream Month.
- 2026: Sunday, July 19
- 2027: Sunday, July 18
- 2028: Sunday, July 16
If you’re reading this after July 19, this is your belated pass. At Retal Ice Cream NJ, we’re extending the celebration all week with 10% OFF auto-applied bookings.
History of National Ice Cream Day
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Day with Proclamation 5219. He called ice cream a nutritious and wholesome food enjoyed by 90% of Americans.
Mid-July is peak heat, schools are out, and ice cream is the most democratic dessert — everyone has a flavor.
Why National Ice Cream Day Hits Different in New Jersey
New Jersey is an ice cream truck state. In Sussex and Morris County — Sparta, Newton, Stanhope, Netcong, Denville, Dover, Randolph, Rockaway, Morristown, Lake Hopatcong — summer means block parties and birthdays where the truck is the main event.
We see it every weekend: 4.9 stars on Google from 32 NJ families who needed something for everyone. That’s why we built a full inclusive menu on one truck.
5 Best Ways to Celebrate National Ice Cream Day in NJ
1. Book a Pop-Up Truck
The #1 search for ice cream truck near me New Jersey. One booking, we come fully stocked. See classic truck menu.
2. Host a Belated Social
Missed Sunday? Host it Saturday. We handle cones, Italian ice (Lemon, Mango, Cherry, Cotton Candy, Rainbow – all dairy-free), and 6 milkshakes.
3. Make It Inclusive
40% of NJ requests mention allergies. Our trucks always carry vegan and allergen-safe options.
4. Support Local
Based at 100 Shore Rd, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849. Check FAQ for coverage.
5. Claim Your Belated Offer
10% OFF auto-applied when you book via this link July 19-26 for any future date.
What We Serve for National Ice Cream Day
- Signature Cones (5): Cookies & Cream, Biscoff, Strawberry, Mango, Chocolate
- Italian Ice (5) – Dairy-Free: Lemon, Cotton Candy, Mango, Cherry, Rainbow
- Milkshakes (6): Oreo, Biscoff, Salted Caramel, Mango, Strawberry, Espresso
- Specialty: Banana Split, Choco Taco
- Character Bars (9): Spider-Man, SpongeBob, Minions, Batman, Sonic, Powerpuff Girls, TMNT, Tweety, Ladybug
Full list: retalicecream.us/menu/
How to Book an Ice Cream Truck in NJ in 60 Seconds
- Go to meet.brevo.com/retalicecreamnj/book
- Choose date, location, guest count
- We confirm within 24h. 10% auto-applied this week.
Where We Serve
FAQ – National Ice Cream Day NJ
When is National Ice Cream Day 2026?
Sunday, July 19, 2026. Always third Sunday in July. 2027 is July 18.
What is National Ice Cream Day?
U.S. holiday since 1984 proclaiming July as National Ice Cream Month and third Sunday as National Ice Cream Day.
Does Retal have vegan and dairy-free?
Yes – always on board. 5 Italian ice flavors are dairy-free plus allergen-safe options. See menu.
How much does an ice cream truck cost in NJ?
Flat rate based on guest count and location. Get a 60-second quote – 10% auto-applied this week.