National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
August 2 every year
The story
An ice cream sandwich is a slab of ice cream pressed between two cookies, wafers, or slices of cake. The classic American version uses vanilla ice cream between two soft, rectangular chocolate wafers, but almost any combination of cookie and ice cream works. Records suggest pushcart vendors in New York's Bowery were selling ice cream between paper-thin wafers by around 1900, charging a penny a sandwich to customers who wanted a treat they could carry.
The snack spread quickly. In 1923, Jerry Newberg sold ice cream sandwiches at Pittsburgh's Forbes Field, and around the same period vendors in other cities developed their own takes. The Chipwich, ice cream rolled in chocolate chips between two chocolate chip cookies, became a New York street sensation in 1981, and frozen-food aisles now carry countless versions.
Other cultures have their own ice cream sandwiches. In Singapore, street carts serve blocks of ice cream wrapped in rainbow bread or wafers, Scots enjoy a "slider" of ice cream between wafers, and Iranians press saffron ice cream between thin crisp wafers.
On National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, grab one from the freezer case or bake your favorite cookies and sandwich a scoop of ice cream between them.
About National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
- When is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day?
- National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is August 2 every year. In 2026, National Ice Cream Sandwich Day falls on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
- When is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day in 2026?
- In 2026, National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is Sunday, August 2, 2026 (August 2 every year).
- Which country is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day from?
- National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is on the United States Food Holidays calendar.
- Is today National Ice Cream Sandwich Day?
- No. Today is not National Ice Cream Sandwich Day. It returns on August 2 every year. In 2026, that is Sunday, August 2, 2026.
- How do you celebrate National Ice Cream Sandwich Day?
- There isn’t a single official way to celebrate. Read the story on this page, then cook or order ice cream sandwich. The iOS app’s Where to Eat can help you find ice cream sandwich nearby — this website does not list restaurants.
- Does National Ice Cream Sandwich Day happen every year?
- Yes. National Ice Cream Sandwich Day recurs on August 2 every year.