SCOOP THERE IT IS: DC'S 2026 ICE CREAM SEASON IS HERE
July is National Ice Cream Month, the third Sunday is officially National Ice Cream Day, and this year the timing could not be better: National Ice Cream Day (Sunday, July 19) lands on the exact same day as the 2026 World Cup Final, Argentina vs. Spain at MetLife Stadium. So the DMV's ice cream scene isn't just swirling, here’s the scoop.
NEW FLAVORS & TREATS TO KNOW
The Fountain Inn: Chef Greg Heitzig is serving a Citrus Chocolate Affogato Swirl for summer, built on ice cream and fresh espresso. On the tasting menu only, he's also got a white asparagus ice cream paired with Earl Grey tea cake and dehydrated meringue seasoned with Grains of Paradise, which reads like a mix of citrus, cardamom, and herbs.
Northside Social: House-made ice cream quarts at both locations A rotating lineup of roasted-inspired flavors, available by the quart for catering pickup or in-store at both locations. Right now: Vanilla, Malted Chocolate Cassis, Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip, and Chocolate.
Little Engine: New Zealand-style peach soft serve Little Engine's popular New Zealand-style soft serve is back for summer: real fruit blended straight into vanilla soft serve. Seasonal flavors include Peach Blueberry and Peach Vanilla, with more on the way.
Lapis: Rosewater pistachio ice cream and cardamom milk custard Two traditional Afghan desserts for summer: the Sheer Yakh, an Afghan-style vanilla ice cream topped with rose water and pistachios, and the Firnee, a cardamom-infused milk custard finished with pistachios.
Roots Cafe, McLean: Soft serve now available Vanilla, chocolate, or swirl, dressed up with a rotating lineup of toppings. $6 for a cup or cone.
Slice & Pie: Soft serve gelato at Union Market The country's #2 slice shop (three years running, per 50 Top Pizza) added soft serve gelato at its Union Market location, inspired by the Mister Softee trucks owner Giulio Adriani grew up around in New York. It's the perfect add-on to a NY or Detroit-style slice: one size, cup or cone, $3. Only two flavors plus a twist run at a time (Chocolate and Pistachio have both made appearances), with a Fior di Latte soft serve joining soon, followed by Raspberry and Hazelnut.
NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY x WORLD CUP FINAL WEEKEND
Lyle DC x Yala Greek Ice Cream: Banana Bread Ice Cream Lyle's has teamed up with Yala Greek Ice Cream on an exclusive Banana Bread flavor inspired by Lyle's cult-favorite house-made loaf. To launch it, they're giving away free scoops from a Yala ice cream cart in Lyle's bar area (1731 New Hampshire Ave NW) on Friday, July 17, from 12 to 4pm or until supplies run out, first come, first served. The flavor then joins Lyle's dessert menu for good. (Note: source materials had conflicting dates here, worth confirming with PR before publishing.)
Yala Greek Ice Cream (Georgetown): World Cup Final watch party + anniversary celebration: Head to 3143 N St NW for an outdoor watch party paired with Yala's one-year anniversary. Four limited-edition tournament flavors are on deck, including San Sebastián Burnt Basque Cheesecake and Argentina Dulce de Leche, plus hourly giveaways, prizes, and special guest scoopers.
metrobar DC (640 Rhode Island Ave NE): National Ice Cream Day Party, 12 to 6pm Local frozen treats plus the World Cup Final on the big screens at this outdoor venue.
Dolcezza Gelato: Free Chocotorta Gelato, all locations On Sunday, July 19, from noon until closing, Dolcezza is handing out free scoops of Chocotorta Gelato at every retail location, including Dupont Circle, CityCenter, and the Hirshhorn Museum, plus a buy-one-get-one 50% off deal on pints.
ALSO WORTH A SCOOP OR SWIRL
York Castle Tropical Ice Cream
Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co.
So whether you scoop, swirl, or sip it, it's cold, it's creamy, and this weekend, it's coming with a side of World Cup Final. See you out there.
