![Person holding vanilla and chocolate soft serve ice cream in Carvel cups](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretnyc.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/25070930/fi-carvel-free-soft-serve-1024x683.png)
A glance at the NYC forecast shows this week is supposed to be a hot one, and though us New Yorkers are quite experienced with dealing with the dog days of summer, we’d never say no to to receiving some much needed relief from the heat.
Thankfully Carvel hears us, and this week they’re saving us by giving away thousands of free soft serve treats!
The giveaway comes not only as a way to honor National Soft Serve Day, but also to celebrate Carvel’s nearly century-long history.
Almost 90 years ago, during Memorial Day weekend in 1934, Carvel’s Original Soft Serve ice cream was created in New York after Tom Carvel’s ice cream truck broke down in the summer heat.
According to their website, the truck got a flat tire causing Carvel to pull over and begin selling a slightly melted version of his ice cream. Much to his surprise, people preferred it softer. And, well, the rest is sweet, sweet history.
And this week they’ll be giving away their soft serve treats for free!
Those who head to one of their NYC locations on Saturday, August 19, can purchase a BOGO cup or cone of any flavor of their choosing (extra toppings excluded). Those who can’t make it that day can head to a location between Friday, August 18 and Sunday, August 20 to purchase a “double the fun” limited-time double cone while supplies last.
And while this is a great, mouthwatering deal, do you really think Carvel would stop celebrating National Soft Serve Day there?! Of course not!
Carvel will also be popping up around NYC for special National Soft Serve Day experiences and activations, including:
- Empire State Building Treats – Thursday, August 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sweet tooths can enjoy Carvel soft serve and get free swag on the observatory atop the Empire State Building. Soft serve treats will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Learn more here.
- Fudgie + Carvel’s Truck – Friday, August 18
Catch Fudgie the Whale and the Carvel ice cream truck traveling around NYC handing out free soft serve! Fans can follow the stops on Carvel’s Twitter and Instagram.
- Softest Cruise Ever – Saturday, August 19, beginning at 11:55 a.m.
Relax and unwind during an NYC ferry trip with plush pillows and a soft serve themed experience while enjoying Carvel’s soft serve. While aboard, passengers might even spot Carvel’s beloved mascot Fudgie the Whale. (East River route)