A Chilling Tradition That Beats the Heat

Every year, as the summer sun blazes across the United States, one date brings a refreshing wave of excitement: July 11, or 7/11, better known as Free Slurpee Day! In 2025, 7-Eleven is celebrating its 98th birthday with its iconic frozen drink giveaway, turning convenience stores into a hub of frosty fun. Whether you’re a Slurpee superfan or just looking to cool off, this annual event is a must for anyone craving a free, icy treat. Let’s dive into the history of this beloved tradition, how you can snag your free Slurpee, and what makes 2025 extra special.

The Cool History of the Slurpee

The Slurpee’s story is as refreshing as the drink itself, starting with a happy accident in the late 1950s. Omar Knedlik, a Dairy Queen franchise owner in Coffeyville, Kansas, found himself in a pinch when his soda fountain broke down. To keep his drinks cold, he stashed soda bottles in the freezer, creating a slushy texture that his customers couldn’t get enough of. This serendipitous mishap sparked a lightbulb moment. With the help of the John E. Mitchell manufacturing firm in Dallas, Texas, Knedlik designed a machine in 1960, patented it in 1962, and named the frozen drink the ICEE.

By 1965, 7-Eleven saw the potential in this frosty creation and licensed it, rebranding it as the Slurpee—a name coined by advertising executive Bob Stanford for the satisfying “slurp” sound made when sipping through a straw. The drink became a sensation, with quirky flavor names like Pink Fink, Moonshine, and Sticky Icky capturing the imaginations of customers. By 1967, every 7-Eleven store in the U.S. had a Slurpee machine, and the drink became a pop culture icon. Today, 7-Eleven sells a staggering 470,000 Slurpees daily and has served over 7 billion since the drink’s debut

The tradition of Free Slurpee Day kicked off in 2002 to celebrate 7-Eleven’s 75th anniversary. What started as a one-time event became a yearly highlight, drawing crowds to participating stores for a free small Slurpee. From sweet flavors like Vanilla and 7-Elemon to sour options like Warhead and exotic ones like Mango Lychee, there’s a Slurpee for every taste bud.

Free Slurpee Day 2025: What’s the Deal?

Mark your calendars for Friday, July 11, 2025, because 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores across the U.S. are giving away free small Slurpees to all customers—no purchase necessary! Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this frosty festivity:

How to Get Your Free Slurpee

• Visit a Participating Store: Head to any 7-Eleven, Speedway, or Stripes location on July 11, 2025, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. (hours may vary by location). You’ll receive one free small Slurpee (8 ounces) per customer, while supplies last. With nearly 9,500 7-Eleven stores and over 460 Speedway locations in the U.S., finding a spot to grab your drink is a breeze. Use the store locator at 7-eleven.com/locator or speedway.com/locations.
• Score a Second Freebie: Want another Slurpee? Members of the 7Rewards or Speedy Rewards loyalty programs can scan their app, card, or phone number at checkout on July 11 to receive a coupon for an additional free small Slurpee, redeemable anytime from July 12 to July 31, 2025.
• Savor Exclusive Flavors: This year, try the limited-edition MTN Dew Infinite Swirl Slurpee, a pineapple-berry blend that’s also available as a fountain drink or in 20-ounce bottles. Classic flavors like cherry and blue raspberry are also on tap for that nostalgic Slurpee sip.

Extra Cool Perks in 2025

• Slurpee-Activated Tongue Tattoos: Select 7-Eleven and Speedway stores in cities like Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, and Ohio are offering temporary tongue tattoos for 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members. These S-shaped “Tongue-Toos” activate with a sip of a cold Slurpee, revealing vibrant blue, green, red, or purple designs on your tongue. It’s a quirky, Instagram-worthy twist to make your Slurpee Day even more memorable
• Save on Delivery: Craving a Slurpee but can’t make it to the store? Use the 7NOW Delivery app on July 11 and enter the promo code 711DAY to get $7.11 off any purchase of $20 or more.
• Slurpee Swag: Show your Slurpee love with 7-Eleven’s Birthday Collection at 7Collection, featuring T-shirts, hats, and even Slurpee-themed costumes. You can also grab a $35 party kit with 7-Eleven candles, plates, and balloons to throw your own Slurpee Day bash.
• Win Big: Through January 6, 2026, 7-Eleven and Speedway apps offer daily chances to win $5,000 or free snacks for a year by purchasing select products like Doritos or Coca-Cola.

Why Free Slurpee Day is a Big Deal

Free Slurpee Day isn’t just about a free drink—it’s a cultural phenomenon. With 14 million Slurpees consumed monthly and 19 countries serving the iconic drink, it’s a global favorite. In fact, Winnipeg, Manitoba, has been crowned the Slurpee Capital of the World for 20 years, with an impressive 188,883 Slurpees sold monthly in the city alone

The event also brings communities together. In 2025, 7-Eleven is partnering with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, offering special edition cups and encouraging donations at checkout to support kids in need. Whether it’s families like the Martinez sisters in Brawley, California, enjoying blue raspberry Slurpees or teens like Olivia Warner cooling off in the summer heat, Free Slurpee Day creates moments of joy and connection.

Tips to Make the Most of Free Slurpee Day

• Arrive Early: Stores can get busy, and free Slurpees are limited. Some locations, like the Brawley 7-Eleven, ran out of cups by 9 p.m. last year
• Join the Loyalty Program: Sign up for 7Rewards or Speedy Rewards to unlock that second free Slurpee and exclusive Tongue-Toos. It’s free and takes just a minute at 7-eleven.com/7rewards.
• Avoid Brain Freeze: Sip slowly to savor your Slurpee without the dreaded ice-induced headache.
• Share the Fun: Post your Slurpee Day adventures on social media with hashtags like #SlurpeeDay or #FreeSlurpeeDay2025. You might even inspire friends to join the party!

A Frosty Future for Slurpee Day

As 7-Eleven approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, Free Slurpee Day continues to evolve with new flavors, promotions, and surprises. With over 300 flavors created since the Slurpee’s debut and a fanbase that spans generations, this frozen treat remains a summer staple. So, on July 11, 2025, grab your free Slurpee, try a Tongue-Too, and celebrate the cool legacy of a drink that’s been chilling out since 1966.

Stay frosty, America, and enjoy your free Slurpee!