National Root Beer Float Day

Float away on National Root Beer Float Day! This classic American treat combines root beer and vanilla ice cream perfectly. A&W and other chains celebrate with deals on this nostalgic summer dessert.

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National Root Beer Float Day - Float away on National Root Beer Float Day! This classic American treat combines root beer and vanilla ice cream perfectly. A&W and other chains celebrate with deals on this nostalgic summer dessert.

About National Root Beer Float Day

Float away on National Root Beer Float Day! This classic American treat combines root beer and vanilla ice cream perfectly. A&W and other chains celebrate with deals on this nostalgic summer dessert.

History & origins

National Root Beer Float Day is observed on August 6 and is closely associated with A&W, which uses the date for its annual float promotions in the United States. The root beer float itself is generally traced to 1893, when Frank J. Wisner of Cripple Creek, Colorado, is commonly credited with combining root beer and vanilla ice cream. The holiday’s exact origin is informal rather than a formal government observance, but A&W helped popularize the treat nationally through its restaurants and marketing.

Why it matters

National Root Beer Float Day celebrates a nostalgic American dessert that blends a classic soda with ice cream, making it a simple summer indulgence people can share at home or at restaurants. It also matters commercially, since chains like A&W use the day for limited-time giveaways and promotions that drive foot traffic and seasonal sales.

How to celebrate

Make root beer floats at home. Visit A&W or other chains for deals. Try different soda float combinations. Host a float party. Share float photos online.

Facts

The root beer float was invented in 1893
Also called a 'Black Cow' in some regions
A&W popularized root beer floats nationally
Root beer is uniquely American
Perfect combination of creamy and fizzy

Upcoming dates

Thursday, August 6, 2026
Friday, August 6, 2027
Sunday, August 6, 2028
Monday, August 6, 2029
Tuesday, August 6, 2030

Frequently asked questions

When is National Root Beer Float Day in 2026?

National Root Beer Float Day is on August 6, 2026. It falls in the middle of summer, which matches the drink’s old-fashioned, refreshing appeal.

What is National Root Beer Float Day?

National Root Beer Float Day is a food observance celebrating the root beer float, a dessert drink made with root beer and vanilla ice cream. It highlights a classic American treat that is also sometimes called a black cow or brown cow.

Who started National Root Beer Float Day?

The observance is most closely tied to A&W, which has promoted it as an annual event. The day itself is informal, while the root beer float recipe is commonly credited to Frank J. Wisner in 1893.

How do you celebrate National Root Beer Float Day?

The easiest way is to make a float at home with cold root beer and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also visit participating restaurants for special deals or host a float party with different soda-and-ice-cream combinations.

Is a root beer float the same as a black cow?

Yes, in many places the terms are used for the same drink: root beer with vanilla ice cream. Some regions use “black cow” or “brown cow” as the name instead.

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