National 7 Eleven Day

National 7-Eleven Day is an annual celebration dedicated to the popular convenience store chain, 7-Eleven. It’s a day when the company shows appreciation to its customers by offering free Slurpees and special promotions at participating stores across the United States and Canada.

Quick Facts

When is it?: July 11th (7/11)
Tagged as: Free Slurpee Day
What’s the hashtag?: #Free7ElevenDay #FreeSlurpeeDay
When was it founded?: 2002
Who founded it?: 7-Eleven, Inc.

History of National 7-Eleven Day

National 7-Eleven Day began in 2002 when the company decided to celebrate its 75th anniversary by giving away free 7.11-ounce Slurpee drinks to customers on July 11th. The promotion was an instant hit, with countless customers visiting their local 7-Eleven stores to claim their free frozen treat. Due to its overwhelming popularity, the company decided to make it an annual tradition.

Over the years, the celebration has evolved beyond just free Slurpees. The company often introduces new flavors and limited-time promotions to enhance the festivities. Additionally, many stores use this day to host fundraisers, donate to charities, or support local initiatives, showing 7-Eleven’s commitment to making a positive impact in communities.

Timeline

1927: The first 7-Eleven store was established in Dallas, Texas as Southland Ice Company
1946: The company changed its name to 7-Eleven, reflecting its operating hours from 7 am to 11 pm
1966: The Slurpee was launched after 7-Eleven redesigned Knedlik’s Icee machine
2002: The first National 7-Eleven Day was celebrated, offering free Slurpees to customers

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	July 11	Friday
2026	July 11	Saturday
2027	July 11	Sunday
2028	July 11	Tuesday
2029	July 11	Wednesday
2030	July 11	Thursday

How National 7-Eleven Day is Observed

On National 7-Eleven Day, customers can visit participating 7-Eleven stores, typically between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., to receive a free Slurpee. In recent years, the company has extended the celebration beyond just one day, allowing customers to claim their free drink throughout the week of July 11th. Members of the 7Rewards loyalty program often receive additional perks and special offers.

Fun Facts About Slurpees

The Slurpee was named for the sound it makes when being sipped through a straw
Early Slurpee flavors had novelty names like Pink Fink, Adults Only, Moonshine, and Sticky Icky
Bob Stanford, an advertising executive, gave the sugary, icy drink its name
The Slurpee was invented by chance by Omar Knedlik
7-Eleven entered into a licensing agreement with the Icee Company to serve slushies at their locations

Quiz

What year was the first National 7-Eleven Day celebrated?
What is the original name of the company that became 7-Eleven?
Why is National 7-Eleven Day celebrated on July 11th?

(Answers: 1. 2002, 2. Southland Ice Company, 3. Because of the date 7/11, which matches the store’s name)

FAQs

What is 7-Eleven Day?
Since 2002, 7-Eleven has been celebrating its birthday on July 11 by giving customers a FREE Slurpee drink to thank them for their loyal patronage and continued support.

How old is 7-Eleven?
7-Eleven was founded in 1927 as an icehouse storefront in Dallas, Texas. In 2025, it will celebrate its 98th birthday.

Do all 7-Eleven stores participate in Free Slurpee Day?
While most 7-Eleven stores participate, it’s best to check with your local store to confirm their participation in the annual event.

Importance of National 7-Eleven Day

National 7-Eleven Day serves as a customer appreciation event, allowing the company to thank its loyal customers for their continued support. Beyond the freebies and promotions, it’s an opportunity for 7-Eleven to give back to communities through charitable initiatives. The day also helps promote the 7-Eleven brand and its signature Slurpee product, creating positive publicity and customer engagement.