Today is National Root Beer Float Day, and A&W is celebrating the way it does every year: with free floats for everyone.
From 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time today, August 6, any guest can walk into a participating A&W Restaurant and get a free small Root Beer Float — no purchase required. One per person, while supplies last. Since A&W essentially invented the root beer float as a restaurant staple over a century ago, there’s no better place to have one today.
The Free Float Details
- Where: Participating A&W Restaurant locations nationwide
- When: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time, today August 6 only
- What: Free small Root Beer Float — A&W Root Beer with creamy vanilla soft serve
- Cost: Free, no purchase necessary
- Limit: One per person, while supplies last
Use the A&W store locator at awrestaurants.com to find your nearest participating location before heading out.
The Cause Behind the Float
A&W’s National Root Beer Float Day isn’t just a giveaway — it’s also tied to a meaningful fundraising effort for DAV (Disabled American Veterans). Since launching the annual celebration in 2013, A&W and its guests have raised more than $1 million for DAV. Last year set a record: $175,000 raised, surpassing the brand’s $150,000 goal.
Today at participating locations, you can support the cause by making a voluntary donation or picking up a limited-edition 2026 A&W Collector’s Root Beer Mug for $10 — with 100% of mug proceeds going directly to DAV.
More Deals Worth Knowing About
Sonic — Rewards members get $2 off a medium or large float (or any frozen beverage) at participating locations all month long.
Stewart’s Shops — $1 off ice cream floats from August 3 through August 9, including traditional root beer floats.
Loyalty members at select chains — Several regional chains are running free float offers with purchase through the end of the week. Check your apps.
A Brief History of the Root Beer Float
The root beer float was invented in 1893 by Frank J. Wisner, owner of Cripple Creek Brewing Company in Colorado. Legend has it he was inspired by the snow-capped Cow Mountain visible from his property, envisioning snow (ice cream) floating on top of his dark root beer. He called it the “Black Cow.” It’s been a summer staple ever since — and today is its day.
The Bottom Line
Free small Root Beer Float at participating A&W locations from 2 to 8 p.m. today. No purchase needed. While supplies last. Happy National Root Beer Float Day.
