You read that right, folks! The new Freeform series, Cruel Summer, is bringing us back to the 90s with pop-ups all across the nation beginning April 24th! In order to market and celebrate the premiere of this fantastic new series, which takes place in 1993-1995, Freeform is teaming up with Dippin’ Dots, Steve Madden, Amoeba Music, as well as some of the top 90s themed Instagram accounts for Giveaways, Events, and Sweepstakes! On top of that, the Network is also hosting a roller rink party that will be open to the public on April 24th and 25th.

So, what’s actually happening at each spot?

Dippin’ Dots

In celebration of Cruel Summer ’90s Day, 120 Dippin’ Dots stores nationwide will offer the first 50 fans a free, 10 oz serving of the limited edition “Cruel Summer Chill Thrill” flavor! The flavor is a combination of rainbow ice and cotton candy, and will be served in a custom, ’90s themed, color-changing cup. Fans will also receive a ’90s style Cruel Summer branded Scrunchie! 

Amoeba Music

On Saturday, April 24th, at Amoeba Music’s new Hollywood location the first 500 fans will receive a free $20 voucher to buy a ’90s vinyl or CD of their choice, as well as a free Cruel Summer ’90s choker necklace.

Steve Madden

This has to be my favorite! The first 10 fans at 20 select Steve Madden stores across the nation will receive a free pair of iconic ’90s black SLINKY platform slides. Good luck and Godspeed trying to get these!


**Participating locations include Westfield Century City – Century City, CA; South Coast Plaza – Costa Mesa, CA; 34th St – New York, NY; SoHo – New York, NY; 42nd St – New York, NY; Roosevelt Field – Garden City, NY; Garden State Plaza – Paramus, NJ; Towson Town Center – Towson, MD; Lenox Square – Atlanta, GA; Perimeter Mall – Atlanta, GA; Aventura Mall – Aventura, FL; Dadeland Mall – Miami, FL; Town Center at Boca Raton – Boca Raton, FL; Lincoln Road – Miami Beach, FL; The Galleria – Houston, TX; Galleria Dallas – Dallas, TX; North Star Mall – San Antonio, TX; La Plaza – McAllen, TX; Scottsdale Fashion Square – Scottsdale, AZ; and Fashion Show – Las Vegas, NV.

Cruel Summers Rolls into the 90’s!

Cruel Summer
Image: Freeform

What else are the bringing to these pop-ups, you ask?

‘90 Roller Rink Party!

The Cruel Summer ’90s Roller Rink will take place at the Westfield Century City Mall Atrium on April 24th and 25th. Fans can expect to have a chance to score ’90s-inspired Cruel Summer swag, discover easter eggs from the show hidden throughout the activation, and other surprises and delights.

That’s not all!

If you’re unable to attend an in-person event, never fear! You can still participate in the Cruel Summer ’90s Day through special sweepstakes on the Freeform Instagram account and other ’90s themed accounts: @’90sanxiety, @iamthirtyaf, and @forever_’90s_fan. 

Cruel Summer fans can enter for a chance to win a ’90s-themed prize pack including a you-go-girl necklace, roller skates, a Garbage band t-shirt, a cassette tape player, a pair of Steve Madden SLINKY shoes, an Amoeba Music gift card, a Dippin’ Dots gift card, and a Caboodle!!!

Cruel Summer premiere’s on Freeform, April 20th at 9 pm and is available on Hulu (Also home to Freaks and Geeks) the next day!