It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for ice cream fans. With spring just around the corner, there’s no better way to celebrate the warm weather than with a frosty treat. Dairy Queen is celebrating the occasion nationwide with its annual Free Cone Day. On March 20, the first day of spring, customers can get a DQ classic small vanilla soft-serve cone with the iconic swirl on top for no charge.
How can I get a free cone?
Just stop by the nearest Dairy Queen store on March 20. No app sign-ups required. However, this deal isn’t available via delivery or the DQ app, and most mall locations don’t participate. Make sure to go in person and order at the counter or drive-thru.
Supplies are first come, first serve, and each customer is allowed only one free cone. In past years, though, some avid ice cream lovers acquired more than that by visiting multiple Dairy Queen locations. While that leaves fewer cones for the rest of us, I have to say I respect the hustle.
Amidst the excitement of free ice cream, it’s important to remember to be kind to the employees. They’re dealing with longer lines and larger crowds, so stay courteous as you compete for those limited cones.
How can I get free cones for a whole year?
To help countdown the few weeks until FCD, Dairy Queen is celebrating with some giveaways. Sign up for DQ Rewards on the app anytime from March 3 to March 19, and you will be entered into a sweepstakes to win Free Cones for one year.
DQ Rewards also gives you access to exclusive deals and an annual birthday offer. If you love ice cream as much as I do, you’ll take all the Blizzard discounts you can get.
What else is happening at Dairy Queen?
I have to say, DQ has been on a roll recently. For mint enthusiasts, you can get the Mint Oreo Blizzard from now until Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17. The chain also launched its new spring menu items this week, the Crunchin’ Cookie Dipped Cone and Orange Cream Shake.
Regardless of the season, Dairy Queen’s offerings never disappoint. Seriously, their menu is becoming something I look forward to every holiday.
Where else can I get free ice cream?
If you can’t bring yourself to visit two Dairy Queens in a day, you can still get a second free treat on March 20 at Rita’s Italian Ice. For over 25 years, Rita’s has commemorated the first day of spring with free Italian ice. Ben and Jerry’s also has an annual Free Cone Day of its own, usually in early April, when you can get a scoop of any flavor in stores. That tradition dates back to 1979.
And of course, if you’re lucky enough to win the DQ rewards sweepstakes, you’ll be looking at free ice cream for a long time.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be clearing out my freezer to make room for the ice cream pints I’ll be stacking up in the next few months.