Dairy Queen Is Giving Away Free Ice Cream This Month

Last month, when Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter, many of us were disappointed. But, have no fear because those six weeks are almost over—and it feels like spring has sprung in a few parts of the country.

However, even if the weather near you isn’t feeling very springy, we’ve almost made it out of the winter months. So, you know what that means—we all deserve a little treat.

Not just any treat though, a free treat. Because what better way to celebrate the first day of spring than with a free ice cream cone from Dairy Queen?

Dairy Queen Free Cone Day 2025

Every year for the past eight years, Dairy Queen has been celebrating spring’s arrival with Free Cone Day. This year, the first day of spring falls on March 20, meaning you can enjoy a soft-serve cone on the house any time that day.

On Free Cone Day, every customer can receive a free small vanilla cone at all participating, non-mall Dairy Queen locations nationwide. Mall locations are offering a BOGO deal on the cones. And, yes, you do have to wait in line at the restaurant—either in the store or drive-thru—because Free Cone Day is not valid for mobile or delivery orders.

We know you probably saw the news about the fun, new Crunchin’ Cookie Dipped Cone, but you may have to try that treat another day. Well, we guess you could get it on March 20, too, it just won’t be free because the deal only covers DQ’s vanilla cone. But we’d never say no to two cones for spring.

This month, Dairy Queen is counting down the days until spring with a sweepstakes that culminates in Free Cone Day. From March 3 through 19, if you download the DQ app and sign up for the free DQ Rewards program, you’ll be entered to win free cones for a year.

Even if you don’t win the contest, the rewards program gets you deals and points so you can save on your next dipped cone, Blizzard, shake, or fish sandwich. Either way, it’s a win.

More First Day of Spring Deals

If you’re up for a bit of a free food tour on the first day of spring, DQ isn’t the only treat you can score. Rita’s Ice has been running a similar deal on the inaugural spring day for more than 25 years. On March 20, you can enjoy free Italian ice at all Rita’s locations nationwide with no purchase necessary.

We’re not saying that we didn’t enjoy DQ and Rita’s all winter long, but there’s just something about that free treat on a fresh spring day that hits differently.