Dairy Queen Free Cone Day Returns March 20th

What is so special about March 20th? It is only the best day of the year if you are an ice cream lover! Dairy Queen is giving away free ice cream cones to celebrate the first day of spring, and we have all the information you need to know so that you can grab yours. I see free ice cream in your future! 

Dairy Queen Cone Day

Dairy Queen Cone Day is the one day a year when DQ invites everyone to celebrate the arrival of spring with a free vanilla soft-serve cone. Free cone day has become a true annual tradition where participating Dairy Queen locations give out free ice cream to customers, no strings attached!

This event is always held on the first day of spring, so while the weather might still be a little chilly in some places, DQ’s creamy, dreamy vanilla soft serve is a surefire way to get you excited for warmer days ahead.

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Why Is Dairy Queen Giving Away Ice Cream?

Because ice cream makes everything better, of course! Dairy Queen has been celebrating the first day of spring with free cones for years, and it’s their way of spreading a little happiness (and deliciousness) to fans everywhere.

It is a great way to get people excited about warmer weather and to make Dairy Queen part of their spring and summer routine. Besides, what better way to kick off this time of year than with a classic DQ soft serve? 

DQ also uses Cone Day to support a great cause. Many locations encourage donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, helping raise money for kids in need while also serving delicious ice cream. So, while your cone is free, you can drop a few dollars or some extra change into the donation jar at the counter. Then you can really enjoy every bite of your ice cream knowing that you are also helping a good cause.

Dairy Queen has raised over $145 million for children’s hospitals, and that is a truly incredible feat! It definitely makes me want to get my free DQ cone tomorrow and also donate while I am there. 

Free DQ Soft Serve Cone

So, what’s the actual deal? On March 20, 2025, you can walk into any participating Dairy Queen location (almost all of them across the country do participate!) and snag a free small vanilla soft-serve cone—completely free! That’s right! No additional purchase is necessary, no catch, just smooth, creamy DQ soft serve in a classic cake cone.

Here’s how to get yours:

1. Find a participating location – Not all DQ stores take part in Cone Day, so check with your local shop before heading out. You can call ahead or look for announcements on Dairy Queen’s website and social media.
2. Show up on March 20th – This deal is only available in person (not through mobile ordering or delivery apps).
3. Enjoy your cone! – Just walk in to your participating DQ, ask for your free vanilla soft serve, and then enjoy every delicious, creamy, vanilla bite. Don’t forget to donate to the Children’s Hospitals if your location is collecting which will make your cone taste even sweeter.

Just an FYI that you might also want to grab some extra treats while you are there. DQ often runs other special promotions alongside Cone Day to make the day even better. Keep an eye out for deals on Blizzards, sundaes, or even those delicious famous Dilly Bars.

All in all, DQ Cone Day is a simple, fun way to celebrate the start of spring. With free ice cream in hand and warm weather in the future, you really just have to stop and smile!