There’s nothing like a free ice cream cone to ring in the first day of spring.

Dairy Queen’s popular free cone day is back Thursday. Here’s everything to know about the tasty occasion, including how to snag the deal and what the first day of spring entails.

When is Dairy Queen free cone day 2025?

Free cone day is celebrated Thursday, March 20, at participating Dairy Queen locations to ring in the spring season.

When is the first day of spring?

Spring officially arrives Thursday, March 20.

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That’s the date of the vernal equinox, when both hemispheres of the Earth receive the same amount of daylight, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. It marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, with the days getting longer, and the start of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, with the days getting shorter.

How to get a free Dairy Queen ice cream cone

Get one free small vanilla soft-serve cone by stopping at a participating Dairy Queen location (most stores are independently owned, so each location determines whether they want to take part in promotions).

Customers can also add a dip to their cone for $1. The proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

The freebie runs all day long while supplies last. Limit one per person. Customers cannot get the free cone through delivery or mobile orders.