FREE never tasted so sweet! Scoop up yours before it melts! 🧋
Dairy Queen’s FREE CONE Day is typically held in March, often around the 1st Day of Spring (~March 19, 20 or 21). On this day, participating Dairy Queen locations give out millions of FREE small vanilla soft-serve cones for a limited time, usually during afternoon hours.
You typically can dip your cone for only a $1 donation to a local store charity like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Flavors might include seasonal fruity cereal, orange creamsicle, confetti cake, butterscotch, cherry, and chocolate!
The exact date and details can vary every year, so it’s best to check with Dairy Queen or its social media channels for the most up-to-date info. In fact, DQ is over 85 years old now!
Dairy Queen’s FREE CONE Day began as a promotional event to celebrate spring’s arrival and thank customers for their loyalty. It’s been a beloved tradition for at least a decade, growing in popularity as DQ expanded the deal into Canada, the Bahamas, and beyond.
Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help you get started.
Here are some activities you can do on FREE CONE Day!
Head to your nearest participating Dairy Queen and claim your free soft-serve cone. While you’re there, explore the menu and treat yourself to a Blizzard, DQ Sandwich, or a Dilly bar for later.
Turn FREE CONE Day into an annual family tradition by bringing your kids, parents, or grandparents along. Take photos of everyone enjoying their cones and make it a day to remember. Add a dip, sprinkles, or other toppings to your free cone for a small fee.
Why not plan for next year? Make a note to celebrate FREE CONE Day again by counting down the days to the cool treat next year.
Celebrating FREE CONE Day can be a delightful and creative experience. Remember to tailor these activities based on the age group and preferences of the children or students involved. The fun and laughter might drip & melt in this special section!
It’s also a great opportunity for teachers to build a simple thematic unit around ice cream cones—blending food science, math measurement, cultural history, descriptive writing, and creative art. Whether it’s a one-day focus or a week-long project, this theme gives educators a fun way to connect classroom lessons with sensory exploration.
Here are some child-friendly and playful ways for youngsters to celebrate the occasion and CONE-quer ice cream like a champ:
Use social media posts with the hashtags #FreeConeDay, #DQFreeConeDay, #DairyQueen, #IceCream, #Treats, #DippedCone, #IceCreamCone, #SoftServe, #SoftServeIcecream, #Sweets, #FreeFood, #FoodHolidays, #MarchHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you ❤️ FREE CONE Day.
Roman poet best known for his wit, storytelling, and exploration of human emotions. He wrote Metamorphoses, a narrative poem that influenced Western art and literature for centuries. Born 43 BC.
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Mexican national hero and president best known for his leadership during the Reform War, efforts to modernize Mexico, and resistance to foreign intervention. Born 1806.
BENITO JUÁREZ Quotes
“Men are nothing; principles are everything.”
“Democracy is the destiny of humanity; freedom its indestructible arm.”
Norwegian playwright known as the “father of modern drama”. Like A Doll’s House and Hedda Gabler, his works revolutionized theater. Born 1828.
HENRIK IBSEN Quotes
“The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone … The majority is never right.”
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| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 20 | Saturday |
| 2028 | March 19 | Sunday |
| 2029 | March 20 | Tuesday |
DQ FREE CONE Day is more than just a free treat – it’s a celebration of community, generosity, and the joy of ice cream. For Dairy Queen, it’s an opportunity to give back, connect with customers, and kick off the spring season with a sweet start. For everyone else, it’s a day to indulge, connect, and celebrate the little things that make life sweeter.
Who doesn’t love free? There’s something undeniably exciting about getting something for free, especially when it’s a delicious, creamy soft-serve cone from Dairy Queen. FREE CONE Day feels like a little gift, a small but meaningful way to break from the ordinary routine that brightens our day and treats us.
We welcome warmer weather. Held on the first day of spring, FREE CONE Day marks the end of winter and the beginning of sunny, ice-cream-friendly days. The event symbolizes new beginnings and the simple pleasures that come with the changing seasons.
Ice Cream = Happiness. It’s a universally loved treat that transcends age, culture, and language. FREE CONE Day taps into that universal joy. There’s something special about Dairy Queen’s iconic vanilla soft-serve — it’s creamy, nostalgic, and downright delicious!
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