Dairy Queen customers are in for a sweet treat with the return of Free Cone Day.
The tradition is “one of the happiest days of the year for DQ fans,” who are treated to one vanilla soft-serve cone, without any purchase necessary, as noted in a press release.
Customers can only get the vanilla cone, topped with DQ’s iconic swirl, in stores tomorrow, March 19. The offer is not valid on delivery or mobile orders, and there’s a limit of one small vanilla cone, which usually costs $2.49, per person.
Last year, DQ restaurants gave away more than five million free cones, as noted in the press release. Since the tradition began in 2015, the brand has given out more than 38 million free cones nationwide.
Free Cone Day has always taken place just before spring officially starts, in honor of the warmer days that lie ahead.
Dairy Queen’s Free Cone Day falls on March 19 this year (Dairy Queen)
Dairy Queens fans can also enter the DQ Free Cone Day Sweepstakes for a chance to win a $500 gift card to Dairy Queen (Getty Images)
“Free Cone Day is all about celebrating the simple joys – warmer weather, a classic vanilla cone and the happiness that comes from sharing a smile,” Maria Hokanson, Executive Vice President of Marketing at American Dairy Queen Corporation, said in a statement. “There’s something truly special about seeing people light up over a free cone, and this year, we’re excited to give away more cones and create more happy moments for our fans than ever before.”
Outside of Free Cone Day, DQ fans have the chance to win even more sweet treats. Until March 19 at 11:59 p.m. ET, fans can enter the DQ Free Cone Day Sweepstakes for a chance to win Free Cones for a Year, awarded in a $500 DQ gift card. With that card, the winner can get two small vanilla cones a week for 52 weeks.
However, only new and existing rewards members who have the Dairy Queen app can enter this sweepstakes.
DQ isn’t the only brand gearing up to celebrate warmer weather with free ice cream. On April 14, Ben & Jerry’s will continue its annual tradition of giving out free cups and cones of its signature ice cream flavors.
To get the free treat, customers have to be in participating Ben & Jerry’s stores between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. No purchase is necessary.