The first day of spring has become synonymous with Dairy Queen’s annual “Free Cone Day!” All day on Wednesday March 20, 2019, participating locations all customers can get a free small vanilla soft-serve cone.

“We love that our tradition of Free Cone Day has become synonymous with return of warmer weather and bringing people together,” said Maria Hokanson, executive vice president of ADQ, in a press release. “We know the start of soft-serve season brings joy to our fans, and we can’t wait to help spread smiles.”

Following Free Cone Day, DQ is offering a small regular or dipped soft serve cone for 50 cents, available for redemption only with the DQ mobile app, March 21-31 at participating DQ and DQ Grill & Chill locations. This offer includes the NEW DQ orange, creamy and crunchy dreamsicle dip, or try the DQ classic chocolate dip.

The first day of spring also is a traditional freebie day at Rita’s Italian Ice.

It’s the Pennsylvania-based company’s 27th annual first day of spring giveaway, which will take place during regular hours Wednesday. Most stores are open noon to 9 p.m.

The company expects to give away more than 1 million cups of free Italian ices at its more than 600 locations.

Limit one free promotional-size cup per customer. Customers can choose to add a custard topper for an extra charge.

Dairy Queen ins welcoming the first official day of spring on Monday, March 20 by hosting Free Cone Day. They will serve a FREE small vanilla soft-serve cone with its signature curl on top at participating locations. The promo also serves as a kick-off to Children’s Hospitals Week. Customers can leave a donation for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, in exchange for the cool treat. Limit one per customer while supplies last. Find the nearest DQ near you.

“We’re excited and ready to go for our Third Annual Free Cone Day,” said Barry Westrum, executive vice president of Marketing for American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ). “Free cones have become a fan tradition — they love it. The icing on the cake is supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.”

According to the company, last year “the Dairy Queen system raised more than $200,000 in one day for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.”

Rita’s Italian Ice is celebrating the first day of spring on March 20 by giving customers a FREE cup of its popular Italian Ice. This is its 25th year of the giveaway and more than a million guests are expected to cool off with the freebie this year. Get your FREE Italian Ice Monday, March 20 from noon to 9 pm at Rita’s, located at 3371 E Stroop Rd in Kettering just west of The Greene.

Stay tuned for more info on Ben & Jerry’s free ice cream day April 4th!