How To Get A Free Cone At Dairy Queen

Update: Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day has been postponed due to concerns over coronavirus. The company issued this statement on Friday, March 13: "At DQ, we like to sweeten the start of spring with Free Cone Day, a fan-favorite event that attracts long lines at our restaurants. In light of the growing concerns about COVID-19 (coronavirus), and the precautions established by the World Health Organization and government agencies around large public gatherings, we made the difficult decision to postpone this year's Free Cone Day, which was scheduled for Thursday, March 19 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The health and wellbeing of our fans and crew members is our top priority, and we look forward to rescheduling at a later date when we know more."

If you love Dairy Queen's signature swirl atop their soft-serve cones as much as we do, then it's time to get excited. For the sixth year in a row, Dairy Queen will celebrate the first day of spring as Free Cone Day. While spring can become overrun with pastel Jordan almonds, chocolate bunnies, and egg-shaped sweet treats, Dairy Queen shakes it up with its free vanilla cones for anyone who wants them (via Taste of Home).

While a free vanilla cone is enough to put a smile on your face, there is something else you should know about this deal beyond the ice cream. While the soft-serve ice cream cones are completely free, Dairy Queen does ask that customers make a donation to Children's Miracle Network should they feel so inclined. Though this is not a requirement, Dairy Queen has raised more than $110 million for Children's Miracle Network hospitals since 1984 (via The Spruce Eats).

Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day, and thus the first day of spring, will fall on March 19th this year. Cones are only available at participating locations at stand-alone stores, which means locations inside shopping malls are sadly off-limits. If you're concerned about going out for a cone and missing it at your location due to participation (or coronavirus), then you might want to call ahead. It's a safety precaution that could help you and others — not to mention that Ben & Jerry's has already postponed its free cone day, according to Thrillist.

Getting an ice cream cone at Dairy Queen is extra special this year too, as the beloved fast food and sweet treat shop has been around for 80 years. To celebrate, the chain has already rolled out a buy one get one deal on blizzards through March 15th. The second blizzard is only 80 cents after you pay full price for the first one, which is a great deal for you and a friend. Or just you — no one will judge if you slip the second one into the freezer for later.