Dairy Queen is offering free ice cream for the first day of spring this year. Why it matters: It's free ice cream, very little additional explanation is needed. The big picture: Several chains are offering freebies or discounts to kick off the season,

Dairy Queen is treating fans to free ice cream to kick off the start of spring. On Thursday, March 20, customers can get a free small vanilla cone at participating Dairy Queen restaurants nationwide for Free Cone Day, according to the Minnesota-based burger chain. No purchase is required, except at participating mall locations.

Chicago -- and welcome to Dairy Queen's legendary Free Cone Day. The annual DQ day each year coincides with the spring equinox. For 2025, it takes place on Thursday, March 20. "Free Cone Day is by far one of our favorite days of the year,