It’s that time of year again — when the days start getting longer, the sun feels warmer, and Dairy Queen brings back its beloved Free Cone Day. Yep, you read that right — on Thursday, March 20, 2025, which just so happens to be the official first day of spring, the beloved ice cream chain will be handing out free small vanilla soft serve cones at participating locations. So, if you're a fan of sweet, creamy treats and free stuff, this is your moment to shine. But there's more to this day than just showing up and getting a cone — there are a few steps you should know to make the most of it, and maybe even win free cones for a whole year.

Free Cone Day isn’t just a fun event — it’s a yearly tradition that marks the arrival of spring in a pretty sweet way. And for 2025, Dairy Queen is doing it bigger and better than ever. Whether you’re a longtime fan or you’ve never had a DQ cone before, this is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of that signature swirl for free.

So, what exactly can you expect from this year’s Free Cone Day? Well, for starters, the basics: a free small vanilla soft serve cone with that classic Dairy Queen swirl on top. But there's more to it than just walking up and grabbing one. There are a few key details you’ll want to know before heading out, especially if you're aiming to enter for a chance to win even more free ice cream.

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Table of Contents

• What Is Dairy Queen Free Cone Day?
• When Is Free Cone Day in 2025?
• How to Get Your Free Cone
• Can You Get More Than One Cone?
• How to Enter the “Free Cones for a Year” Giveaway
• Are All Locations Participating?
• Tips for a Smooth Free Cone Day Experience
• FAQ

What Is Dairy Queen Free Cone Day?

Dairy Queen’s Free Cone Day is kind of a big deal. It’s been around for a while, and every year it brings a lot of smiles — and a lot of free ice cream — to people across the country. Basically, it's an annual event where the chain gives away free small vanilla soft serve cones to everyone who stops by on a specific day. That day is usually around the start of spring, and this year, it falls on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

It’s not just about getting a cone, though. It’s also a way for Dairy Queen to celebrate the season and thank its loyal fans. And if you're lucky, you might just walk away with more than just one cone — there’s a chance to win free cones for the whole year, too.

Think of it like an unofficial holiday for ice cream lovers. You don’t need an excuse to celebrate, but if you did, this would be a good one. Learn more about on our site.

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When Is Free Cone Day in 2025?

This year’s Free Cone Day lands on Thursday, March 20, 2025. That’s not just any random Thursday — that’s the official first day of spring, so it makes sense that Dairy Queen would choose that date to celebrate with free ice cream.

Mark your calendar, set a reminder, maybe even leave a sticky note on your fridge — whatever it takes to make sure you don’t forget. The event only happens once a year, and you definitely don’t want to miss it if you love ice cream or free stuff (or both).

How to Get Your Free Cone

Getting your free cone is pretty straightforward — just head to any participating Dairy Queen location on March 20, 2025, and ask for a free small vanilla soft serve cone. That’s it. No coupon needed, no purchase required — just walk up and say the magic words.

Now, keep in mind that it’s a popular event, so you might want to plan your visit accordingly. Early morning or late evening hours might be less crowded, so you can avoid long lines and get your cone faster. And don’t forget — it’s vanilla soft serve with the classic swirl on top, so if you’re looking for something else, you’ll need to pay for it. But hey, free is still pretty great.

Can You Get More Than One Cone?

Technically, the offer is for one free cone per person. But here's the thing — you can always come back another time and pay for additional treats. Or, if you're at a mall location, there’s a BOGO (buy one, get one) deal on cones, so that’s an option if you're feeling extra indulgent.

Also, if you want to get a cone for a friend or family member, you can just ask them to come with you and each person can grab one for free. Teamwork makes the treat sweeter, right?

How to Enter the “Free Cones for a Year” Giveaway

This is where things get really exciting. Dairy Queen is giving one lucky fan the chance to win free cones for an entire year. And entering is super easy — all you need to do is download the DQ app and sign up for DQ Rewards before March 20. Once you’re in the system, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win the grand prize.

So, if you're already a DQ Rewards member, you’re good to go. If not, do yourself a favor and download the app before the big day. It’s worth it, not just for the chance to win, but also because the app offers exclusive deals and rewards all year round. So, you know, it's a win-win.

Are All Locations Participating?

Not all Dairy Queen locations will be part of Free Cone Day. The event is only available at participating stores, so it’s a good idea to double-check with your local DQ before heading out. You can use the store locator on the Dairy Queen website or app to find a nearby spot that’s offering the deal.

If you’re not sure whether a location is participating, it never hurts to give them a quick call. Better safe than sorry, especially if you’re making a special trip just for the cone.

Tips for a Smooth Free Cone Day Experience

Alright, so you’re all set to grab your free cone — but here are a few tips to make the whole thing go a little more smoothly:

1. Download the DQ app beforehand. This isn’t just for the giveaway — it’s also a good idea to check store locations, hours, and any other details you might need.
2. Be prepared for crowds. Free Cone Day tends to draw a lot of people, so expect some lines. If you can, try going during off-peak hours to save time.
3. Bring your friends — or at least your patience. If you're going with a group, make sure everyone knows the deal — one cone per person. And if you hit a busy time, just take a deep breath and enjoy the moment (and the ice cream, of course).
4. Double-check store hours. Some locations might have different hours on the day, especially if it’s a holiday or special event in your area.
5. Bring a reusable cup or container. While it’s a small cone, if you want to save a little waste or maybe even ask for extra swirls (if they’re feeling generous), a reusable option can be handy.

Oh, and one more thing — don’t forget to enjoy your cone! It’s not every day you get free ice cream, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Free Cone Day available nationwide?

Yes, but only at participating Dairy Queen locations. It’s always a good idea to confirm with your local store or use the DQ app to find a nearby spot offering the deal.

Do I need to sign up for anything to get the free cone?

Nope — you don’t need to sign up or download anything just to get your free cone. However, if you want to enter for a chance to win free cones for a year, you’ll need to download the DQ app and sign up for DQ Rewards before March 20.

Can I get a different flavor or cone size for free?

The free cone offer is for a small vanilla soft serve cone only. If you want a different size or flavor, you’ll need to pay the regular price for that. But hey, vanilla soft serve is a classic for a reason.

If you're curious about more freebies or promotions from other chains, you might want to check out what other brands like Wendy’s or Baskin-Robbins are offering around National Ice Cream Day 2025. There’s always more than one way to get your frozen treat fix.