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One of the telltale signs that spring is here and summer isn’t far behind is the annual Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day. The kinda-hippie ice cream makers of Chunky Monkey, Cherry Garcia, and Phish Food have been giving out free scoops in April since 1979 — and the treats return on April 3, 2023.

What started as a way for Ben & Jerry’s to thank customers for their support after their FIRST year of business has turned into a massive tradition, with scoop shops inundated with treat-seekers, forming lines that stretch for blocks. And it’s their chance to raise awareness for local environmental and social organizations.

So how does Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day work? What does it take to get the free scoop? What about flavors, cones, etc.? We’ll tell you everything you need to know.

And if you’re into Free Cone Day, there are a TON of other Free Cone Day events happening throughout the spring and summer months (and we’ve listed them!).

Where to get ice cream and when chart

You get a free scoop of ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s on April 3, 2023 — no questions asked.

Ben & Jerry’s has more than 600 scoop shops worldwide, and the vast majority of them are participating in Free Cone Day on Monday, April 3 between noon and 8 p.m. (You can find your scoop shop at their website and filter locations by “Free Cone Day.”)

You don’t need to be part of their loyalty program, have a coupon code, or anything like that; you just show up and get your free scoop of ice cream in a cone or a cup.

Note: Free Cone Day is for in-person visitors only; online orders don’t qualify.

 

Pick whatever flavor you want for Free Cone Day.

Want Stephen Colbert’s AmeriCone Dream or New York Super Fudge Chunk? No prob. Free Cone Day doesn’t limit you to just certain flavors on the menu. You can choose from all of the ice cream varieties they have on hand for your one free scoop.

Now, before you ask … your free scoop doesn’t come with extras like toppings or one of the fancy waffle cones or dipped cones.

 

 

Ben & Jerry’s cash registers won’t be functioning on Free Cone Day.

people grabbing a ben and jerrys ice cream cone over the counter

Ben & Jerry’s employees say that the entire day, they won’t even be using their registers. So when you get to the front of the line, you get a free scoop. But unlike Frozen Yogurt Day, you can’t get the free scoop and then pay for additional scoops. Everybody gets one scoop (although one Ben & Jerry’s employee I spoke to said that if you want another scoop, get back in line).

 

Look out for a front-of-the-line pass to benefit local charities.

On Free Cone Day, April 3, some Ben & Jerry’s locations will be raising money for environmental groups, food banks, community shelters, and other similar local charities by selling front-of-the-line passes. There’s no telling how much it’ll cost to get to the front of the line, but at some shops, any donation will suffice.

 

Want more free or cheap Ben & Jerry’s? We’ve collected some coupons.

Someone holding a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream in a store

We’re constantly scooping up all the Ben & Jerry’s coupons so you can buy your favorite ice cream at the store for cheap — or sometimes, for free. And beyond that, you can start looking forward to all the freebies headed your way on National Ice Cream Day in July.

 

 

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day: How to Cut the Line & Get a Scoop