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Summer is just around the corner, and for ice cream and froyo enthusiasts, that means it’s time to start planning for Free Cone Day. But which one? Arguably the most famous one happens every year at Ben & Jerry’s locations in April, but there’s not just one Free Cone Day!
While we love celebrating food holidays, Free Cone Day is special because it happens throughout the year. Some free cone days are tied to other food holidays like National Ice Cream Day or National Frozen Yogurt Day.
And on top of that, if you’re feeling creative, there are also ways to make your own free cone day by taking advantage of special promotions and discounts from your favorite ice cream shops. So mark your calendars — you’ve got a lot of ice cream to eat.
Dairy Queen: March 20, 2023
Dairy Queen Free Cone Day always coincides with the first day of spring, which is Monday, March 20 in 2023. The ice cream chain is giving away free small vanilla soft-serve cones during business hours (typically 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day), but only while supplies last. This free Dairy Queen is limited to one free cone per person. You can’t get this deal online, for delivery, or at any mall locations.
Rita’s Italian Ice: March 20, 2023
If you’re in the Philly area, Rita’s Italian Ice offers a free Italian ice on the first day of spring, which is Monday, March 20 in 2023. (They’re so proud of this, they put it on their About Us page!) Customers can choose any flavor of Italian ice for free.
Ben & Jerry’s: April 3, 2023
Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day has typically been on the second Tuesday in April, but they bumped it even earlier in 2023 to be on April 3. Between noon and 8 p.m., customers can receive a free scoop of ice cream in a cone or cup, depending on their preference. The free scoop can be any flavor available at the location. Limit one scoop per person, available only in person at Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops.
16 Handles: July 16, 2023
If you’re a member of the 16 Handles Rewards program, you’ll get a coupon sent to your account for a free 3-ounce soft serve with toppings (worth around $5.35) ahead of National Ice Cream Day — July 16, 2023. You can get this same coupon on Instagram or Twitter, and you’ll have to go in person to receive your free ice cream.
Dippin’ Dots: July 16, 2023
When you visit a Dippin’ Dots location on National Ice Cream Day, you’ll get a free mini cup of Dippin’ Dots (regularly $4.99). The catch? You’ll have to be there at a random 2-hour window that varies from location to location. So make sure to call your local Dippin’ Dots to make sure you don’t miss this freebie.
Friendly’s: July 16, 2023
Join the Friendly’s Rewards program to get a coupon for a free medium sundae (regularly $6.59) sent to your account ahead of National Ice Cream Day, July 16. This coupon can be used through the Friendly’s app, website, or in person.
TCBY: Feb. 6, 2024
Since TCBY serves frozen yogurt, it makes sense that their freebie day is on National Frozen Yogurt Day, Feb. 6. On that day, TCBY gives customers their first six ounces for free. And if you want more than that, you pay for each additional ounce. TCBY also offers a free small cup of frozen yogurt to veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Free Cone Day, Any Day
These ice cream joints don’t have a dedicated Free Cone Day, but they do offer a free cone for anyone who signs up for their loyalty programs. So you can pick your own Free Cone Day.
Baskin-Robbins
Download the Baskin Robbins app and sign in for the first time to get a digital coupon for a free scoop of ice cream. Plus, you’ll also get a free scoop on your birthday (and can register up to five family/friends’ birthdays).
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Once you join Bruster’s Sweet Rewards, you get a $3 credit that you can immediately redeem. And since a small (two scoops) sugar cone, cake cone, or cup costs less than $3, you’ll get it for free. (You could also opt to get a Kids’ Sundae instead; they’re under $3, too.)
Carvel
Carvel used to do a free cone day every April, but we haven’t seen evidence of this since the pandemic. But if you sign up for their loyalty program, Fudgie Fanatics (and put in your birthday), you’ll get a free cone on your birthday.
Culver’s
It’s not free, but pretty dang close. On Scoops of Thanks Day, May 4, 2023, customers can enjoy a scoop of any-flavor Fresh Frozen Custard for $1 by donating to a local agricultural organization or FFA chapter.
Haagen-Dazs
We haven’t seen anything about a free cone day at Haagen-Dazs since 2019, so your best bet is to create your own free cone day by signing up for Haagen-Dazs Sweet Rewards. After your first purchase, you’ll earn a free cup or cone.
Marble Slab Creamery
Marble Slab Creamery doesn’t have a specific free cone day, but they offer free ice cream for customers’ birthdays through the Slab Happy rewards program.
