MINNEAPOLIS — Ice cream fans, grab your napkins. One of the “happiest days of the year” is arriving a day early this season.
Dairy Queen has officially announced that its annual Free Cone Day will take place this Thursday, March 19, 2026. The event serves as a nationwide “welcome party” for spring, which officially begins on Friday.
Since the tradition began in 2015, DQ has given away more than 38 million cones. Last year alone, fans enjoyed 5 million free treats, and the company aims to break that record this week.
How to Get Your Free Treat
The promotion is straightforward: show up and enjoy.
- The Offer: One free small vanilla soft-serve cone per person.
- The Look: Each cone comes with DQ’s world-famous “signature curl” on top.
- The Locations: Available at participating non-mall locations across the U.S. all day Thursday (mall locations typically require a purchase).
Win “Free Cones for a Year”
In addition to the giveaway, DQ is doubling down on the “simple joy” by launching a major sweepstakes. Fans have until the end of the day on March 19 to enter for a chance to win free cones for an entire year.
To enter, users must download the DQ App and sign into their DQ Rewards account.
Local Pickaway County Impact
For residents in Circleville and surrounding townships, the local Dairy Queen on Court Street is expected to be a major hub of activity.
“Free Cone Day is all about celebrating the simple joys—warmer weather, a classic vanilla cone, and the happiness that comes from sharing a smile,” said Maria Hokanson, Executive Vice President of Marketing at American Dairy Queen Corporation.
Pro-Tip: Expect longer lines than usual during the after-school rush and evening hours. Because the offer is “while supplies last,” local fans are encouraged to head out earlier in the day to ensure they snag their cone.
