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Originally Published: Mar 20, 2018
Originally Published: Mar 20, 2018 Last Updated: Mar 20, 2018 2 min read
Pure White Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream Cone in Sunlight with Blurred Green Foliage in Background
lovelypeace—Getty Images/iStockphoto

Free ice cream cones? Free Italian ices? These super cool freebies are a great way to celebrate the first day of spring in 2018.

Tuesday, March 20, is the official first day of spring—formally known as the vernal (or spring) equinox. And various chains, including Dairy Queen and Rita's Italian Ices, are using the first day of spring as an excuse to give out free treats.

Both deals are no-strings attached giveaways—no purchase, coupon, or rewards program memberships required. Simply put, everybody gets free treats to help cool off on the first day of spring.

Here are the details:

Dairy Queen Free Cone Day

Dairy Queen is giving each customer a free small vanilla ice cream cone all day on Tuesday, March 20. There's a limit of one free cone per customer, and the giveaway is valid at participating Dairy Queen locations only. DQs will also be collecting donations for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals on Tuesday.

Rita's First Day of Spring Free Italian Ice

It's been an annual tradition for more than two decades: Every year on the first day of spring, Rita's has free Italian ices for all customers. Just show up at a participating Rita's location any time on Tuesday, March 20, and ask for an Italian ice in your favorite flavor, on the house.