The 2026 first-day-of-spring giveaways from Rita’s Italian Ice and Dairy Queen have ended. Rita’s offered a free 6-ounce Italian Ice on March 20, 2026, and Dairy Queen’s 2026 Free Cone Day offered a small vanilla cone. No 2027 dates or terms are confirmed in the available announcements, so check official brand pages and participating local shops closer to next spring.
What free spring treats were available in 2026?
| Business | 2026 offer | Date and conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Rita’s Italian Ice | One free 6-ounce Italian Ice; guests could choose an available flavor. Custard added extra. | March 20, 2026, at more than 600 U.S. locations, according to Rita’s announcement. The event has ended. |
| Dairy Queen | One free small vanilla soft-serve cone. | On 2026 Free Cone Day. A contemporaneous local guide reported that the offer was available all day while supplies lasted at participating U.S. DQ and DQ Grill & Chill locations. Mall locations required a purchase; mobile and delivery orders were excluded. Participation could vary. |
Rita’s projected that it would serve approximately one million cups in its March 2026 announcement. That was a projection, not a reported final count. Dairy Queen’s official page describes its annual promotion as a free small vanilla cone, but currently marks the 2026 event complete and directs visitors to check back next year: Dairy Queen Free Cone Day.
Is Rita’s Italian Ice really free on the first day of spring?
It was free under Rita’s 2026 promotion: the giveaway was one 6-ounce Italian Ice on March 20 at participating locations. Adding custard cost extra, and the event is over. Rita’s paired the promotion with a limited-time white Mystery PEEPS Italian Ice whose flavor was kept secret. A local guide reported that guesses could be submitted March 20–29 for a chance at prizes, including free Rita’s for a year; those contest dates have passed too.
Were there other local spring deals?
A New Jersey events guide listed two additional offers for March 20, 2026: Bordentown Creamery had a kids-size water ice or soft serve, and Volpe’s Italian Ice and Ice Cream marked its reopening with free small water ices, stickers and temporary tattoos. These were local examples, not confirmed nationwide promotions. Check directly with the businesses before relying on similar deals in a future year.
#1 Best Overall
What was the PEEPS connection?
Just Born’s 2026 release said Rita’s was bringing back its limited-time PEEPS Mystery Flavor Italian Ice at participating locations starting March 20. The release also listed other seasonal collaborations, including Hostess PEEPS Cupcakes and PEEPS Marshmallow-flavored CakeBites. These were separate seasonal products, not the free restaurant offer, and the release does not establish that they remain available in October 2026. PEEPS marshmallow candy can be an at-home seasonal treat, but buying it does not qualify anyone for a restaurant giveaway.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before claiming a future freebie
For any new spring promotion, verify the details with the brand and the specific location. Compare the event date and hours, free item and size, purchase or app requirements, per-customer limits, participation, supply limits, and any ordering-channel exclusions. A past promotion’s terms do not guarantee the same deal next year.
Rank #2
- Ideal for Gifting
- Ideal for a bookworm
- Compact for travelling
As of October 4, 2026, no exact 2027 dates or terms are established here. Dairy Queen’s official page says its 2026 event is complete and invites fans to check back for next year; check Rita’s official announcements and local shop information closer to spring as well.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It can be a gift option
- Comes with secure packaging
- Helpful in various ways
Rank #4
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