Dairy Queen Free Cone Day 2026 was Thursday, March 19. Participating U.S. stores gave every customer one free small vanilla cone, all day, while supplies lasted. The 2027 date has not been announced, but DQ ties the event to the first day of spring, so mid to late March 2027 is the safe bet.
We are an independent menu guide, not Dairy Queen. The details below come from DQ’s 2026 announcement as reported by NBC Chicago and other outlets. Always check the DQ app or your local store for the current year’s rules.
What you get on Free Cone Day
- One small vanilla soft serve cone per person. Normally it costs about $2 to $3, and a kids’ cone runs about $1.79.
- No purchase needed at regular stores. In 2026, mall locations required a purchase to use the single-use offer.
- In person only. Delivery and mobile orders were excluded.
- Participating U.S. stores, while supplies last. Most stores take part, but a franchise can opt out, so call ahead if you are making a special trip.
Want more than plain vanilla? Most stores will dip the cone for an upcharge. Prices for every cone, dipped cone and sundae are on our cones and classic treats menu.
Free Cone Day dates by year
| Year | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Not announced yet | Expect on or near March 20, the first day of spring |
| 2026 | Thursday, March 19 | Mall stores required a purchase; app sweepstakes March 5 to 19 |
| 2015 | First Free Cone Day | DQ has run it every spring since |
Dairy Queen says it has given away about 38 million free cones since the first Free Cone Day in 2015. We will add the 2027 date to this page when DQ announces it.
The DQ app sweepstakes
You do not need the app to get your free cone. In 2026, though, DQ ran a sweepstakes in the app from March 5 to March 19. New and existing DQ Rewards members could enter for a chance at free cones for a year. Signing up for the app is free, and it also earns you points on every order. Our DQ app rewards guide explains how the points work.
Tips for Free Cone Day
- Go early or late. Lines peak right after school and in the evening.
- Use the drive-thru with care. Most stores honor the cone in the drive-thru, but mall stores and some Treat-only stores have different rules.
- Bring the family. The offer is one cone per person, not one per car.
- Make it a meal. If you want food too, the $7 Meal Deal and 2 for $5 menu are the cheapest ways to add it.
Other ways to get free DQ
Outside Free Cone Day, the most reliable free treats come from the DQ app: points you can redeem for cones and Dilly Bars, and a birthday treat for members. Some receipts also invite you to the DQ Fan Feedback survey for a coupon, which we cover in our DQ Fan Feedback survey guide. For everyday savings, see the cheapest things to order at DQ and our Dairy Queen discounts guide.
Frequently asked questions
Looking for a specific item? See the full Dairy Queen menu with prices for every Blizzard, burger, basket and cake.
Sources: Dairy Queen U.S. nutrition and allergen information, in-store menu boards and the DQ app. Prices are typical U.S. prices and vary by location. Last checked October 2026.