Free cone day at Dairy Queen, often referred to as DQ, is a promotional event where customers can get a free small vanilla soft serve cone at participating locations. So is it free cone day today? Let’s take a closer look.
When is free cone day at DQ?
DQ free cone day is not a single nationwide event. Instead, each participating franchise location can choose a day during the year to offer customers a free small vanilla soft serve cone. This means free cone day will fall on different days across different DQ locations.
Some common DQ free cone days include the first day of spring, the first day of summer, or National Ice Cream Day in July. However, it’s up to each location to decide when they want to celebrate free cone day. The only way to find out if it’s free cone day at your local DQ is to check with that specific location.
You can call ahead to your nearby DQ stores and ask when their free cone day will be for the year. You may need to check back closer to that date to confirm the details. DQ restaurants will often promote free cone day on their website, social media pages, and with in-store signage once the date gets closer.
How to get a free cone on DQ free cone day
Scoring a free mini cone on DQ’s free cone day is easy! Just head to your participating neighborhood location during regular business hours on the designated free cone day and ask for a free small vanilla soft serve cone.
Free cones are limited to one per customer and only available while supplies last. So be sure to arrive early to beat the after school or after dinner rushes. Also keep in mind the event is for regular sized cones only, so there are no free blizzards, sundaes, or other speciality treats.
You won’t need any coupons or codes to redeem your free cone. However, you may need to state that you are there for the free cone day offer. The staff will be familiar with the promotion though, so simply ordering a small vanilla cone should do the trick.
Why DQ offers free cone day
Free cone day is a great promotional event for DQ in several ways:
- It attracts new customers who may have never visited a DQ location before.
- It’s a thank you to existing loyal customers.
- It gets current customers to come back more frequently.
- It creates awareness and buzz around the DQ brand.
- Photos and posts about free cones on social media act as free advertising.
- Giving away free cones brings in foot traffic that may lead to additional paid sales.
Essentially, DQ is betting that giving away some small free cones will lead to bigger business in the long run. The goodwill and publicity generated by free cone day is very valuable.
Other DQ deals and freebies
In addition to free cone day, Dairy Queen has other ongoing deals and discounts:
Mobile app
The DQ mobile app offers weekly coupon rewards for buy one get one free medium blizzards, $1 off any purchase of $3 or more, and BOGO half off drinks. You can also get a free small blizzard just for downloading the app.
Birthday freebie
Sign up for the DQ email list, and they’ll send you a coupon for a free dipped cone that you can redeem during the month of your birthday.
Daily specials
Check your local DQ for daily food and drink specials like $5 meal deals or happy hour milkshake discounts.
Blizzard of the month
Each month, DQ spotlights a specialty Blizzard flavor and offers it at a promotional price for a limited time.
History of DQ free cone day
Free cone day first started in 1997 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of Dairy Queen in 1940. Offering customers a free cone was a way to thank them for 75 years of loyalty and support.
The promotion was so well-received that it became an annual tradition. Each year since, participating DQ locations have continued to celebrate free cone day. DQ fans now eagerly await free cone day, often making it one of the busiest days of the year for the stores.
In recent years, DQ has served up over 1 million free cones on each free cone day. Although it started as a one-time anniversary event, it’s now a key part of DQ’s branding and marketing strategy.
Fun facts about DQ
- The first DQ opened in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois.
- DQ was founded by John Fremont “J.F.” “Grandpa” McCullough and his son Alex.
- The dipped cone made its debut at DQ in 1946.
- The first Blizzard shake was created in 1985.
- There are now over 6,000 DQ locations worldwide.
- Texas has the most DQ restaurants at almost 600.
- Soft serve was introduced in 1938 at a DQ predecessor store.
- DQ is famous for being founded by a dairy company and serving fresh dairy products.
- The hot fudge sundae has been on the menu since 1940.
Nutrition facts about DQ soft serve
DQ’s signature soft serve is creamy, dreamy…and full of fat. Here are the nutrition facts for a small vanilla cone:
Calories | 170 |
---|---|
Total Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Trans Fat | 0g |
Cholesterol | 25mg |
Sodium | 115mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
Dietary Fiber | 0g |
Sugars | 16g |
Added Sugars | 0g |
Protein | 3g |
As you can see, a single small cone packs in quite a bit of saturated fat and sugar with very little protein or fiber to help balance it out. The cone itself adds more refined carbs to the sugar rush.
However, enjoyed occasionally, a DQ cone is an iconic summertime treat!
Should you visit DQ on free cone day?
Free cone day only comes once a year, so cone enthusiasts would agree it’s worth stopping by DQ to cash in on the promotion. After all, the opportunity for a free frozen dessert cone doesn’t come around often.
However, be prepared for long lines and big crowds, especially in the afternoon and evening hours. You may have to wait 10 minutes or more to get your free cone. Still, you can pass the time by chatting with other DQ lovers and soaking up the festive atmosphere.
One strategy is to go early in the day right before or after the typical lunch rush. You’ll be more likely to swoop in for a fast free cone with minimal waiting.
Overall, as long as you set your expectations accordingly, free cone day at DQ can be a fun tradition to look forward to each year. And it’s hard to beat free ice cream on a hot summer day!
Where else can you get free ice cream?
If you don’t live near a DQ or want even more opportunities for free frozen treats, here are a few other places to find complimentary ice cream and other cool giveaways:
Your favorite local ice cream shop
Many independent ice cream parlors will offer free samples so customers can try new and seasonal flavors. Time your visit for when crowds are low, and smile at the server or owner. You may get treated to a larger than average sample, or score a free kiddie cone!
Grocery stores
Stop by the ice cream aisle in your supermarket and look for coupons or special stickers on cartons that advertise free ice cream. You may need to fill out a feedback survey or provide your email to redeem, but it’s worth scoping out.
Fundraisers
Schools, community groups, and other organizations sometimes host ice cream social fundraisers where you can get free or cheap scoops for a good cause.
Special events
Ice cream is a big draw at many local fairs, festivals, and summer events. You may be able to find vendors giving out complimentary scoops and toppings as part of a promotion.
Birthday freebies
Check birthday freebie policies at local cupcake shops, froyo places, donut stores, and ice cream parlors. Many will gift you a free menu item in honor of your special day when you show ID.
Conclusion
DQ free cone day brings out happy smiles across generations as folks flock to their neighborhood DQ to indulge in a free cold, creamy cone. It’s a beloved tradition that kicks off summer with a fun free treat.
Be sure to check your local DQ calendar so you don’t miss out on scoring your free cone. Bring the whole family to take part in the free frozen fun. After all, there’s nothing better than a time-honored freebie to help you beat the summer heat!