How to get a free Dairy Queen cone today

The big picture: Several chains are offering freebies or discounts to kick off the season, and Dairy Queen guarantees one vanilla cone per customer.

State of play: You can also add a dipped coating for an extra $1, with the chain donating that money to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

When is Dairy Queen giving out free ice cream?

• The chain is offering the ice cream on Thursday, March 20 while supplies last.

Which Dairy Queens are offering free ice cream?

• There are over 4,000 Dairy Queen locations in the United States, and participating locations are detailed on the company's website and app.
• The promotion only applies to U.S. locations.
• At participating mall locations, cones will only be free with an additional purchase.

How can I get a free Dairy Queen cone?

• At non-mall locations, no other purchase is necessary. Customers can just walk in and ask for their cones.

Are other companies giving out freebies or discounts on March 20?

• Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is giving out free 6 oz. servings of Italian ice.

• At Dunkin' Donuts, Dunkin' Rewards members can earn 3x as many points on purchases of Dunkin' Refreshers.
• Baskin-Robbins is offering discounted smoothies and Mangonadas ($5 for a small, $6 for a medium, $7 for a large).
• Jamba is offering $1 "Over Ice" drinks between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time at participating locations.