It’s officially spring! Celebrate with freebies at Dairy Queen, Rita’s Italian Ice, more

It’s official: Spring has sprung!

The new season officially started on Thursday, March 20. The first day of spring represents the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, an astronomical event that occurs when the sun aligns with the Earth’s equator, making the amount of day and night equal.

Several major restaurants and dessert spots, like Dairy Queen, Jamba and Dunkin’, are ready to celebrate all things spring with free Italian ice, ice cream and discounts on even more items.

Here’s where Arizona residents can find free or discounted food to celebrate the vernal equinox.

Rita’s Italian Ice offering free Italian ice on March 20

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is continuing its annual tradition of giving away free Italian ice on the first day of spring this year.

Customers who visit a Rita’s location on March 20 will receive a free 6-ounce Italian ice in the available flavor of their choice, the company said, including the chain’s newest flavor: Skittles Italian Ice.

Additionally, customers who use the Rita’s Ice App can enter for a chance to win free Italian ice for a year by entering the promo code “FDOS25” under the “offers” tab.

To find an Arizona location near you, visit ritasice.com/locations/.

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Dairy Queen’s Free Cone Day is on March 20

Dairy Queen’s annual Free Cone Day is Thursday and participating locations across the country are offering customers one free small vanilla cone.

The cones are available while supplies last, limited to one per customer, and free cones are not available for delivery through the DQ Rewards mobile app.

This year, Dairy Queen is partnering with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for Free Cone Day. Choose to dip your cone in one of Dairy Queen’s dipped coatings for $1 and the fast food chain will donate the dollar to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

To find a location near you, visit dairyqueen.com/en-us/locations/.

Get 3x points in Dunkin’ Rewards app on March 20 when you order refreshers

Dunkin’ Rewards members can earn 3x points on Dunkin’ Refreshers on March 20 in honor of the first day of spring, including the Raspberry Watermelon Dunkin’ Refresher.

Rewards Members must activate the offer prior to placing the order and bonus points are eligible on Dunkin’ Refresher items only.

Find the nearest Arizona location at dunkindonuts.com/en/locations.

Baskin-Robbins offers discounted smoothies, Mangonada on March 20

Baskin-Robbins customers can celebrate the arrival of spring on Thursday with discounted smoothies, milkshakes, and limited-time Mangonadas.

The company is offering customers a small smoothie or Mangonada for $5, a medium for $6, and a large for $7.

To find the nearest location, visit order.baskinrobbins.com/store-selection.

Get a $1 iced beverage at Jamba on March 20

Jamba has unveiled its new “Over Ice” line of iced drinks, and to celebrate the new beverages and also celebrate the first day of spring, the company is offering customers a sweet deal.

Jamba is offering customers $1 iced beverages on March 20 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time at participating locations. The offer is only valid in-stores for a small iced beverage in the Mangomorphosis or Dragonberry Blitz flavors.

There are 35 Jamba locations in Arizona. Find your closest one at locations.jamba.com/.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: First day of spring 2025: Freebies at Dairy Queen, Rita’s Italian Ice