March 20, 2025, marks the official astronomical beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, a time traditionally associated with renewal and warmer weather. For many U.S. consumers, it also signals a seasonal shift in promotional activity, with several major food and beverage brands launching limited-time offers to celebrate the vernal equinox. These promotions often include free treats, discounted beverages, and special app-based deals, providing an opportunity for deal seekers to enjoy complimentary or low-cost items. The following article details the specific freebies and deals available on March 20, 2025, as reported by multiple sources, focusing on verifiable information from official brand announcements and verified reporting.
The start of spring is a popular period for brands in the frozen treat and beverage sectors to engage customers with promotional campaigns. According to the provided source material, the first day of spring in 2025 occurs on Thursday, March 20, with the equinox taking place at 5:01 a.m. EDT. This date serves as the focal point for numerous annual traditions, such as Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day and Rita's Italian Ice's giveaway. These offers are typically available for a single day or during specific hours, while supplies last, and may be subject to location-specific participation. Consumers interested in taking advantage of these promotions should note that many require in-person visits to participating locations, though some deals are tied to mobile app usage or specific purchase requirements.
Key Freebies and Deals on March 20, 2025
Several brands have announced promotions for the first day of spring. The offers vary, with some providing completely free items and others offering significant discounts or bonus rewards. It is important to note that availability may depend on local store participation, and while supplies last.
Dairy Queen Free Cone Day
Dairy Queen's annual Free Cone Day is scheduled for March 20, 2025. Participants can receive a complimentary small vanilla soft-serve cone at most non-mall locations and some participating mall venues. The offer is valid all day on March 20. Key terms for this promotion include: - Limit of one free cone per customer. - Cones are available while supplies last. - Free cones are not available for delivery through the DQ Rewards mobile app. - Dairy Queen is partnering with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals for this event. Customers have the option to dip their cone in one of Dairy Queen's dipped coatings for an additional $1, with that dollar being donated to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
Rita's Italian Ice First Day of Spring Giveaway
Rita's Italian Ice continues its long-standing tradition of giving away free Italian ice on the first day of spring. On March 20, 2025, customers visiting any of Rita's more than 575 locations can receive a free 6-ounce Italian ice. The flavor selection includes the chain's available flavors at the time, which, according to one source, includes the newest flavor: Skittles Italian Ice. - The free Italian ice is available to all customers without a purchase requirement. - Rita's also offers an app-based promotion: 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.
Jamba $1 Iced Beverage Day
Jamba is offering a $1 iced beverage deal on March 20, 2025, to promote its new "Over Ice" line of iced drinks and celebrate the first day of spring. The promotion is valid at participating locations during specific hours. - Offer time: From 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time on March 20. - Participating items: Customers can try small sizes of the Mangomorphosis or Dragonberry Blitz drinks for $1.
Baskin-Robbins Discounted Smoothies and Mangonadas
Baskin-Robbins is offering discounted pricing on smoothies, milkshakes, and limited-time Mangonadas on March 20, 2025. The discounted pricing structure is as follows: - Small smoothie or Mangonada: $5 - Medium smoothie or Mangonada: $6 - Large smoothie or Mangonada: $7
Dunkin' Rewards Bonus Points
Dunkin' Rewards members can earn bonus points on specific beverages on March 20, 2025. This promotion is tied to the first day of spring and highlights Dunkin's Refreshers. - Offer: 3x points on Dunkin' Refreshers. - Eligible items: Dunkin' Refreshers, including the Raspberry Watermelon Dunkin' Refresher. - Requirement: Rewards Members must activate the offer in the Dunkin' Rewards app prior to placing the order. Bonus points are eligible on Dunkin' Refresher items only.
Additional Food Deals (March 16 - April 13, 2025)
While not exclusively on March 20, other food promotions are active around the spring equinox period. These deals are available at participating locations and may require an app or specific ordering method. - Buffalo Wild Wings: Beginning March 20, customers can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free boneless wings deal. This is available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery at participating locations. - Shake Shack: From March 16 to April 7, Shake Shack is offering a free Avocado Bacon Burger with a $10 minimum order. This offer is valid for dine-in, takeout, or delivery. - Wendy's: Through April 13, Wendy's is offering a $1 Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger or $1 Double Stack with an additional purchase. This promotion is exclusively available via the Wendy's app and is tied to the March Madness basketball tournament.
Understanding the Promotions
The promotions listed are primarily food and beverage offers, reflecting the common association of the first day of spring with the start of warmer weather and increased demand for cold treats. The source material indicates that these are limited-time offers, often available while supplies last. For deals requiring an app, such as the Dunkin' Rewards points or the Wendy's app-exclusive offer, consumers will need to download the relevant brand's mobile application, create an account, and potentially activate the offer before purchase.
It is also noted that some promotions have charitable components. Dairy Queen's optional $1 dip donation to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals is a specific feature of their Free Cone Day, allowing customers to contribute to a cause if they choose to enhance their free item.
Considerations for Participants
When planning to take advantage of these spring freebies and deals, consumers should consider the following points, which are derived from the terms and conditions mentioned in the source material: - Participation: Not all locations of a brand may participate in a national promotion. For example, Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day excludes some mall locations. It is advisable to check with the local establishment beforehand. - Limits and Supplies: Many free offers, such as the free cone or free Italian ice, are limited to one per customer and are available while supplies last. Arriving early may be beneficial. - App Requirements: Some deals are only accessible through a brand's mobile app (e.g., Wendy's $1 burger, Rita's year-long ice chance, Dunkin' bonus points). Ensure the app is installed and the account is set up in advance. - Time Restrictions: Certain offers are valid only during specific time windows, such as Jamba's 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. promotion. - Geographic Scope: The deals mentioned are reported as available in the United States, but individual store participation may vary by region.
Conclusion
The first day of spring on March 20, 2025, presents a variety of promotional opportunities for U.S. consumers, primarily focused on free and discounted food and beverages. Brands like Dairy Queen and Rita's Italian Ice continue longstanding traditions of free giveaways, while others such as Jamba, Baskin-Robbins, and Dunkin' offer time-sensitive discounts and bonus rewards. Additional deals from Buffalo Wild Wings, Shake Shack, and Wendy's extend the promotional period beyond a single day. To successfully access these offers, consumers should verify local store participation, be mindful of time limits and supply constraints, and prepare for any app-based requirements. These promotions serve as a seasonal celebration of the transition to spring, offering a chance to enjoy treats from popular national chains.