On March 19, the first day of spring, participating Dairy Queen locations across Texas will celebrate the annual Free Cone Day, offering fans a free small vanilla cone — no purchase required.

For many Texans, the tradition has become the unofficial kickoff to warmer weather. As temperatures begin to climb across the Houston area, the classic swirl of Dairy Queen’s famous soft serve offers a simple way to welcome the new season.

Fans can stop by participating locations throughout the day to grab the complimentary cone, with a limit of one per person while supplies last.

The giveaway has become a favorite annual event for the brand, which has deep roots across Texas. For more than 78 years, Dairy Queen restaurants in the state have served as neighborhood gathering spots where families and friends meet for burgers, baskets and frozen treats.

Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council, said the tradition is meant as a thank you to loyal customers across the state.

But the free cone isn’t the only sweet reason to visit this month.

DQ is also introducing a Mint Crunchin’ Cookie Dipped Cone, featuring creamy soft serve coated in a minty cookie crunch shell. The seasonal treat joins the returning Mint OREO® Blizzard® Treat, a longtime fan favorite packed with cool mint flavor and OREO cookie pieces.

Of course, many Texans prefer to turn their dessert stop into a full meal. Popular menu items like the Hungr-Buster®, Texas T-Brand Tacos, and the Steak Finger Country Basket® remain staples on the menu and pair perfectly with a Blizzard or cone.

With hundreds of locations across the state — including many throughout the Greater Houston area — grabbing a free cone is an easy way for locals to celebrate the arrival of spring.