Dairy Queen is offering free ice cream for the first day of spring this year. Why it matters: It's free ice cream, very little additional explanation is needed. The big picture: Several chains are offering freebies or discounts to kick off the season,

Dairy Queen is treating fans to free ice cream to kick off the start of spring. On Thursday, March 20, customers can get a free small vanilla cone at participating Dairy Queen restaurants nationwide for Free Cone Day, according to the Minnesota-based burger chain. No purchase is required, except at participating mall locations.

We all scream for free ice cream. In honor of Free Cone Day, Dairy Queen customers will be able to get one small vanilla cone sans purchase at participating outlets.