Everything You Need to Know About Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day: Times, Locations, and Flavors
What is Free Cone Day?
Free Cone Day is an annual tradition that Ben & Jerry’s started in 1979 as a gesture of gratitude.
The founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, wanted to thank their local Burlington community for supporting them through their first winter.
What began as a humble event in a single shop in Vermont has since grown into a global celebration.
Now, people from over 35 countries eagerly anticipate this day every year.
The tradition is simple yet powerful: Ben & Jerry’s gives away free scoops of ice cream to anyone who visits their participating Scoop Shops.
It’s a way of saying thank you to their loyal fans.
In 2024 alone, the event saw over 1 million scoops served, showcasing its enormous popularity and the delight it brings to ice cream lovers around the world.
Free Cone Day is more than just about free ice cream.
t’s about spreading joy and community spirit.
As Ben & Jerry’s CEO Dave Stever put it, “Free Cone Day has always been about gratitude – we want to thank our fans for being the best fans in the world with free ice cream and a moment of pure joy.”
This sentiment resonates globally, making Free Cone Day a universally celebrated event that underlines the brand’s commitment to giving back.
While the event initially started as a way to thank the Burlington community, it has evolved into a symbolic event of appreciation and happiness shared worldwide.
Whether you’re in Vermont or New Zealand, Free Cone Day offers a scoop of joy and a sense of community, one cone at a time.
When planning your visit to Free Cone Day, keep the details handy.
This chapter covered the origins and significance of the event, setting the stage for understanding its present-day celebration.
Now, let’s explore how you can participate and make the most out of this delightful tradition.
When and Where to Get Your Free Ice Cream
One of the most awaited days by ice cream lovers around the world is Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day! This year, you can get your free ice cream on Tuesday, April 8.
The event takes place from 12 PM to 8 PM local time, giving you a generous eight-hour window to grab your favorite scoop.
Participating Locations Worldwide
| 🌍 Availability | 📌 Details |
|---|---|
| 🏢 Participating Locations | Available at Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, and New Zealand. |
| 📍 How to Find One | Check the Ben & Jerry’s website for a list of participating Scoop Shops near you. |
No Purchase Necessary
What makes Free Cone Day even sweeter is that there’s absolutely no purchase necessary! You just need to show up, stand in line, and choose from a range of delectable flavors.
It’s a perfect opportunity to indulge in some creamy, sweet goodness without spending a dime.
Plan Your Visit
Since Free Cone Day is such a popular event, planning your visit can make a big difference.
Given the eight-hour window, consider stopping by at a time that might be less crowded.
If you’re up for it, you can even return to the line multiple times to try different flavors.
And who wouldn’t want to experience the joy of trying Phish Food, a Scoop Shop exclusive like Mango, or Non-Dairy options like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough?
This year’s Free Cone Day promises to be a treat-filled extravaganza, bringing people together to celebrate community and enjoy some delicious ice cream.
Available Flavors and Options
Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day is an ice cream lover’s dream come true, offering an assortment of flavors designed to satisfy every palate.
On this day, you can indulge in everything from beloved classics to unique scoop shop exclusives.
Classic Favorites
One can’t mention Free Cone Day without highlighting some of Ben & Jerry’s iconic classics.
Flavors such as Phish Food are sure to delight fans old and new.
This chocolate ice cream loaded with gooey marshmallow, caramel ribbons, and fudge fish has been a staple for years, offering a comforting taste of nostalgia.
Scoop Shop Exclusives
For those craving something different, Ben & Jerry’s offers exclusive flavors available only at their Scoop Shops.
Take a chance on the refreshing sensation of Mango, a tropical treat that’s perfect for anyone looking to try something new and exciting.
These exclusive flavors are only available at the shops, making them a special part of the Free Cone Day experience.
Non-Dairy Options
Inclusivity is a key part of Ben & Jerry’s philosophy, and it extends to their flavor options.
Non-dairy enthusiasts can rejoice, as flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough are available for those who prefer or require dairy-free alternatives.
Made with almond milk and packed with chunks of chocolate heaven, these non-dairy choices ensure everyone can partake in the joy of Free Cone Day.
Free Cone Day is more than just about getting a free scoop; it’s a celebration of community and the simple pleasures in life.
So, whether you’re sticking with a favored classic or venturing into the world of exclusive and non-dairy options, there’s something for everybody to enjoy.
Making the Most of Free Cone Day
If you’re planning to enjoy Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day, here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of this sweet event.
Return for Seconds (and Thirds)
One of the best parts about Free Cone Day is that you can return to the line as many times as you’d like.
This means you can try multiple flavors without having to make a final decision on your first visit.
Simply join the queue again for another cone once you’ve finished your first one.
This is a fantastic opportunity to taste test different varieties, from classic options like Phish Food to Scoop Shop exclusives such as Mango.
Plan Your Visit
Free Cone Day runs for eight hours straight, from 12 PM to 8 PM local time.
While it’s tempting to drop by whenever you can, consider planning your visit during less crowded times for a quicker experience.
Typically, middle hours such as 2 PM to 4 PM may have shorter lines compared to peak lunch and dinner times.
Early birds and late comers might enjoy their ice cream with less waiting around.
Find Participating Locations
Take advantage of the event by first confirming which Scoop Shops near you are participating.
Visit Ben & Jerry’s website to find the nearest participating locations and plan your journey accordingly.
Knowing exactly where to head ensures you won’t be left wandering aimlessly in search of free ice cream.
Additional Tips
- 🍦Bring friends or family members to share the fun. It’s a great way to enjoy variety through swapping scoops.
- 🍦Stay hydrated and pace yourself, especially if you’re planning to try multiple flavors. Even though it’s ice cream, it’s easy to overdo it.
- 🍦Engage with the community and support your local Scoop Shops. This celebration is as much about enjoying free ice cream as it is about fostering community spirit.
The excitement of trying various flavors and engaging in the festive atmosphere makes Free Cone Day a memorable experience.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’re set for an enjoyable day filled with ice cream delights.
The History Behind the Tradition
Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day is more than just a day of free ice cream—it’s a heartfelt tradition embedded in the company’s history.
This sweet celebration began in 1979 as a way for founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield to express their gratitude to the Burlington, Vermont community.
The duo had successfully navigated a harsh Vermont winter, and they wanted to thank their loyal customers for sticking with them through thick and thin.
A Humble Beginning
The first Free Cone Day was a modest affair held at their single Scoop Shop, which was conveniently located in a renovated gas station.
That initial event was all about community spirit and appreciation.
Local residents were thrilled to receive free ice cream and the sense of camaraderie it fostered was palpable.
From Local to Global
What started as a one-time event in a small town has blossomed into a global celebration.
Free Cone Day now spans over 35 countries, delivering over 1 million scoops in 2024 alone.
The core principle of gratitude remains, but the scale has expanded dramatically.
Fans from all corners of the globe line up each year, excited to be part of this joy-spreading event.
The Tradition’s Legacy
At its heart, Free Cone Day is about more than free ice cream.
It’s about fostering community connections and showcasing Ben & Jerry’s commitment to their customers.
The tradition continues to thrive, with each event serving as a reminder of Ben & Jerry’s humble beginnings and their enduring bond with ice cream lovers worldwide.
With such a rich history, it’s no wonder that Free Cone Day has become a much-anticipated event each year.
As you enjoy your free scoop, you are also partaking in a longstanding tradition rooted in gratitude and community spirit.
See the last year free ice cone day:
