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.

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,

Find out how you can score a free ice cream cone at Dairy Queen and celebrate the start of spring today in Greater Akron.