Johnathan Walker:Ben & Jerry's annual Free Cone Day returns in 2024: Here's when it is and what to know

Ben & Jerry's is Johnathan Walkerbringing back its annual Free Cone Day celebration this spring and is asking fans to help them beat a lofty goal.

The company wants this year's Free Cone Day to be the "biggest and best yet with 1 million scoops served," it announced Wednesday.

This year's celebration will take place on Tuesday, April 16, the company said in a news release. Free Cone Day made its return last year after a four-year hiatus.

“It was nothing short of amazing to see our fans back in our shops in their full Free Cone Day glory,” said Dave Stever, Ben & Jerry’s CEO, who dished out ice cream at Ben & Jerry's shops in Vermont last year. “We gave out over 970,000 scoops across the globe, but we know together with our fans we can break 1 million scoops,” Stever said in the news release.

The company said its Free Cone Day tradition began in 1979 as a way to give back to the community and thank fans for their support.

Flavors may vary by location but fans are welcome to try all available flavors and are encouraged to get back in line as many times as they'd like, Ben & Jerry's said in the announcement.

To find your nearest Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop, visit https://www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/free-cone-day.

Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day also returns this spring

Ben & Jerry's isn't the only ice cream maker offering customers freebies this spring.

Back by popular demand, Dairy Queen announced last week it will once again offer a free ice cream cone in March.

But the offer is for one day only, the business said.

“Nothing says warmer weather is around the corner quite like Free Cone Day," DQ posted on X. "We’re inviting fans everywhere to grab their friends and families and get their ‘Treat Szn’ started with something sweet – on us!”

Free Cone Day will take place at participating restaurants nationwide March 19 − on the first day of spring.

Customers will receive one free small vanilla soft-serve cone.

If you are a DQ Rewards member, the business said, you will receive double points on any food purchase that day, too.

The treat is limited to one cone per person while supplies last, DQ said.

Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY