Ben & Jerry’s will host its annual Free Cone Day on April 14, offering free scoops at participating Scoop Shops worldwide as a gesture of gratitude to its fans. The tradition, which began in 1979, has grown into a global event spanning over 35 countries, with last year’s celebration serving more than 1 million scoops.
The Vermont-based premium ice cream chain has Montgomery County locations at 199-F E Montgomery Ave in Rockville and 903 Ellsworth Dr in Silver Spring. According to Ben & Jerry’s, “Fans are encouraged to get back in line as many times as they’d like so why choose one flavor when they can try them all!”
“Free Cone Day is all about our fans. It’s our way of saying thank you with an international moment of togetherness. In 2026, our aim is to go even bigger!” said Jochanan Senf, Ben & Jerry’s CEO. “We want to hand out 1 million and one free scoops of ice cream across the globe to spread a little joy on the best unofficial holiday of the year!”
“Free Cone Day began almost 50 years ago, when co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield wanted to serve up a ‘thank you’ to the residents of Burlington, Vermont, the home of Ben & Jerry’s. The now iconic ice cream company had survived its first Vermont winter (with record low temperatures of -25°F (-32°C)) all because of its loyal fans! What started as an ice cream giveaway from a single Scoop Shop, Free Cone Day has now cemented itself as a global celebration, with free cones available to fans in 13 countries.
How it works is simple. Ice cream lovers can line up at their local participating Scoop Shop on April 14th; and what’s even sweeter, there is no limit to the amount of times they can get their hands on a free cone! So, if fans are stuck choosing between a classic flavor like Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Cookie Dough, or a Scoop Shop exclusive like Marshmallow Sky, Sweet Cream & Cookies or Mint Chocolate Chunk, they needn’t worry. Why choose just one, when they can try them all!”
