First Day Of Spring 2025 Complete Guide To Free Food Treats And Deals

Spring officially arrives on March 20, 2025, marking the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere—an astronomical event when the sun aligns with the Earth's equator, resulting in nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness across the globe. This seasonal transition has become a prime opportunity for food and beverage companies to celebrate with special promotions and free offers. From complimentary frozen treats to discounted beverages and BOGO deals, numerous brands have announced their spring 2025 promotions designed to help consumers welcome the new season with sweet deals.

Major Food Chains Offering Spring Freebies

Several major food chains have established annual traditions of offering free items to celebrate the first day of spring. These promotions represent some of the most anticipated seasonal freebies across the United States.

Rita's Italian Ice: Free Ice Day Celebration

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard continues its annual tradition of providing complimentary frozen treats to customers on the first day of spring. In 2025, Rita's will offer a free 6-ounce Italian ice in the flavor of the customer's choice at all participating locations on March 20. The promotion represents one of the longest-running seasonal freebies in the food service industry, with over 550 locations across the United States participating. The company expects to distribute approximately 1 million cups of Italian ice during the celebration, making it one of the largest single-day free promotions in the frozen treat industry.

This year, Rita's has introduced limited-time flavors specifically for the spring celebration. According to multiple sources, the chain is debuting new flavors including Skittles Italian Ice. Customers should inquire at their local Rita's location about the current flavor offerings. Additionally, customers who use the Rita's Ice App can enter for a chance to win free Italian ice for a year by entering the promo code "FDOS25" under the "offers" tab.

Dairy Queen: Free Cone Day

Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day returns in 2025 for its ninth year, continuing the tradition of offering complimentary frozen treats to celebrate the arrival of spring. On March 20, customers who visit a participating DQ location will receive a free small vanilla soft-serve cone, complete with the brand's signature curl. This annual promotion has become a highly anticipated spring event for ice cream enthusiasts across the country, with Dairy Queen locations participating nationwide.

Restaurant Deals and Promotions

Several restaurant chains have announced special promotions to coincide with the first day of spring, offering deals on popular menu items and encouraging customers to dine out as the weather warms up.

Buffalo Wild Wings: BOGO Boneless Wings Deal

Beginning March 20, 2025, Buffalo Wild Wings customers can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free boneless wings deal. The promotion is available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery at participating locations, making it convenient for customers to enjoy this popular appetizer whether they're dining out or having food delivered.

Shake Shack: Free Avocado Bacon Burger

Shake Shack is extending its spring celebration with a promotion that runs from March 16 to April 7, 2025. During this period, customers can receive a free Avocado Bacon Burger with a $10 minimum order when purchased for dine-in, takeout, or delivery. This offer provides an opportunity to try one of Shake Shack's popular menu items at no additional cost with qualifying purchases.

Burger King: Free Side Upgrades

Burger King is offering customers the ability to upgrade the sides of select combo meals with Chicken Fries, Mozzarella Fries, or Churro Fries for free. This promotion runs until April 11, 2025, providing customers with an opportunity to enjoy premium sides at no additional cost when purchasing select combo meals.

Carrabba's Italian Grill: Seasonal Offerings

Carrabba's Italian Grill is celebrating spring with new seasonally inspired selections, though specific details about promotions or free items were not available in the source material. Customers interested in spring deals at Carrabba's may want to check with their local location or visit the company's website for the most current information.

Beverage Special Offers

Several beverage companies have announced spring promotions, ranging from free drinks to discounted beverages and special rewards program benefits.

Starbucks: Spring Menu and Delivery Deals

Starbucks is celebrating spring with seasonal menu items including new lavender drinks inspired by the season. Additionally, the coffee chain is offering a promotion on DoorDash where customers can get $4 off their next four Starbucks deliveries of $20 or more. This delivery discount runs from March 17 to April 8, 2025, providing multiple opportunities for customers to save on their favorite Starbucks beverages.

Dunkin': Rewards and Promotions

Dunkin' is celebrating spring with multiple promotions for its rewards program members. Dunkin' Rewards members can earn triple points on Dunkin' Refreshers, including the new Watermelon Refresher, by activating the offer before ordering. Additionally, new members to Dunkin' Rewards can receive a free medium drink with their first purchase during their first week as a member.

Jamba Juice: $1 Beverages

For one day only on March 20, 2025, Jamba Juice is offering refreshing beverages for just $1. Participating locations will serve Mangomorphosis and Dragonberry Blitz small over ice beverages from 2 to 7 pm local time. This limited-time promotion provides an affordable way for customers to enjoy Jamba's fruit-based drinks as they welcome the spring season.

Other Potential Spring Freebies

Beyond the confirmed promotions, several other businesses have historically offered spring-themed freebies or discounts around the first day of spring. While specific details for 2025 were not available in the source material, consumers may want to check with these businesses directly or visit their websites for potential offers.

Coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin' have occasionally offered free or buy-one-get-one-free drinks to celebrate the first day of spring in previous years. Other potential spring freebies may include:

  • Home improvement stores or garden centers giving away free seeds or plants to encourage people to start their spring gardens
  • Florists and nurseries occasionally offering free flowers to add natural beauty to the season
  • Restaurants providing free appetizers or desserts as seasonal specials
  • Retailers offering spring sales with free gifts with purchases

Consumers interested in these types of promotions should check with local businesses directly or visit their websites for the most current information on spring 2025 offers. Community events such as outdoor yoga classes and park festivals may also provide free activities to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Conclusion

The first day of spring 2025 brings numerous opportunities for consumers to enjoy free treats and special deals from popular food and beverage brands. From Rita's Italian Ice and Dairy Queen's complimentary frozen treats to restaurant deals and beverage promotions, companies are rolling out special offers to celebrate the seasonal change. Consumers interested in taking advantage of these promotions should note the specific dates and requirements for each offer, as well as any location restrictions. With confirmed promotions from multiple major chains and the potential for additional offers from local businesses, spring 2025 presents numerous opportunities for deal-seeking consumers to welcome the new season with sweet savings.

Sources

  1. First Day of Spring Freebies
  2. Spring 2025 Free Food Deals
  3. First Day of Spring Freebies and Deals
  4. First Day of Spring 2025 Deals and Freebies