Ben & Jerry's Announces 2026 Free Cone Day

Fans can enjoy unlimited free scoops for one day only on April 14, 2026.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:03pm

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Ben & Jerry's has revealed the date for its 2026 Free Cone Day, a beloved annual tradition where the ice cream company offers free scoops to fans around the world. This year's Free Cone Day will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, with no limit on how many times customers can return to the line for more free ice cream.

Why it matters

Free Cone Day is a long-standing tradition that celebrates Ben & Jerry's loyal fanbase. The event draws huge crowds and serves over a million scoops globally, showcasing the company's commitment to its customers and its grassroots origins in Vermont.

The details

Ben & Jerry's said it served more than one million scoops worldwide during the 2024 Free Cone Day. Co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield started the annual tradition in 1979 as a way to thank supporters after surviving their first harsh Vermont winter. The event has since spread to Ben & Jerry's shops in over 35 countries.

  • Ben & Jerry's 2026 Free Cone Day will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • The first Free Cone Day was held in 1979.

The players

Ben Cohen

Co-founder of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

Jerry Greenfield

Co-founder of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

Jochanan Senf

CEO of Ben & Jerry's.

Unilever

British conglomerate that purchased Ben & Jerry's in 2000.

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What they’re saying

“Free Cone Day is all about our fans. It's our way of saying thank you with an international moment of togetherness.”

— Jochanan Senf, CEO, Ben & Jerry's

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee

What’s next

Customers can visit Ben & Jerry's shops around the world to claim their free scoops on April 14, 2026.

The takeaway

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day is a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the company's loyal fanbase and its grassroots origins in Vermont. The event showcases the brand's commitment to its customers and its progressive values, even as it has grown into a global ice cream giant under the ownership of Unilever.