I love writing about freebies and deals you can find on the first day of spring.
Why?
After a snowy winter and with daylight savings time back in season, the first day of spring always gives me hope–even if I’m still wearing my winter coat.
Even if you’re not in the mood for things like ice cream, when places like Red’s Dairy Freeze in South Portland opens for the season, it’s definitely a harbinger of spring.
Freebies and deals for the first day of spring in Maine
The purpose of this article is to guide you to any freebies and deals specifically tied into the first day of spring in Southern Maine.
As I mentioned in this article about national food holidays, when we lived outside the Philadelphia area, we loved heading to Rita’s Italian Ice on the first day of spring.
That’s because there was always free Italian ice that day.
Sadly, the closest Rita’s is in Massachusetts.
No worries, though.
You can still find food freebies and other deals you can enjoy in Southern Maine on or around March 20.
Finally, I could find just a few to start.
But, I’m sure as time goes on, I’ll hear about more and be able to add them here.
Dairy Queen Free Cone Day
DQ, aka Dairy Queen, is once again hosting its popular Free Cone Day on the first day of spring, March 20. You’ll get a free small vanilla cone for all customers. No purchase required.
The fine print:
“Free small vanilla cone at participating US non-mall locations. All day, limit one per person. While supplies last. May not be valid on delivery or mobile orders.”

Where are the DQ locations in Southern Maine? As of this writing:
- Biddeford
- Kennebunk
- Kittery
- Old Orchard Beach
- Saco
- Sanford
- South Portland
- Wells
- Westbrook
- Windham
First Responder Deal Days
Ocean State Job Lot stores have a promotion going on that coincides with the first day of spring.
Called First Responder Deal Days, it gives 40% back on any purchase of $20 or more (via a store gift card).
This deal is happening March 16-22, 2023.
Where are the Ocean State Job Lot store locations in Southern Maine?
- Biddeford
- Falmouth
- Sanford