For more than 25 years, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has marked the first day of spring the same way: a FREE 6-ounce Italian Ice for every guest, at every shop, no purchase necessary.
The most recent giveaway was Friday, March 20, 2026, when Rita's expected to serve about one million cups across its 600+ locations nationwide. Just walk into any Rita's on the first day of spring, pick from the day's flavors (the Italian Ice is made fresh daily in each shop), and your cup is on the house.
The tradition returns on the first day of spring 2027 (March 20). Rita's shops reopen for the season each March, and the free Ice day is the official kickoff - expect a line, and expect it to move fast.
