Because the air is crisp and because it’s going to rain in April, we deserve our free Phish Food cone even more this year. Whether under a big cap or an umbrella, the day of the free ice cream scoop for everyone at the beloved Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop will still taste like a sunburn.
It’s Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Montreal— and there are three participating ice cream shops in town.
Last year, it was pouring rain, but there was still a line at the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop next to Place Ville-Marie. The sight of a finance guy experiencing pure bliss with a Cherry Garcia cone in one hand and a soaked Boss suit on, all by himself, is worth the detour.
Ben, Jerry, and “Free Cone Day”
Ben & Jerry’s first Free Cone Day was in 1979, their first year after founding the ice cream brand—in Vermont, where their first ice cream shop was located.
Since then, Free Cone Day has spread along with the expansion of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and in 2000, all of its franchisees celebrated by handing out free cones around the world. In 2015, 1 million cones were handed out. By 2026, we imagine that with inflation, it will be a few million more?
Even though Jerry has left Ben & Jerry’s, the ice cream shop’s founders are known for their social and environmental activism —and for their “peace and love” attitude with just the right dose of inspiring fighting spirit.
Practical Information
Where?
Ben & Jerry’s Old Port, at 433 Place Jacques Cartier
Ben & Jerry’s McGill, at 1200 McGill College
Ben & Jerry’s on De Maisonneuve, at 1316 De Maisonneuve Street
When? Tuesday, April 14, 2026
How? Just show up, wait in line a bit in the rain, and ask for your free scoop.
