How Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day Works

Whatever you're doing, stop, because there's free ice cream afoot and I'm going to tell you how to get it. One of our favorite chains is offering the deliciously refreshing treat — but exactly how does Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day work? Good news: All you have to do is basically show up and take it. Happy Free Cone Day, everyone!

B&J started our favorite holiday in 1979 as a way to say thank you to their customers. Thie year, they plan on handing out approximately one million scoops of ice cream. Free Cone Day 2016 is April 12 only, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. And because Ben & Jerry's is awesome, they're letting us come back for as many helpings as we want. In other words, ice cream for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a not-quite-midnight snack.

What's exciting is that while you're enjoying your free ice cream, you're also helping people. When you buy Chocolate Fudge Brownie or Half Baked, you're supporting Greyston Bakery, which provides jobs and training to people who have faced obstacles on their road to employment. If you opt for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (OMG yum), you're helping out Rhino Foods, another company that values "linked prosperity," just as Ben & Jerry's does. B&J does all sorts of good, so get your free cone while it lasts! Here's how you can do it:

1. Find A Ben & Jerry's Location Near You

Head to their site and search for the Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop closest to you that's participating in the event. My closest location is less than five miles away. I'll make it work.

2. Brainstorm Flavor Ideas — This Is Very Serious

While you're on the road, start planning ahead on what flavor(s) you'll be enjoying. I plan on inquiring if Ben & Jerry's can combine about five flavors into one giant scoop. (They probably can't, but hey, I can dream.)

3. Wait In The Probably Very Long Line

This would be a good time to catch up on emails, call your mother, pick out tomorrow's outfit, knit a sweater, plan your retirement...

4. Pick Your Mouth-Watering, Smooth, Sweet Poison

Just make sure you save enough Chocolate Fudge Brownie for me, please. Fun fact: Although the event is called Free Cone Day, you can also opt to get your treat in a cup instead.

5. Collapse In A State Of Delight And Utter Joy

And make sure you post about it online with the hashtag #freeconeday. Enjoy it while it's here, people. Ben & Jerry's Free Ice Cream Cone Day comes but once a year.

6. Lather, Rinse, Repeat

Because you can go back as many times as you want!

Images: Giphy (6)