Spring Equinox Brings Free Treats from Taco Bell and Rita's

The first day of spring, Friday, March 20, 2026, is stirring excitement across the United States, even as temperatures vary widely from cool in the East to unseasonably warm in the West. The spring equinox officially occurs at 10:46 a.m. ET, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory, marking a seasonal shift that many are eager to celebrate with special deals and treats.

Among the highlights of this year's spring kickoff is Taco Bell, which is offering a free Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Slider to customers who sign up for its Rewards loyalty program. This promotion runs through April 15, 2026, giving fans a delicious way to welcome the season.

But Taco Bell isn't stopping there. The fast-food giant has partnered with third-party delivery services to provide even more springtime deals. Customers can snag a free medium carbonated soft drink with a DoorDash order of $22 or more, valid through March 21. Grubhub is offering a free Chalupa Supreme with a $20 order, while Uber Eats is providing a free Chicken or Cheese Quesadilla with orders of $22 or more, available until April 5. For students, Uber One is offering a 5% discount on orders of $20 or more, capping the maximum discount at $9 until March 31.

Meanwhile, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is also celebrating the arrival of spring with a generous giveaway. On March 20, customers can receive a free 6-ounce cup of Italian Ice at over 600 locations nationwide. Rita's expects to serve around one million cups during this annual giveaway, making it a highly anticipated event for many.

At Rita's, customers can choose from classic flavors like lemon, cherry, and mango, or opt for the new Mystery Peeps Italian Ice. This unique flavor is inspired by the iconic marshmallow Peeps treats made by Bethlehem-based JustBorn. To add an element of fun, Rita's is hosting a guessing game where customers can try to identify the Mystery Peeps flavor for a chance to win prizes, including free water ice for a year. Those interested can participate by visiting RitasIce.com/peeps.

Other food establishments are joining the spring celebration with enticing offers as well. Baskin-Robbins is giving members of its Rewards loyalty program $5 off any cake through March 31. Blue Bunny is offering a $5 discount on Soft Pints and Mini Swirls for DashMart orders of $20 or more via DoorDash, also valid until the end of March.

Carvel is getting in on the action with a special promotion on Flying Saucers, its signature round ice cream sandwiches. On March 20, customers can buy one for just 75 cents, and from March 21-22, a six-pack will cost $7.50. Starting March 23, customers can enjoy a buy-one-get-one deal on Flying Saucer six-packs, available for 50% off every week from Monday to Thursday for the rest of the year.

Denny's is offering a free side or beverage with a $15 purchase for members of its Rewards program through March 22. Sonic is also celebrating National Corn Dog Day in tandem with the spring equinox, providing a deal for a corn dog at just 99 cents with any purchase, valid through March 22.

As the calendar turns to spring, the variety of food deals and giveaways reflects the season's spirit of renewal and celebration. Whether it's a free Italian Ice at Rita's or a Crunchwrap Slider from Taco Bell, customers have plenty of options to enjoy as they welcome warmer weather.

In addition to the delicious offers, the arrival of spring heralds a sense of optimism and joy. Communities across the nation are gearing up for outdoor activities, family gatherings, and the simple pleasure of enjoying a treat in the sun. With these promotions, both Taco Bell and Rita's are not only providing tasty snacks but also fostering a sense of community and celebration as people shake off winter's chill.

The seasonal transition is a reminder that change can be delightful, and what better way to embrace it than with free food? As customers flock to their favorite eateries to take advantage of these springtime deals, they are also reminded of the joy that comes with the new season.

So, whether you're a fan of Taco Bell's savory offerings or Rita's refreshing Italian Ice, there's no shortage of tasty ways to celebrate the first day of spring. Don't miss out on these limited-time promotions, and be sure to check out the various flavors and discounts available at restaurants near you.

As the days grow longer and warmer, the excitement of spring is palpable, and these delicious deals are just the icing on the cake—or perhaps the cherry on top of your Italian Ice!