Monday, March 16

Free ice cream! Participating outposts of Dairy Queen (multiple locations, see dairyqueen.com for details) will offer up small vanilla cones for no charge all day in honor of the chain’s 75th anniversary. (Why today? It’s the 75th day of the year.)

Tuesday, March 17

More free ice cream! This time it’s a little more artisanal—to celebrate the opening of the second outpost of Jeni’s Ice Creams (1505 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park, 872-802-4668), the store will be giving away gratis scoops from 7 to 10 p.m. The first 50 people in line will also receive a mug inspired by one of the store’s signature flavors.

Wednesday, March 18

Boo to the return of chilly weather, but at least the temperature dip provides a good excuse to take advantage of the new “Sip n’ Slurp” special at Mott St. (1401 N. Ashland Ave., Wicker Park, 773-687-9977). The deal nets you a bowl of boat noodles and a glass of sake for $16 each Wednesday.

Saturday, March 21

The festival part of the Good Food Festival & Conference runs all day today at the UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt Rd., University Village), and it’s the most interesting part of the event for the average eater. There are talks on the future of food, cooking demos from local chefs such as Nicole Pederson (Found) and Paul Fehribach (Big Jones), and a trade show with more than 150 farmers and artisanal foodmakers. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door—get the discount on their website.

Sunday, March 22

Round out the week with one last opportunity for free eats. If you stop in to the Whistler (2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square, 773-227-3530) starting at 9 p.m., they’ll be serving up dinner from the folks at Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits until the food runs out (so, probably want to get there early.)