April is a popular month for free ice cream. Ben & Jerry’s stores gave away cones on April 14.

Velvet’s giveaway is the first-ever for the 100-year-old dairy. (See “Velvet Ice Cream 4.0: How this 100-year-old company stays relevant”) The event is at the company’s plant and headquarters known as Ye Olde Mill. In a statement, Velvet Ice Cream Vice President Joanne Dager said the company wants to thank its loyal customers.

“We look forward to thanking them with a free cone and a fun afternoon at Ye Olde Mill, where families can enjoy lunch and ice cream, relax by the pond and take a walk on our nature trail,” she said.

The travel guide Frommer's named Ye Olde Mill one of America’s 10 Best Ice Cream Factory Tours.

Carvel offers free Nutella hazelnut soft-serve ice cream on April 30

As it serves free ice cream on April 30, Carvel storeowners will encourage guests to raise money for the American Red Cross. Throughout the day, Carvel will sell a $2 coupon book worth more than $20 in savings. All proceeds from sales of the coupon books will go toward a $20,000 donation to support American Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts.

Until May 31, Carvel stores will sell a variety of items with Ferrero’s Nutella, including an all-new Thick Shake, hand-scooped ice cream and a Sundae Dasher™ with Chocolate Crunchies.

Atlanta-based Carvel operates more than 400 franchised and foodservice locations.(See "Carvel rebrands as classic cool.") It is owned by Focus Brands Inc.a franchisor and operater of  more than 4,000 ice cream stores, bakeries, restaurants and cafes in the United States and abroad, including Carvel, Cinnabon, Schlotzsky’s and Auntie Anne’s.

Nutella hazelnut spread was originally introduced by Ferrero in Italy in the 1960's and first imported to the U.S. over 25 years ago. The popularity of Nutella® has grown steadily over the years, and it is the number one selling branded hazelnut spread in America.