Free In NYC: Macarons For Macaron Day NYC, Goodies From Rita's And Outback Steakhouse

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- While many New Yorkers are excited to welcome the first day of spring Tuesday, there's something else to be celebrated: NYC Macaron Day.

The event came to New York two years ago, when François Payard, owner of François Payard Bakery, organized the first Macaron Day NYC. The celebration is inspired by and coincides annually with the Jour du Macaron in Paris.

You can visit the François Payard Bakery to get a free macaron on Tuesday - just say you're there for Macaron Day NYC.

More: NYC's 6 Best Bakeries | Tri-State's 4 Best Specialty Dessert Shops

Other establishments participating are Dominique Ansel Bakery on Spring St. or Bouchon Bakery at Rockefeller Center.

For a complete list of participating bakeries click here.

Meanwhile, several other city vendors will also be dishing out freebies -- in honor of the first day of spring.

Photos: NYC's 10 Best Sweet Treats

Rita's will be handing out free regular-sized water ices at their Upper West Side location.

Outback Steakhouse will be serving free "Bloomin' Onions" when you mention "Bloom into Spring" to your server.

Also just around the corner: Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day. On April 3, the beloved day of free ice cream returns.