Things to Do

Are You Ready for the Austin Ice Cream Festival? It’s the Coolest Event in Texas

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Summertime fun is right around the corner, and what better way to cool down than with America’s favorite cold treat? Our beloved ice cream! Who doesn’t like to break open a gold rim of blue bell’s finest options (or whatever your favorite brand might be) to beat the heat?

The 12th annual Austin Ice Cream Festival, scheduled for June 23, is sure to satisfy those hot summer days with some fun frozen treats. As a staple event for the city, the festival will have thousands of people descending upon Fiesta Gardens for not only daytime fun activities, but also after dark treats you won’t want to miss. Presented by H-E-B, this “brand new, exciting, two-part, ice cream-loving experience” is one you want to add to your bucket list. There will be #SCOOPSFORALL with “samples from over a dozen frozen treat partners,” shares its website.

1. Daytime Treats

Ice Cream Festival

Photo: Facebook.com/AustinIceCreamFestival

With a variety of samples from local, regional, and national brands of your favorite ice cream, fun activities, competitions, and live music, who wouldn’t want to celebrate into the night at this delectable festival?

With a two-part series this year, during the day you can expect a lot of ice cream fun in the sun. There will be a contest for all ages. Choose from the half gallon challenge, the half pint, the full pint, an ice cream sandwich division, and even a popsicle eating contest. Festival-goers will also get the chance to sample treats from frozen sample partners and vote on the best.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Plenty of activities are planned to keep you entertained, such as rock climbing, an obstacle course, yard games, and more according to their website. Create lasting memories with fun photo opportunities as you make your way along the day.

2. After Dark Excursions

Ice Cream Festival 2

Photo:  Facebook.com/AustinIceCreamFestival

You’ll want to stay into the night for the after-dark party. There will be a great line up of entertainment, food, and of course more ice cream!

Grab a friend or two and celebrate as you watch the sunset and enjoy some fun ice cream samples with a twist. “Boozy Frozen Treats,” as shared on their website, are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Those treats will be on tap along with delicious eats from local food trucks.

Headlining musicians will take to the stage for your live music entertainment into the dark as you sit back, relax, and cool down.  The unique ice cream social is not to be missed from 6-10 p.m. at Fiesta Gardens.

3. Logistics

Ice Cream Festival 3

Photo:  Facebook.com/AustinIceCreamFestival

Is your mouth watering for some fun in the sun along with your favorite summertime treat? Our beloved Blue Bell will be there, ready to welcome you with open arms to its variety of flavors.

Starting on May 16, there will be various ticket options to purchase for both the daytime and After Dark events at www.austinicecreamfestival.com. General admission tickets for the daytime event from 10-3 p.m. are $15, complete with a passport to samples from up to 20 frozen treat brands.

After Dark general admission tickets will be $35, complete with “samples from up to 20 frozen treat partners and access to frozen treat cocktails and food trucks.”

Mark your calendar for June 23, 2018, and make your way to Fiesta Gardens in Austin, Texas,  along Lady Bird Lake. See who will be crowned 2018 Best Frozen Treat of Austin, as judged by a panel of celebrities. Have you gone to this festival? What’s your favorite part? What’s your favorite flavor? Anyone say chocolate?