Annual Austin Ice Cream Festival Provides Sweet Relief for Summertime

Sample from local businesses like Tèo Gelato at Austin Ice Cream Festival

“Here comes the heat. How will I cope?” In Austin, these are daily thoughts during the onset of summertime. In my case, the question is often followed by: “I need a sweet scoop of chocolate chip ice cream.” And/or: “Okay, Google, where’s the nearest snow cone?” And/or: “Just put me in an ice bath already.”

Well, thank ye sweet festival heaven for a most elegant solution: Austin Ice Cream Festival. This coming June 23, 2018, food trucks, ice cream trucks, musicians, dogs, and humans big and small will converge for the twelfth year of one of The Today Show’s “Top Festivals in the Country.”

Bring the Whole Family to Austin Ice Cream Festival

Austin Ice Cream Festival is Family-friendly

Babies welcome (Credit: Casey Chapman Ross)

Located at Fiesta Gardens along Ladybird Lake, Austin Ice Cream Festival offers a variety of activities for kids, including: giant Jenga, bouncy castle, rock climbing, dunk tank, bubble zone, water gun target practice, pedestal joust, yard games, and more.

There are also great games for adults, none better than “Watch kid play while I drink this delicious frozen margarita.”

Rock Climbing at Austin Ice Cream Festival

Rock climbing wall! (Credit: Casey Chapman Ross)

When I asked them about the history of the event, festival representatives shared, “We wanted to spotlight local businesses; bring families out together; and create great memories of summer fun.” With all of the options available–contests, free samplers, crafts, games, dancing to the music–there will definitely be fun in abundance for all age groups.

Music All Day and Night

Austin Ice Cream Festival features local and national musicians (Credit: Casey Chapman Ross)

It wouldn’t be a festival in the Live Music Capital of the World without the smooth stylings of five locally and nationally renowned musicians. Here’s this year’s lineup, featuring four award-winning Austin-based bands and solo acts, headlined by soul legend Lee Fields & The Expressions.

There will be a daytime set from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and an After Dark concert from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Epic Contests

Friendly ice cream eating competitions at the festival (Credit: Andrew Holmes)

A few years ago, World Eating Champion Joey Chestnut attended the Austin Ice Cream Festival and consumed 1.25 gallons in five minutes flat. That’s a ridiculous amount. You are not expected to attempt such an awesome feat. Save your heroics for the dance floor.

You can, however, participate in various competitions throughout the day, including the Popsicle, Half-Gallon, Half-Pint, and Full Pint Challenges. Keep in mind: eternal bragging rights are in the balance.

You will also be asked to vote on your favorite ice cream sampler of the day (you can try one sample from each vendor for free with your admission ticket). At the end of the event, Austin Ice Cream Festival will crown one winner the illustrious prize of “Best Frozen Treat in Austin.”

Dog-friendly Day of Summer

Austin Ice Cream Festival Is Dog-friendly

Dogs chill at Austin Ice Cream Festival (Credit: AICF 2018)

Ice cream isn’t the only thing you’ll be scooping. Leashed canines are more than welcome, so long as you clean up after them and take them home before dusk. There is a strict no-pup policy during the After Dark party.

➡ Keep reading: 6 Places to Get Tantalizing Frozen Treats for a Summer Chill in Austin