Few things are as emblematic of summer as ice cream, and weird and wacky Austinites get at least as crazy about the dairy-based dessert as do people from any other part of the country. The shared love of a dessert hundreds of thousands of Austin residents enjoy makes for an excellent experience at the Austin Ice Cream Festival, a celebration that will next take place on Saturday, August 9 at Fiesta Gardens from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Here are some hallmarks of this ice cream appreciation event, which happens to take place just across the river from AMLI South Shore.
Family Friendly, Pet Friendly Atmosphere
Cool down and entertain the entire family with a visit to the Austin Ice Cream Festival. Children aged 8 and under can attend the festival for free as long as they are with an adult. Leashed pets are also welcome.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and get comfortable on the Fiesta Gardens grassy areas. Bounce houses, a bouncy bungy, and other fun activities can keep the children entertained even once their ice cream cravings have been satiated.
Homemade Ice Cream Making Competition
Aspiring ice cream artisans who want to share their favorite creations with the community or raise awareness for their product, duke it out for the honor of receiving “The Spoon” award. In the past, makers had to mix up their frozen dairy creations on site, but now you have the option of bringing your pre-made ice cream to the festival. Anywhere from one to three people can compete as a single “contestant.”
Ice Cream Eating Contest
Drinking a gallon of milk in an hour is bound to make you sick. But a gallon of ice cream can be kept down, however not many people can handle it. Do you have what it takes to consume a gallon of great-tasting ice cream faster than anyone else? If so, sign up for the ice cream eating contest. The winner takes home a spoon trophy.
Giving Back
A percentage of the proceeds made at the Austin Ice Cream Festival are donated to local charities or non-profit organizations committed to serving under served communities. Past beneficiaries include the Austin Children’s Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Habibi’s Hutch.
The Eighth Annual Austin Ice Cream Festival is just days away. It’s not too late to attend, make your own ice cream and enter it into the tasting competition, or try your hand at the gallon challenge ice cream eating contest. FIf you live in AMLI South Shore or another downtown Austin apartment, you can even walk to the event. If you are free, head on over and check it out. Admission is only 0 and includes lots of free ice cream.
What is your favorite Austin area ice cream?
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