Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

Gelato’s biggest international celebration is back in America, and stopping in Scottsdale and Tucson! Gelato Festival America will spread awareness of real Italian artisanal gelato through a contest in which gelato artisans and chefs will compete with original gelato flavors they have created for the event. The vibrant Italian community in Arizona will feel right at home amidst the rich creamy dessert sure to please adults and child alike.

The ticket is an all-access pass to all of the activities and reserved events of Gelato Festival America 2018, listed below.

• Attend the Gelato School, where award-winning gelato artisans and experts will share what it takes to be a gelato chef and professional
• Participate in the Gelato Eating Contest, where the five people to eat five cups of gelato the fastest will win a gallon of gelato!
• Serve on the Kid’s Jury, where children have the opportunity to question the chefs and vote for their favorite flavor.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors (65+), $25 for kids (3 to 12 years old), and free for children under two years old. Those who purchase tickets for Gelato Festival America online in advance receive a discounted price: $25 for adults and $20 for seniors and kids (must show ID at the gate!). Presale tickets can be found online at gelatofestivalamerica.com/ticket and on Eventbrite. Tickets will be sold at each venue as well.

Last year, 50 gelato makers competed with unique gelato flavors to produce over 13,500 pounds of gelato to the delight of over 40,000 visitors and 150 gelato professionals who were present at the festival in 2017. With the growth of Gelato Festival America, over 100,000 people are expected to attend the 2018 edition.

This year, the festival will tour eight cities in the US including:

October 20-21 — Scottsdale, AZ

Kierland Commons

15205 N Kierland Blvd Suite 150, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

October 27-28 — Tucson, AZ

La Encantada

2905 E Skyline Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718

This year the festival will feature a new Mobile Laboratory called “Buontalenti America.”

Chefs will go through a rigorous selection process to compete in each city with a unique flavor specifically conceived for Gelato Festival America. The winners will then compete for the selection of the three best American gelato chefs who will be part of the 36 chefs from all over the world, who will vie for the title of World Champion in the Gelato Festival World Masters Final in Italy in 2021.

Chefs who wish to compete — don’t wait! Submit an application at gelatofestivalamerica.com/BE_FAMOUS, or write to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  for a chance to be selected.