Grab a handful of tasting spoons and get yourself a wristband—Gelato Festival America returns to Washington, DC Sept. 7 and 8 for a weekend-long celebration of the decadent Italian dessert.
The event is back in the nation’s capital with a variety of activities to take you through the gelato-themed weekend at City Market at O.
First, make your rounds to get a taste of every competing flavor with your all-you-can-eat wristband. The nine competing flavors include Bourbon Bacon Cannoli, Avocado Two Mike, Mango Raspberry Cashew, Coconut Love, The All-American, Milk & Cookies, Blueberry Pie, Sweet Potato Casserole and Salted Caramel Butter Toffee. Vote for your favorite and be sure to get a look at the technical jury on Saturday morning, who will influence the eventual gold-medal winner and future World Gelato competitor.
Non-competing vendors will be on-site with gelato for sale and a wide array of flavors. Look out for Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pistachio, Cinnamon Peach Crisp and more.
If you’ve gotten your fill of taste-testing, guests can visit the Carpigiani Gelato University where Malcolm Stogo and Yang Chen Dolma of Ice Cream University will present how to make ice cream at home.
More competitions will be held for the duration of the weekend, with a scoop-stacking competition (the current record is 22 scoops), a speed cup race, and a group of “little jurors,” who will determine the kids-favorite of the event. Don’t forget to volunteer for the daily eating contest to be named the Best Gelato Lover by eating five cups of gelato as fast as possible.
The award ceremony naming the best flavor and chef will be held on Sunday at 7:30 p.m., and the winner will move on to the international competition. Tickets are available here. // City Market at O: 800 P St. NW, Washington, DC; Sept. 7-8, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $10-$25
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