I Scream, You Scream
Austin's sweetest pastime named one of the top summer fests in the U.S.
When it come to festivals, Austin is covered. Music? Check. Bats? Check. Ice Cream? Check.
The Austin Ice Cream Festival has found a sweet spot on Fodor's list of the 10 best summer food festivals. The travel guide applauds the fest's wide array of family-friendly activities, in addition to its abundance of frozen treats.
"Growing up, the start of summer was always signaled not by the date on the calendar, but by the first sound of the ice cream truck," says Fodor's. "Relive that childhood nostalgia and cool off in the best way possible at the ninth annual Austin Ice Cream Festival."
The fest is more than just a cool summer destination during the hot Texas summer. A portion of the proceeds from the festival goes to local charities, and the entertainment for the day spans beyond brain freezes. Competitions at the festival range from an ice cream eating contest and popsicle stick sculpture contest to the annual "You Scream Ice Cream" showdown. Other kid-oriented attractions include bounce houses, a petting zoo and live music all day long.
Austin Ice Cream Festival is joined by the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, the Maine Lobster Festival, the Taste of Chicago and the Gilroy Garlic Festival on the list. The fest takes over Fiesta Gardens on August 8.
