We Coloradans have been missing out. For seven years, the Gelato Festival has traveled around Europe, bringing exciting flavors of the authentic Italian treat to hungry attendees. But we’re finally getting in on the action: For the first time ever, the Gelato Festival is heading stateside—and its first stop is Boulder.

Artisans and chefs from across the U.S., Canada, and Italy will compete to concoct the best gelato flavor of the weekend. The wide-ranging recipes will include delights such as strawberry cheesecake crunch, honey-mascarpone-fig, and spicy chocolate. Taste them yourself—and cast your vote—from Friday, September 29, through Sunday, October 1.

Beyond eating, the festival will also include an educational component (live instructional demos—plus tastings—at the event’s Gelato University), a gelato-eating contest, and a judging just for kids.

We suggest skipping breakfast, so you’ve got room to try every flavor.

Details: The Gelato Festival will be held at the Twenty Ninth Street open-air shopping center. Hours: Friday, 2-8 p.m.; Saturday noon-8 p.m.; Sunday noon-7 p.m. Tickets are $9 to $20.

Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.