Over-the-top ice cream for a great cause?! Count us in! Next weekend, Bal Harbour Shops, will be partnering with a few national companies and some of our favorite local ice cream makers to benefit Holtz Children’s Hospital, with its first ever ice cream festival.

On Saturday and Sunday (January 13th & 14th) over a dozen delicious ice cream vendors will fill the first level courtyards and second level promenades at Bal Harbour Shops with samples at ice cream parlor pop-up booths.

The inaugural “Ice Cream We Love” celebration will feature some past Saturday Sweets alumni including: Sweet Melody, Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop, Mr. Bing, and the always favorite Sweetness Bakeshop with their Red Velvet Cake n’ Shake -- an OG menu item best known during their food truck days.

Other local spots include: Bianco Gelato, Nanndi Homemade Frozen Cream & Pastry Shop, Serendipity, Mr. Kream, Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor, Quality Meats, hipPOP’s, Freddo, Cielito Artisan Pops, and Le Zoo. Newcomer to the Miami ice cream scene found in Wynwood, Dasher & Crank, will also be onsite. We got a sneak peek of their ice cream a few weeks ago and are looking forward to more (Saturday Sweets on them coming soon!)

Some exciting national brands will also be joining in on the fun. Expect to see ice cream from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, Graeter’s Ice Cream,  Malai and Three Twins.

The weekend-long event celebrates the legacy of Bal Harbour Shops founder, Stanley Whitman, who was a longstanding supporter of Holtz Children’s Hospital. Ice Cream was Mr. Whitman’s favorite dessert and Bal Harbour Shops has created the event to honor his legacy and love for philanthropy.

All of the proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to Holtz Children’s Hospital Foundation and its mission to enhance and expand pediatric specialty programs at Holtz Children’s Hospital.

Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for children and $90 for a family of four, and can be purchased online here or by calling 305.585.GIVE (4483). We hope to see you there!