The Gelato Festival began in 2010 and has had nine editions with more than 3,000 artisans competing in 80 festivals across Europe. The mission of Gelato Festival America is to spread the culture of artisan Italian gelato in the US. Originating in Florence, Italy, the Gelato Festival is an all-star lineup of the biggest names in gelato artistry competing against one another with a one-time flavor they have created just for each festival. The event gives visitors the opportunity to experience the secrets of high-quality  gelato, learn about the production techniques by watching the artisans at work in the ‘laboratory,’ and taste all the competing flavors, voting for their favorite one.

This is the first time it’s come to Miami, and is bringing 11 competitors each with their very own special gelato flavors. Taking place at Brickell City Centre guests will have the chance to sample gelato from all over the world and crown two of these sweet makers the winners. Expect live music, kid's jury, eating contest, gelato shots, gelato cocktails and more!

The festival will span over two days at Brickell City Centre. Stop in on Saturday, March 16th from 3pm-11pm and Sunday, March 17th from 11am-7pm to see who your favorite is. Vote for your favorite American Gelato Champion!

Check out a sneak peek of the chefs and their competing flavors here:

Diego Comparin, Dallas, TX

Gelato shop: Paciugo

Texas Pecan Sea Salt Caramel - A caramel Gelato flavored with Dulce de Leche, mediterranean sea salt and decorated with toasted Texas pecans.

Maria Liliana Biondo, Miami, FL

Gelato shop: Ugo Gelato

Trinacrium - We merged the most unique flavors from the volcanic island into a singular but strong flavor trio of nuts and fruits.

Giacomo d'Alessandro, New York, NY

Gelato shop: Polosud gelato-coffee-pastries

Dark Chocolate Surprise - 80% dark chocolate from South America with a little bitter infusion, presented in a Dark composition.

Mike Guerriero, Caldwell, NJ

Gelato shop: Gelotti Essex

Blueberry Basil - Sweet Jersey Blueberries, garden-grown Genovese Basil and fresh squeezed lemon juice are what make our gelato so good.

Walter & Marta Bergamaschi, Mesa, AZ

Gelato shop: Gelato Dolce Vita

Stupify - A creamy and crunchy concoction of spice cookies, drizzled with caramel and served cold.

Nazario Melchionda, Tucson, AZ

Gelato shop: Frost, A GelatoShoppe

Bagigi Peanut - We infused peanut butter with salted caramel and semi sweet chocolate, finished with a chocolate hazelnut crunch ganache.

Daniela Zomparelli, Toronto, Canada

Gelato shop: Lola's Gelato

Sassy Sea Turtle - Candied pecans and dark chocolate with a spice medley of ginger, cayenne and paprika, on a smooth caramel gelato.

Gianluigi Dellaccio, Washington, D.C.

Gelato shop: Dolci Gelati

Honey, Mascarpone, FigsGelato - Incredibly light and creamy. We mix fresh Mascarpone cheese with raw honey and then we blend in the Black Mission Figs.

Maurizio Melani, Valencia, Spain

Gelato shop: Véneta GelatoItaliano

Sicily Orange Sunrise - Sicilian Oranges, exalted and enhanced by harmony from the ample aromatic range of fresh mint and cardamom.

Eugenia Sardelli, Rosignano Solvay, Italy

Gelato shop: Il mio gelato Sardelli

Fior d'Arancia - Our gelato is a smooth blend of milk and cream, mixed with Sicilian Orange peels and luxurious dark chocolate.

Katsuyuki Sekihata, Vancouver, Canada

Gelato shop: Bella Gelateria

Salted B.C. Cherry Cheesecake - It's a true taste of west coast philosophy and nothing but the best from our gelato shop.

The festival features all you can eat gelato included in the ticket price. Sound like a delicious day to us! Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors (65+), $15 for  kids (3 to 12 years old), and free for children under two years old. Get a discount for buying them ahead of time online: $25 for adults and $20 for seniors and $10 for kids.

700 Brickell Avenue (Between 7th & 8th Street)

Miami, FL 33131