After eight European tours, the festival — which is dedicated to artisanal Italian gelato — travels back to Tucson.
Gelato Festival America is making its final stop in the U.S. and setting up shop at La Encantada from noon – 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28.
The festival gives everyone the opportunity to learn the secrets of high-quality gelato, watch production techniques, taste all of the competing flavors, and then vote for the gelato that strikes your fancy.
There is also going to be a “Gelato School” with cooking demonstrations and activities for both adults and kids.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors (over 65) and veterans, $15 for kids 12 years and younger, and free entry for anyone younger than 2. Plus, each ticket is eligible for $5 off if purchased before October 27.
It’s also important you vote before leaving the event. This competition lasts a grand total of three years, and gelato chefs from all over the world are competing to participate in the 2021 grand finals in Italy.
Only the best 36 chefs out of 5,000 will be able to battle for the title of “Gelato Festival World Master.” No pressure, right?
La Encantada Shopping Center is located at 2905 E. Skyline Dr. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit gelatofestivalamerica.com.
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Article written by:

Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.















