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Gelato Festival America Sweetens the Tucson Food Scene

Gelato Festival America Sweetens the Tucson Food Scene

Oct 16, 20181 min read

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.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At 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.

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@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs through September 13, 2026, offering a variety of prix fixe menus across Tucson.🍝🍕

Where to get pizza & Italian durning Sonoran Restaurant Week:

@anello_pizzeria 
@dominicksrealitalian 
@doscabezas
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@reillypizza 
@frescotucson 
@zio_peppe_az 

For more details, visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw

#tucsonfoodie #sonoranrestaurantweek@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs through September 13, 2026, offering a variety of prix fixe menus across Tucson.🍝🍕 Where to get pizza & Italian durning Sonoran Restaurant Week: @anello_pizzeria @dominicksrealitalian @doscabezas @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @reillypizza @frescotucson @zio_peppe_az For more details, visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw #tucsonfoodie #sonoranrestaurantweek
@Asaditoszulmyta started with a tent and a grill on Tucson’s south side. Now, a year later, the Salvadoran food stand has grown into a food truck, a Central American market, and a gathering place for Tucson’s Latin American community.

Stop by Asaditos Zulmyta for their grand opening and Central American Independence Day celebration on Sept 12th from 7-10pm! Enjoy free aguas frescas, specials, a DJ, and more. 

Don’t forget to walk over and grab a coffee at @Redcaptaincoffee! 

4004 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 

Thanks for having us, @Asaditoszulmyta!@Asaditoszulmyta started with a tent and a grill on Tucson’s south side. Now, a year later, the Salvadoran food stand has grown into a food truck, a Central American market, and a gathering place for Tucson’s Latin American community. Stop by Asaditos Zulmyta for their grand opening and Central American Independence Day celebration on Sept 12th from 7-10pm! Enjoy free aguas frescas, specials, a DJ, and more. Don’t forget to walk over and grab a coffee at @Redcaptaincoffee! 4004 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ Thanks for having us, @Asaditoszulmyta!
This year, 18 Mexican restaurants are participating in @sonoranrestaurantweek from September 4-13. Also, National Hispanic Heritage Month begins immediately afterwards on Sunday, September 15.❤️

Here’s the full list, in alphabetical order. 

@agavehousetucson 
@ameliastucson 
@bktacos 
@bocatucson 
@buendia.breakfast.lunch 
@asadataqueria 
@casadelrioaz 
@elcharro.cafe 
@crudamariscos 
@elmezquitetucson 
@humo.tucson
@lachingadacocina 
@lafridamexicangrill 
@laollamexicancafe 
@nanas_kitchen_2008 
@reformatucson 
@seiskitchen 
@sonoramoonshine 

Don’t forget to upload your receipts to enter our giveaway🎉

More on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw
Presented by @Visittucson 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieThis year, 18 Mexican restaurants are participating in @sonoranrestaurantweek from September 4-13. Also, National Hispanic Heritage Month begins immediately afterwards on Sunday, September 15.❤️ Here’s the full list, in alphabetical order. @agavehousetucson @ameliastucson @bktacos @bocatucson @buendia.breakfast.lunch @asadataqueria @casadelrioaz @elcharro.cafe @crudamariscos @elmezquitetucson @humo.tucson @lachingadacocina @lafridamexicangrill @laollamexicancafe @nanas_kitchen_2008 @reformatucson @seiskitchen @sonoramoonshine Don’t forget to upload your receipts to enter our giveaway🎉 More on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw Presented by @Visittucson #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie
TONIGHT

@vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄
9/5 from 6–10pm 

Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 

📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 
🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 

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HOT/SAVORY 
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Eatgypt
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Counter Crispies 

BEVERAGES
@espressoul_cafe 
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@bardownfitnessandnutrition 
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SHOP LOCAL
@barknberryaz 
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#tucsonevents #vegantucson 
#tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocalTONIGHT @vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄 9/5 from 6–10pm Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 🌙FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY 📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ 🐶 @oldsoulsanimalrescue @paws_without_borders @rescuemetucson HOT/SAVORY @substancediner @hotsaucenpepper @huhushouseofdumplings Eatgypt Bereisheet 129 @bobbyskitchen__ @delcielotamal @lovinspoonfulstucson @ensenadastreetfood @mayascajunkitchen @therealnaughtyvegan @patricias_cuban_kitchen @scratchingtheplate @themakanbowl @theveganjointaz @youslydogtucson @yumyumpocha_ DESSERTS @atekei_treats @thirddaysourdough @treats_by_gabby @donutblitz @abstractaquariums @sweetrollsandmore @tucsonchocolatefactory @uniquelymadecookies @coolkidssnackcakes @dirty_t_tamarindo @duckys_pineapplebananabread @tiasourdough @eatbliss.az @flourpotvegan @maxa_oats @sahteinpatisserie Counter Crispies BEVERAGES @espressoul_cafe @transit.tea @yourcoffeestopaz @barlapachanga @scentedleaf @konaiceofmarana @littlebearlemonade Wrapido @bardownfitnessandnutrition @brewingcupofculture @lemonpoptucson SHOP LOCAL @barknberryaz @cosmicfoundry @desierto_designs @enjoycrochetandknit @greenexpressiontucson @harvestedcreations @purpleskyincense @ricos_threads @snackabeesaz @sparkle_sparrow_az @spunkykind @yellowbirdfarm @wisteriacreekcottage @wisdombodyandsoul @tacosysalsa_tucson @thedrecreations #tucsonevents #vegantucson #tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocal