Third Annual Gelato Fest Hits Little Italy This Week

While Chicago seems to be going to a bit of a FroYo craze, some people still want their ice cream. So, on Aug. 18 and 19, the grand piazza in Little Italy on Taylor Street will become the venue for the 3rd Annual Ice Cream & Gelato Fest.

The event, happening between 6 and 9 both nights, will feature local artisans like Toni Roberts (The Wit), Malika Ameen (ByM Desserts, Top Chef), Ben Roche (Moto), Fabrice Bouet (Palmer House) and Jove Hubbard (James Hotel), coming together to dish all things ice cream. Jeni Britton Bauer of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Ohio will do a book signing and demo both nights.

Additionally, a number of "creameries," like Homer's Ice Cream, Marion Street Cheese Market, Lifeway Kefir, Intelligentsia and Zingerman's Creamery of Ann Arbor, Mich., will be on hand to pass out samples and more. And of course there will be drinks and other grilled food from Goose Island, Finch Beer Company, Koval and more. There will also be the Great Brain Freeze, a live competition that allows guests to vote on the winner.

Tickets cost $25 ($10 for kids) and are available for purchase online now.