Utica Ice Cream Festival

Saturday, May 24: 11am to 7pm
Sunday, May 25: 11am to 7pm
Monday, May 26: (Memorial Day) 11am to 4pm

Location: Velvet Ice Cream’s Ye Olde Mill

For 48 sweet years, the Utica Ice Cream Festival has been a cherished tradition, delighting visitors with its array of delicious treats and family-friendly activities. More than just a celebration of ice cream, this beloved festival serves as a pillar of community support, with all proceeds going towards local charitable groups and initiatives. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a must-attend event, the festival continues to bring people together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and joy that resonates throughout the town of Utica and beyond. Join us as we scoop up memories and make a positive impact on our community at this year’s
Utica Ice Cream Festival!

About The Festival

OUR HISTORY

In 1976, the Utica Ice Cream Festival emerged from a visionary partnership between the Utica Sertoma Group and Velvet Ice Cream’s third-generation leaders, Joe and Mike Dager. The Sertoma group sought a flagship event to secure fundraising for community support initiatives, and Velvet stepped in as a collaborative partner. Together, they birthed the Utica Sertoma Ice Cream Festival, initially expecting only a short-lived affair. However, the overwhelming popularity and success of the festival transformed it into an enduring yearly tradition, cherished by locals and visitors alike.

The Parade

Join us for the official kick off of the Utica Ice Cream Festival at the vibrant downtown parade, happening on Saturday, May 25th at 11am. The parade covers 1.5 miles through downtown Utica so be sure to secure your spot early for the best view. Look out for the Velvet Ice Cream truck along the route – we’ll be handing out delicious ice cream treats to all parade attendees, spreading joy and sweetness to start the celebration off right. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

Walk in the 2025 Parade!

Start the festival weekend with us on Saturday, May 24, by walking in our kickoff parade in downtown Utica! Businesses, community groups, political candidates, and more are welcome to participate and showcase their spirit. Spaces fill quickly, so sign up today by completing our parade application.

Apply now: Click Here

We can’t wait to see you there and kick off the festival together!

Join the utica ice cream festival as a vendor!

Be part of the 49th Utica Ice Cream Festival in 2025! We’re inviting new food and craft vendors to bring fresh flavors and creativity to this beloved event. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today by filling out our simple vendor application.

Apply now: Click Here

Let’s make this year’s festival unforgettable—together!

PARADE ROUTE & MAP

The parade begins on Jefferson Street near Maple Avenue, then turns left onto North Street. It continues left onto N. Central Avenue, traveling approximately 0.4 miles before another left turn onto Spring Street. The parade concludes with a left onto Jefferson Street, ending near its starting point, completing a square route. Parking is available for those not downtown at Utica Middle/High School, located at 260 Jefferson Street.

CLICK IMAGES BELOW FOR A LARGER VIEW!

Events Calendar

Click each image below for a larger view.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the car show?

The Rod Run Car Show is all day Sunday, May 26 on Velvet grounds. Over 300 classic cars will be onsite. Interested in registering your vehicle? Email info@velveticecream.com for more info.

What activities are available for children?

Kids can enjoy ice cream eating contests, bounce houses, magic shows, and more, including activities by the Columbus Zoo and COSI.

Are there designated areas for picnicking?

Picnicking behind Ye Olde Mill is allowed but note that space may be limited on Sunday due to the Rod Run Car Show. There is also a midway near the food vendors where you can relax and enjoy your food.

Can I bring outside food or drinks?

Outside food and drinks are not allowed within the festival grounds.

What vendors will be at the festival?

With over 20 food vendors and 60+ craft/art vendors, there’s a diverse selection to explore.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?

Several vendors offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options; just inquire at each booth.

Will there be live entertainment?

Live bands, Columbus Zoo, COSI, and other entertainers perform daily on the main stage.

Is there an ATM on-site?

An ATM is available inside the Ye Olde Mill ice cream parlor, with credit cards also accepted.

Are there restroom facilities available?

Portajohns are conveniently located throughout the festival, some with accessible facilities and baby changing stations.

Is there a rain date for the festival?

Rain or shine, the festival goes on. Stay updated on any weather-related changes via Velvet’s Facebook page.

Will Ye Olde Mill have its normal menu?

Due to the vast selection of food choices at the festival plus our staff being extremely busy with ice cream, we will only be offering our ice cream menu to visitors in our parlor. BBQ will be available on the back patio right off the parlor.

THANK You TO OUR SPONSORS

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our festival sponsors! Your generous support and partnership have been instrumental in making the Utica Ice Cream Festival a resounding success year after year. Without your dedication and contributions, this cherished community event wouldn’t be possible. Together, we’ve created unforgettable experiences and brought joy to countless families. Thank you for being an essential part of our team and for helping us make sweet memories that last a lifetime.