Brisbane Ice Cream Festival 2019

Overview

In 2017, Brisbane screamed for ice cream. In 2018, we all screamed again. In 2019, the frozen dessert-induced exclamations are set to continue, with the Brisbane Ice Cream Festival returning for a huge third year.

Perhaps this sweet treat-loving city's most popular occasion  — although most tickets are free, it regularly books out within minutes — BICF is back with even more opportunities to gorge on your favourite frosty food. This year, the fest will run across three days between Friday, March 22 and Sunday, March 24, adding two new paid (and boozy) events to its lineup.

You can still head along during weekend daylight hours for free, with two-hour sessions taking place from 11am–1pm, 1–3pm and 3–5pm on both Saturday and Sunday. If you're keen to drop by, simply paying for whatever tickles your tastebuds' fancy, then a world of ice cream delights await. Think the titular treat, gelato and every other kind of icy, creamy confection, with dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free and vegan dietary requirements all catered for. While the complete lineup of  17 stores and stalls hasn't been announced, previous years have seen everyone from Gelato Messina to La Macelleria take part. And the full menu hasn't been revealed either, but a fairy bread creation, pavlova ice cream, a guacamole and corn chips ice block, and gelato-filled cannoli will all pop up.

Feeling particularly indulgent? You can also drop by on Friday night for two hours of ice cream canapes, dessert-inspired cocktails and DJs spinning tunes, all for $49. Or, on Saturday evening, pay $99 and witness four local chefs whip up eight inventive dishes (which you'll then eat over wine, of course).

Tickets will become available from 9am on Friday, March 1 — and they'll disappear faster than an ice cream melting in the Brisbane sun.