Good news: an escape from the heat is on its way, this time in the form of a sprinkly celebration of creamy goodness. The 3rd annual Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival is taking over the St. Pete Pier on Sunday, July 21, from 11 am – 8 pm.

As with every year, the sweet sensation marks National Ice Cream Day, perfectly placed in late July to give us the beat-the-heat experience we need this time of year. Dozens of the area’s best ice cream makers will be on hand, alongside live music and family friendly activities.

The best part: the ice cream, of course. But the second best part: the festival is free and open to the public. And to make it even easier, the festival takes places rain or shine, so you can enjoy a cool treat no matter what the wacky Florida weather decides to throw us that day.

Festival-goers will be able to enjoy ice cream and other sweet frozen treats (available for purchase; that part isn’t free, unfortunately) as more than 30 vendors will be serving their best creations from soft serve and craft scoop ice cream, to gelato, popsicles, and more. The ice cream celebration takes place on the Pier Plaza, and parking is available in St. Pete Pier parking lots or downtown.

In addition to the enjoyment of said sweet treats, participants will be able to vote on the Best Ice Cream in Tampa Bay Award. Tickets are not required and availability of any products is subject to individual vendors.

The St. Pete Pier is the a gleaming public works attraction on the city’s picturesque waterfront, promising limitless fun for everyone from first-time visitors to long-time residents. Its 26 beautiful acres seamlessly combine the peaceful blue waters of Tampa Bay with the vibrant greenery of downtown St. Petersburg’s parks, creating the ultimate place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, swim, take in a concert and more.