Watch CBS News

Reading Terminal Market Ice Cream Festival kicks off July 13: full guide, vendors, what to expect

Bassetts Ice Cream a great way to keep cool in Philadelphia heat wave
Bassetts Ice Cream a great way to keep cool in Philadelphia heat wave 03:59

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Looking for a delicious way to beat the heat? Reading Terminal Market and Bassetts Ice Cream are hosting their annual free Ice Cream Festival Saturday, July 13 from 12-4 p.m. on 12th and Filbert Streets.

Besides Bassetts, the event will feature 11 ice cream vendors, each bringing their own take on the creamy summer treat. The festival will also feature all ice cream-themed activities including an ice cream eating contest, themed games, arts and crafts and more.

The event promises to be "chock-full of ice cream excitement," said Alex Strange, the executive vice president of Bassetts. He's also the great-great-great grandson of the company's founder, Lewis Dubois Bassett.

reading-terminal-market-ice-cream-festival.jpg
A sample of Bassetts Ice Cream at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. CBS News Philadelphia

Along with your typical cone or cup, visitors can enjoy a few different takes on ice cream like ice cream macarons, Brioche French toast with ice cream, a churro sundae and even a Phillies-themed sundae. You can check out the full list of ice cream specials on Reading Terminal's website.

The Settlement School of Music and a DJ will provide live music and entertainment throughout the afternoon. The Settlement School will additionally host a free children's music workshop from 1:15-1:45 p.m.

"It's going to be a day dedicated to the variety that is ice cream," Strange said. "We're gonna show off the ice cream artisans here in Philadelphia and what they're made of, and we're gonna share that with the people of Philadelphia. We're excited," Strange said.

The event is vegan-friendly with one vendor selling vegan sorbet. You can see a full list of the vendors and their products below.

Entrance to the festival is free and all treats are available for purchase.

Every vendor appearing at Reading Terminal Market Ice Cream Festival on Filbert

Bassetts Ice Cream – ice cream

Cloud Cups – gelato and sorbet

Dreams Ice Cream – ice cream

Franklin Fountain – ice cream

Hangry Bear – ice cream

Mango Hut – vegan sorbet

Milk Jawn – ice cream

Scoop DeVille – ice cream

Siddiq's Water Ice – water ice

Tubby Robot – ice cream

Weckerly's Ice Cream – ice cream

By CBS News Philadelphia intern Olivia Dunne

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.