Gelato Festival World Masters returns to Los Angeles this Labor Day weekend

5 tags Gelato Festival World Masters USA Events Artisan Gelato Artisanal Ice cream

The world’s only premier artisanal gelato competition featuring North America's finest gelato masters comes to Ovation Hollywood on August 30-31

Tickets are now available for Gelato Festival World Masters, the globe’s most prestigious gelato competition, which returns to Los Angeles for the first time since 2023 on August 30th and 31st, 2025 at Ovation Hollywood. This highly anticipated weekend celebrates artisanal gelato excellence and determines North America's top gelato masters. The iconic shopping and entertainment destination on Hollywood Boulevard will once again host this epic event, bringing together North America's most talented gelato artisans for an unforgettable weekend of competition, cooking demonstrations, tastings that also include free samples of the Gelato Festival brand of exceptional gelato, and more.

In partnership with Carpigiani and Sigep - Italian Exhibition Group, this year's festival promises an elevated experience where skilled gelato masters compete for the coveted title of “Best Gelato Master in North America 2025.” This year, Gelato Festival is also proud to partner with the Hollywood Food Coalition with a ticket fundraising initiative to support their mission of tackling food insecurity in Los Angeles. Attendees can contribute to the non-profit when purchasing tickets online, and the organization’s team will have a dedicated booth on site.

Competition Highlights

The two-day festival features 10 exceptional gelato artisans who have earned their place through victories at previous Gelato Festival World Masters events, such as the 2023 North American Semifinals in Los Angeles and the 2025 edition in High Point, North Carolina. Each competitor will be evaluated by both industry professionals and festival attendees, with winners advancing to represent North America at the World Finals in 2026.

This year's competing masters include:

Mohammad Alqawasmi - Bazaria, Plano, TX
Lauren Brock - Butterfat Gelato, Pittsburgh, PA
Maria Liliana Biondo - uGOgelato, Cincinnati, OH
Golan Chetrit - Noi Due Gelato, New York City, NY
James Coleridge - Gelato by James, Vancouver, Canada
Juan Antonio Coyoli Maciel - Super Creamy, Mexico City, Mexico
Francia Michelle Magsaysay - Francy's Artisanal Ice Cream, Bergenfield, NJ
Stefania Pede - Cocoa 40 Inc., Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
Tassia Vicentin Rezende - Tre Cuori Gelateria & Açai, Ellisville, MO
Melanie Wolf - Pompelmo Gelateria, Westerly, RI

Festival Experience

Set in Ovation Hollywood's vibrant common area, the family-friendly festival offers immersive experiences including live gelato-making demonstrations, interactive tastings, educational workshops, and cultural presentations exploring gelato's rich Italian heritage. Beyond the competition entries, attendees can sample offerings from curated sponsors and partner chefs.