Glenelg Ice Cream Festival back bigger and sweeter

The fifth edition of the Glenelg Ice Cream Festival will take over Jetty Road and its surrounds on Friday 6 February 2026, serving up irresistible ice cream, free karaoke for the first time, and an expanded dog-friendly zone.

Known as South Australia’s biggest celebration of all things sweet, the event, staged by the City of Holdfast Bay, will transform Glenelg’s iconic strip from 4pm to 10pm. The festival will feature free kids’ activities, food stalls, pop-up bars, live music, entertainment, and extended shopping hours.

Jetty Road will be closed west of Partridge/Gordon Street for the festival, allowing local traders to spill onto the street and entice visitors with delicious food and more.

Festivalgoers can enjoy frozen delights from vendors including Bottega Gelateria, Cibo, Cold Rock Ice Creamery, Gelatissimo, Mio Gelato, Royal Copenhagen, Yo-Chi, St. Louis, Cakeboy, Yo-Bar, Waffle King, Uniqorn Eats, Mamma Carmela, and new addition Gelato Messina. Offerings will range from classic favourites to dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, and vegan treats.

Sweetening the experience even further, two Ice Cream Villages – featuring more than 14 vendors – will bookend the event space like an ice cream sandwich, with one at the eastern end of Jetty Road and the other in Moseley Square.

City of Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson said the festival continues to be a highlight of the summer calendar.

“This much-loved street party brings families and the local community together to celebrate Glenelg’s iconic connection to beach days and ice cream,” Mayor Wilson said.

“Attracting more than 30,000 visitors, the Glenelg Ice Cream Festival not only highlights all things sweet but also showcases Glenelg as a premier destination.”

More than just a food festival, the event offers plenty of fun for all ages. A kids’ zone in Nile Street will be packed with free activities until 8pm, including loose parts play by Climbing Tree, soft play, face painting, hair braiding, and roving entertainment. Large-scale outdoor games will also be set up in front of St Andrew’s by the Sea Uniting Church.

Making its debut at the festival – and as a business – mobile karaoke bar Pitch. Karaoke will bring a fun, feel-good vibe to the event. Housed in a converted shipping container with an attached caravan bar, Pitch. Karaoke will be located in Chapel Plaza, offering free 20-minute karaoke sessions for teens earlier in the evening and for those aged 18+ later at night. Pitch will remain on site, hosting karaoke sessions on Saturday 7 February, from 5pm to midnight, and Sunday 8 February, from 5pm to 10.30 pm.

Musicians including DJ/saxophonist Sax&Love, acoustic group Sparks Trio, jazz fusion band Eidolon and singer/looping artist Georgia Germein will also perform along Jetty Road and in Moseley Square throughout the festival, adding to the lively atmosphere.

The popular Pawfect Zone will be back bigger than ever – this time on Waterloo Street –featuring dog-friendly ‘ice cream’ treats, water stations, and a fun photo opportunity for festivalgoers and their furry friends.

The Glenelg Library will once again host an indoor sensory space, run by City of Holdfast Bay staff, until 8pm, offering a calm and inclusive environment for attendees.

While at Glenelg, visitors can also take a snap at Jetty Road’s striking new entry statement, Elysian Fields – a 21-metre-long avenue of 20 colourful, towering flowers on the corner of Jetty Road and Brighton Road.

Offering activities and treats for everyone, the Glenelg Ice Cream Festival – a bronze winner at the 2025 SA Tourism Awards – promises another unmissable summer celebration.