Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival Returns with a Sweet Mission
Written by Isabella Paoletto
Posted: April 5, 2026 / Updated: April 5, 2026
San Diego, CA — The anticipated Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival is set to return to the vibrant North Park neighborhood on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, offering attendees a delightful opportunity to indulge in the finest local ice cream, paletas, and gelato provided by an array of vendors stationed along 30th Street and North Park Way. What sweetens the deal even more is the festival's commitment to benefiting local nonprofit organizations, particularly through its new long-term partnership with Feeding San Diego.
A Cause Worth Celebrating
Feeding San Diego, a nonprofit organization dedicated to tackling food insecurity in the region, will be the primary beneficiary of the festival this year. The organization works tirelessly to provide food assistance and free meals to those in need across San Diego County. As the event approaches, it will play a crucial role in spreading awareness regarding food insecurity, highlighting the importance of community support.
“This event has become a can’t-miss foodie festival, and we are honored to be aligned with it as it brings joy to so many people,” stated Carissa Casares, Director of Communications and Content for Feeding San Diego.
Since its inception in 2019, the Scoop San Diego festival has raised over $230,000 for local nonprofits focused on assisting underserved populations. This year marks a significant development in the festival's growth and impact.
A Journey Rooted in Community
Daniel Szpak, the festival's founder and "Chief Ice Cream Officer," has dedicated over two decades of his life to healthcare as a registered nurse at UC San Diego before transitioning into the world of ice cream. Szpak has long believed in the unifying power of ice cream. He co-founded Hammond’s Ice Cream in North Park, which quickly became a local favorite among residents.
When Szpak first came up with the idea for the festival, he reached out to various local ice cream, paleta, and gelato shops, asking if they would donate samples for the fundraising event. To his delight, every single vendor said yes, leading to a heartwarming inaugural event that was more community-oriented than polished, driven by a passion for connection and goodness.
“That first year felt very authentic and community-powered. It wasn’t polished, but it was full of heart, and the response showed us we had created something really special,” Szpak reminisced.
Growing into a Major Fundraiser
What began as a small gathering has exploded into a major fundraising event that draws thousands of attendees each year, featuring over 35 vendors. The festival has even expanded its reach to Palm Springs, further showcasing the diversity and generosity prevalent in San Diego's ice cream scene.
Notable vendors from last year’s festival included Snoice, Tocumbo Ice Cream, and Holy Paleta. In light of the ongoing collaboration between Scoop and Feeding San Diego, Little Fox Cups and Cones, one of the event's participants, is hosting a fundraising event on Wednesday to kickstart their partnership.
The Heart of the Festival
Szpak attributes the success of Scoop San Diego to the rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds that vendors bring to their creations. He emphasizes the unique and authentic flavors that represent the stories of the makers, representing a diverse community united by a single passion—ice cream.
"Many of the shop owners and ice cream chefs bring their cultural backgrounds and personal stories into their flavors, which makes everything feel unique and authentic," Szpak explained. “Food insecurity is such a real issue in our communities, and I wanted Scoop to be a way to directly support organizations doing that work.”
In a statement reflecting on the mission of the festival, Szpak stated, “Ice cream brings joy, but pairing that joy with real impact is what makes Scoop so special to me.”
Join the Celebration
As summer approaches, the Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival promises to provide a sweet experience while making a difference. Attendees can anticipate a day filled with delectable treats, community engagement, and a chance to support vital local organizations.
Tickets will be available starting Wednesday, and families, friends, and ice cream aficionados are encouraged to mark their calendars for a memorable Sunday in June. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit the official Scoop San Diego website.
By coming together to enjoy ice cream, attendees will not only tantalize their taste buds but also contribute to a meaningful cause, embodying the spirit of community and generosity that defines Scoop San Diego.
