The 2026 Sundae Showdown
Sunday, April 19 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Ithaca Downtown Conference Center
Ithaca Downtown Conference Center
A Fundraiser for The History Center in Tompkins County
Ithaca invented the ice cream sundae. Help us crown the best ice cream sundae of 2026.
Got a sundae recipe that deserves the spotlight? Submit your original creation for a chance to be selected as a finalist. Open to anyone, anywhere in the country. Submissions close April 9.
Grab a Sundae Passport ($20) to taste every finalist sundae, cast your vote, and help crown the 2026 champion. All proceeds benefit
The History Center in Tompkins County.
The History Center in Tompkins County.
The Defending Champion
Sweet Melissa's Ice Cream took the crown at the inaugural 2025 Sundae Showdown. Melissa Kenny's winning creation layered vanilla and house-made brown butter/brown sugar ice cream with a warmed brownie, honey roasted pecans, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry, all drizzled with hot fudge and caramel sauce.
As Melissa put it: "I make sundaes all the time, and this is basically my all-time favorites put together — a brownie sundae with a turtle sundae. It really doesn't get better than that!"
As Melissa put it: "I make sundaes all the time, and this is basically my all-time favorites put together — a brownie sundae with a turtle sundae. It really doesn't get better than that!"
48 recipes submitted. 450+ attendees.
1 champion.
1 champion.
Think you can dethrone the champ?
Location
Defrosting...
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit a recipe?
Visit the Compete page and click "Submit Your Recipe." Submissions are open now through Thursday, April 9. It is free to enter, and you can submit more than one recipe.
What are the recipe requirements?
Each sundae must include an ice cream base (up to two flavors), at least one sauce or drizzle, and at least one garnish — honoring the three components Chester Platt combined when he created the first ice cream sundae in Ithaca in 1892. The recipe must be your own original creation.
Who can submit a recipe?
Anyone! Individuals, families, businesses, restaurants, ice cream shops, and industry professionals from anywhere in the country.
What does my Sundae Passport include?
For $20, you receive an Ice Cream Passport to evaluate each finalist sundae (8-10 creations at 2-3 oz each), one of each finalist recipe, and an official vote to determine the 2026 champion. That's 20-30 oz of ice cream per passport. Sharing is encouraged!
What happens at the event?
Arrive anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 PM. Pick up your Sundae Passport, visit each tasting station, read the stories behind each creation, and cast your vote. The winner is crowned based on the public vote.
Where is it?
Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, 118 East Green Street, Ithaca, NY. Parking is available at the Green Street Parking Garage.
Where do the proceeds go?
All proceeds benefit The History Center in Tompkins County, which preserves and shares local history through archives, exhibits, and public programs.
Visit the Compete page and click "Submit Your Recipe." Submissions are open now through Thursday, April 9. It is free to enter, and you can submit more than one recipe.
What are the recipe requirements?
Each sundae must include an ice cream base (up to two flavors), at least one sauce or drizzle, and at least one garnish — honoring the three components Chester Platt combined when he created the first ice cream sundae in Ithaca in 1892. The recipe must be your own original creation.
Who can submit a recipe?
Anyone! Individuals, families, businesses, restaurants, ice cream shops, and industry professionals from anywhere in the country.
What does my Sundae Passport include?
For $20, you receive an Ice Cream Passport to evaluate each finalist sundae (8-10 creations at 2-3 oz each), one of each finalist recipe, and an official vote to determine the 2026 champion. That's 20-30 oz of ice cream per passport. Sharing is encouraged!
What happens at the event?
Arrive anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 PM. Pick up your Sundae Passport, visit each tasting station, read the stories behind each creation, and cast your vote. The winner is crowned based on the public vote.
Where is it?
Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, 118 East Green Street, Ithaca, NY. Parking is available at the Green Street Parking Garage.
Where do the proceeds go?
All proceeds benefit The History Center in Tompkins County, which preserves and shares local history through archives, exhibits, and public programs.