The International Dairy Foods Association's (IDFA) annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party will return to the National Mall on June 21. The celebration, just outside the U.S. Capitol Building, is one of Washington’s most anticipated for professionals working in food and agriculture, bringing together thousands of guests, including members of Congress and officials from the executive branch, in a fun event showcasing America’s favorite frozen treats. 

This year’s Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party will feature America’s top flavors, toppings, and ways to eat ice cream, as detailed by IDFA’s Ice Cream & Frozen Novelty Trends Survey, conducted by Research America, which reveals Chocolate, cookies n’ cream, and vanilla top the list of consumers’ favorite flavors. Sandwiches are the most popular novelty product, beating out cones 48% to 21%, followed by sticks/pops at 12%. Chocolate is the most popular topping sauce, topping caramel 26% to 18%. Waffle cones beat out sugar cones 32% to 12% among consumers, but 37% of consumers prefer to eat their ice cream out of a bowl. 

“Ice cream is as bipartisan as you can get,” said IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes, D.V.M. “IDFA’s Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party is our way of showing appreciation on behalf of America’s dairy producers and dairy foods makers to public servants, members of Congress and all the individuals working in Congress and in our federal agencies. Come out to the National Mall on June 21 to enjoy free ice cream and frozen desserts!”

The 39th Annual IDFA Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party will take place at Union Square Park on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, June 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. The park is located west of the Capitol in the area encompassing the Capitol Reflecting Pool and the Grant Memorial.