Velvet Ice Cream Factory Ye Olde Mill Utica Ice Cream Festival and seasonal events

Velvet Ice Cream Factory is a perfect day trip in the spring, summer, and fall!

Originally built in 1817, Ye Olde Mill, a former grist mill, is home to Velvet Ice Cream’s corporate offices in Utica, as well as Ohio’s only ice cream museum, ice cream parlor and restaurant. You’ll also find tons of outdoor space to spread out across and explore.

Get food or ice cream from the turn of the century ice cream parlor restaurant. They’ve brought back some favorites this summer, including orange and rainbow sherbet. 

There’s plenty of outdoor patio seating, and plenty of space to spread out across the property. You can even bring your own chairs to sit in the shade. Take your ice cream over to the pond to enjoy the ducks.

Kids have a blast on the playground equipment, and there are several walking trails to explore. It’s definitely worth a day trip!

Events at Velvet Ice Cream Factory Ye Olde Mill

Doggie Days at Ye Olde Mill

Every 3rd Thursday of each month from 11 am – 7 pm, bring out your furry friend for a paw-some outdoor adventure.

Purchase a pup cup for your pup, and get a free dog toy!

Opening Day at Ye Olde Mill

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Enjoy $2.00 Cones – All day long! (Sugar/cake cone or bowl only) There will be horse and carriage rides, and more. 

See FB event page.

Mother’s Day at Ye Olde Mill

Sunday, May 11, 2025. Treat your mom to a delightful day out with delicious food, fantastic vendors, and sweet surprises! 

There will be 30+ Craft Vendors offering handmade gifts, flowers, honey, candy, jewelry, and more! Dine from local food trucks, including Ugly Drum BBQ & A&E Gluten Free! Horse & Carriage Rides for a charming, scenic tour around our beautiful grounds! Live Music on the back patio to set the perfect vibe for a relaxing afternoon.

See more details. 

Utica Ice Cream Festival at Velvet Ice Cream

May 24-26, 2025

A festival featuring Ice Cream? Sign me up!

Indulge your taste buds and celebrate the sweetest Memorial Day Weekend ever at Velvet Ice Cream’s 48th Utica Ice Cream Festival at Ye Olde Mill! Get ready for a delightful blend of over 50 craft vendors, 20 mouthwatering food vendors, and numerous ice cream stations to satisfy every craving

Over 90 artisans from Ohio and other states exhibit their handcrafted items. Pony rides, antique tractors, a car show, live music, and performances are just some of the many things to do and see.

There will be plenty of food options, including the ham and bean tent, and bratwurst stand – plus the ice cream tent! Enjoy stage entertainment through the weekend, including the Columbus Zoo, arts and crafts, and more.

Don’t miss the parade in the village of Utica on May 24 at 11 am. Check out the full schedule here.

Tour bus and handicapped parking is available, and you can grab the shuttle service from the parking lot to the festival entrance. Admission is $10 per car.

Father’s Day at Ye Olde Mill

Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 11am to 7pm

Dine from food trucks and enjoy live music for an unforgettable Father’s Day celebration!

Check out the stunning collection of vintage cars from 1930 to WWII. Vendors will be on sit with unique Father’s Day gifts, including cigars, caricatures, beef jerky, and brittle for those unique Father’s Day gifts.

Don’t miss the K9 demonstration. Details here. 

YMCA Y on the Fly program

Ye Olde Mill and the YMCA are teaming up for summer fun! Starting June 4 and continuing every Wednesday until July 30, from 1pm to 2:30pm, the Y will be hosting outdoor games and activities at Ye Olde Mill.   

Each week, they have special themes to keep the fun going – and it’s all free! Check out the YMCA website for more details.

National Ice Cream Day 

National Ice Cream Day is July 20 from 11 am – 7 pm

Sweet treats and fun activities! $2 Single Dip (cake/sugar cone or bowl) all day long! Live Music: Enjoy the tunes of Matt Shannon on the back patio from 1 PM to 4 PM. Horse & Carriage Rides: Take a scenic ride around our beautiful grounds.

Details will be added Facebook. 

Ohio Nature Education’s Live Animal Display at Ye Olde Mill  

Saturday, June 14, 2025
Saturday, July 19, 2025
from 12 PM – 2 PM

Enjoy an exciting afternoon with Ohio Nature Education! Experience and learn about wild animals that are taken care of by Ohio Nature Education.

This is a fantastic opportunity for families and nature enthusiasts to get up close and personal with some amazing wildlife. Details on Facebook. 

Feeding the Ducks 

Note: if you are going to feed ducks, bread, crackers and other junk food is not a recommended source of food for their health, and can contribute to water pollution.

Better options include corn (canned, frozen or fresh), duck pellets (sold online and at pet stores), lettuce, other greens (torn into small pieces), frozen or defrosted peas, oats (uncooked; rolled or quick), rice (plain white or brown, cooked or uncooked, whole or instant), birdseed (any type or mix), grapes (cut in half or quartered if very large), or vegetable trimmings or peels (chopped into small pieces).

The Mill is typically open from May-October.
Mon: CLOSED, Tues. – Sun.:  11am-5pm

Closed November – April

Velvet Ice Cream
11324 Mt Vernon Rd NE
Utica, OH 43080-7703
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