Ice Cream Catering in Fort Collins
Ice cream catering turns a good event into a great one. Whether you're planning a wedding reception, a corporate team outing, or a backyard party, Fort Collins has several shops that will bring the scoops to you. Here's what's available, what it costs, and which option fits your event.
The Options
Walrus Ice Cream — The Ice Cream Trailer
Walrus operates a dedicated ice cream trailer for events. This is a full mobile setup that rolls up to your venue with their homemade flavors. It's the most established catering operation among the Fort Collins shops.
Best for: Large events (100+ guests), outdoor venues, weddings that want a nostalgic Fort Collins touch.
What to expect: Multiple flavor choices from their 29-flavor rotation, cups and cones, professional service staff.
Book early. Summer weekends fill up months in advance.
Gelato & aMore — The Gelato Trike
This is the most unique catering option in Fort Collins. Gelato & aMore operates gelato trikes — bicycle-mounted gelato carts that a server pedals to your event. It's visually striking, Instagram-ready, and genuinely different from a standard ice cream setup.
Best for: Weddings, corporate events, upscale parties where presentation matters. Medium-sized events (50-150 guests).
What to expect: Curated gelato and sorbet selection, European-style serving, a visual centerpiece for your event.
Old Town Churn — Little Man Catering
Old Town Churn offers event catering through the Little Man Ice Cream network. Booking is available through their website. The creative flavors and Denver brand recognition make this a solid choice for events where you want craft credentials.
Best for: Corporate events, creative gatherings, events where unique flavors are a conversation starter.
DIY: Pints from Any Shop
Any Fort Collins ice cream shop will sell you pints to go. For smaller events (under 30 guests), buying 8-10 pints from your favorite shop and serving them yourself is the most cost-effective option.
Best for: Backyard parties, birthday parties, casual gatherings. Budget-conscious events.
Math: One pint serves 3-4 people. A party of 20 needs 5-7 pints. At $8-12 per pint from local shops, that's $40-84 for ice cream for 20 people.
What Shops Do NOT Cater
As of 2026, Glacier Ice Cream, Josh & John's, Heaven Creamery, Kilwins, Ben & Jerry's, and Dairy Queen do not offer formal catering services. Glacier and Josh & John's will sell pints for pickup, which works for the DIY approach.
Pricing Expectations
Ice cream catering in Fort Collins typically runs:
- Per-person pricing: $5-12 per guest depending on the shop and service level
- Flat rate for small events: $200-500 for parties under 50 people
- Trailer/trike rental: $500-1,500+ for 100+ guest events with full service
- DIY pints: $8-12 per pint, 3-4 servings each
These are estimates — contact each shop directly for current pricing. Seasonal demand (summer) and event size affect quotes significantly.
How to Book
Walrus: Contact through their website or call the shop. Book 2-3 months ahead for summer events.
Gelato & aMore: Contact directly. The gelato trike is popular for weddings — book as far ahead as possible.
Old Town Churn: Catering booking form on their website. Expect to choose flavors from the current rotation.
Tips for Ice Cream Events
- Temperature matters. If your event is outdoors in July, you need shade for the serving area. Ice cream melts fast at 90°F. Ask your caterer about their setup.
- Dietary coverage. Make sure at least one option is dairy-free. In a group of 100, several people will need it.
- Cones vs. cups. Cups are easier for events with seating. Cones are more fun but messier. Know your vibe.
- Toppings bar. If you're going DIY with pints, a toppings bar (sprinkles, hot fudge, whipped cream, crushed Oreos) makes it feel like a real ice cream experience.
- Timing. Serve ice cream after the meal, not during. Nobody wants melted soup alongside their dinner.
Our Recommendation
For a wedding or upscale event: Gelato & aMore's gelato trike. It's the most visually striking option and the gelato is excellent.
For a large community event: Walrus Ice Cream's trailer. Established, reliable, and the Fort Collins name recognition adds local credibility.
For everything else: DIY with pints from Glacier or Josh & John's. Best ice cream, lowest cost, maximum flexibility.
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