Frozen treats are abundant in the District this summer, but why not get them for free?

DC Scoop 2013 takes place today at Union Market from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., offering free ice cream samples from dozens of vendors and live music and entertainment.

The festivities feature 16 contestants, including Shake Shack, Suga Mama and Rare Sweets, whose ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato and other frozen treats will be judged by a panel of five local figures, from Daikaya restaurant chef partner Katsuya Fukashima to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie.

Union Market is located at 1309 5th Street NE, and is accessible from the NoMa-Gallaudet metro stop.