6 Spring Chocolate Festivals in the US
Chocolate box photo courtesy of the Colorado Chocolate Festival
With a new year comes new chocolate festivals, and there are plenty of them taking place across the U.S. that chocolate enthusiasts will want to check out. From New York to Hawaii (and numerous states in between), attendees will have their pick of events to choose from. Each one offers a variety of enticing elements as part of the experience, including premium tastings, educational seminars, workshops, live demos, and appearances from experts in the industry. From April to October, here’s a roundup of some notable ones to know.
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SF International Chocolate Salon photo credit Amy Sherman
San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
Back on the West Coast, chocolate lovers will want to mark their calendars for the 17th annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon taking place on April 6th at the San Francisco County Fair Building (Hall of Flowers). With numerous confectioners, chocolatiers, and culinary artisans participating, this year’s edition includes presentations such as author talks and book signings, like French Chocolate: Recipes, Language & Directions to Français au Chocolat by AK Crump; a session with Master Chocolatier Michael Recchiuti, Recchiuti Confessions; a creating chocolate with coffee demo led by Peter Lee, Chocolatier, Coba / Rubia Coffee Company; and an exclusive tea ceremony with Fabula Tea’s award-winning tea maker Kai-Kenny Chew. The high-quality artisan, gourmet, and premium chocolate will be on hand for tasting, which have been selected and curated by the organizers. In addition, you can expect the lineup to feature some of the recently announced 2025 award winners of the International Chocolate Salon’s Best Chocolatiers and Confectioners in America, which were chosen based on ratings from last year’s Chocolate Salons that also take place in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Seattle.
Plated dessert photo courtesy Big Island Chocolate Festival
Meanwhile even further west, chocolate enthusiasts (both amateurs and industry pros) will encounter an enchanting chocolate experience in paradise at the Big Island Chocolate Festival taking place in Hawaii on April 10-12. This year’s theme is “Cirque de Chocolate,” and the schedule is full of several enticing events. In addition to a Guided Cacao Plantation Tour & Chocolate Sampling at Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory in Keauhou-Kona on Thursday, guests can also attend a number of informative farm seminars such as “Taste, Tour, Thrive- Building a Sustainable Cacao Experience” with Maddy Smith, founder, Barefoot Chocolatini; and tasting demos including “Creating an Artistic Chocolate Showpiece” by world pastry champion Chef Stéphane Tréand, MOF Pâtissier Chocolatier and co-owner of Francium Chocolate. There’s plenty knowledge ready to be consumed. In fact, the gala fundraiser on Saturday evening features more than 18 tastings and chef booths bound to leave palates pleased while all eyes and ears will be consumed by live performances from local Kona Dance & Performing Art and Fire Dancing by Tiana Productions.
Vendor and customers at DC Chocolate Festival photo credit Sarah Goolishian photography
Closing out the month in our nation’s capital is the 8th annual DC Chocolate Festival taking place at La Maison Française at Embassy of France in the U.S. on April 25 and 26. Hosted by the Chocolate House DC (a collection of artisan boutique chocolate from around the globe), the two-day event features more than 30 chocolate vendors and throngs of attendees ready to talk, taste, and indulge in several educational opportunities and of course, tastings. The classes and workshops are designing for learning about chocolate and cacao, and sessions occur throughout each day. Chocolatiers, chocolate makers, and confectioners will be present and representing fine and artisanal treats from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond so that everyone can partake in a bit of meet and greet.
Chocolate fountain photo courtesy Chocolate Expo
Another East Coast event not to be missed is the Chocolate Expo held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York taking place on May 4. As one of several Chocolate Expos scheduled for 2025 in the region—there are also ones slated for October 12 at the DoubleTree Expo Center in Manchester, New Hampshire and November 16 at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island—this show includes tastings and chocolate products for sales as well as baked goods, craft beverages (where permitted by state), specialty foods, and more featured at 50 to 90 vendor booths based on location. Demonstrations, interactive presentations, and a “Kidz Zone” are also part of the experience.
Chocolate confections photo credit Colorado Chocolate Festival
Speaking meet and greets, before the summer heat hits the Colorado Chocolate Festival arrives in Denver. Celebrated annually on the Friday and Saturday of Mother’s Day Weekend (this year May 9 and 10), the two-day event is one of four yearly chocolate festivals happening in the state. This edition is being held at National Western Expo Hall and features more than 100 booths, more than 80 vendors from across the country, and more than 30,000 square-feet of chocolate goodness. From candy to cookies, a fountain and fudge, guests can indulge in almost anything, including zero-proof choctails or the traditional chocolate martini bar. There will be contests, games, children’s activities, samples, tastings, and more—including chocolate bingo and a chocolate pudding eating contest.
Chocolate bonbons photo credit Jessica Loaiza
And finally, a newly added festival—Le Marché du Chocolat—also makes its debut in May on the 10th and 11th in San Francisco. Held at the Hilton Union Square in the Grand Ballroom, this celebration is an international experience featuring artisanal chocolate makers, industry professionals, and master chocolatiers who will be serving up their expert insights and impressive work to attendees. In addition to demonstrations, pairings, and on-stage talks, there’s also an upscale marketplace where chocolate fans can shop for plenty of decadent products. Spots for afternoon tea or brunch are here as well to make the most of Mother’s Day weekend.
The bottom line? No matter where you reside stateside, Spring is turning out to be a delectable season to savor chocolate.