Have you ever considered attending some of the best chocolate events and festivals around the world? If so, we have the perfect excuse for a sweet escape! The next 12 months promise to be filled with exciting and delectable chocolate celebrations. From tastings and workshops to exhibitions and competitions, these events offer a unique opportunity to explore the art and science of chocolate making, meet renowned chocolatiers, and savor exquisite creations. Prepare your taste buds and mark your calendars as we guide you through the must-visit chocolate events and festivals that will leave you craving more.
Chocolate festivals are great for chocolate lovers
Attending chocolate festivals is a wonderful experience for chocolate lovers for many reasons. These events offer tastings of various craft chocolate creations, allowing people to explore new flavors and brands. From unique single origin bars, to bars with incredible inclusions, you won’t be disappointed. Workshops and seminars are usually available, teaching about the history and process of chocolate making, often led by chocolate industry experts.
Chocolate festivals offer more than just tastings — they provide a unique opportunity to meet chocolate artisans and cocoa farmers, deepening your appreciation for their craft. These events often showcase exclusive products and limited releases, giving attendees access to unique items not generally available to the public. Festivals also bring together a community of chocolate enthusiasts, fostering connection and friendship. The festive atmosphere, complete with live music and entertainment, ensures enjoyment for all ages.
Chocolate festivals in 2024
Location: Fashion Industry Gallery, Dallas, TX
Dates: September 6 – 8, 2024
The Dallas Chocolate Festival features dozens of exhibitors offering unique chocolates to sample and purchase. Enjoy a full day of chocolate demos and classes, exploring everything from tree to bar to bonbon. The Main Event welcomes all ages for a sweet experience!
Location: The Meydenbauer, Bellevue, WA
Dates: October 4 – 6, 2024
Join the premier gathering of artisan chocolate makers from around the globe at the Northwest Chocolate Festival. Indulge your senses with an exquisite selection of handmade treats, including:
- Milk and Dark Chocolate: Savor the rich and creamy flavors of expertly crafted milk and dark chocolates.
- Inclusion Bars: Delight in unique and innovative flavor combinations in each bite.
- Decadent Desserts: Treat yourself to an array of mouthwatering desserts.
- Truffles and Bonbons: Experience the luxury of finely crafted truffles and bonbons.
- Caramels: Enjoy the smooth and buttery taste of handcrafted caramels.
Prepare your taste buds for a weekend of pure bliss and discover the finest ingredients and exceptional craftsmanship that define the world of artisan chocolate.
Location: Paris Expo – Porte de Versailles
Dates: October 29 – November 3, 2024
Experience the world-renowned Salon du Chocolat de Paris, where you can explore and savor the exquisite creations of 500 participants from 60 countries. This event offers a plethora of activities, including:
- Recipe demonstrations by top chefs
- A fashion show featuring stunning chocolate dresses
- Engaging conferences on chocolate-related topics
- Intricate chocolate sculptures
- National and international pastry competitions
- Captivating exhibitions
This festival is a must-visit for chocolate lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike, offering a unique opportunity to indulge in and celebrate the world of chocolate.
Location: Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Dates: November 8 – 10, 2024
Salon du Chocolat is a global event celebrating chocolate in New York City. While not as grand as the Paris show, it’s one of the biggest US chocolate events. It brings together chocolatiers, artisans, pastry chefs, and experts from around the world who share a passion for chocolate. Enjoy a variety of delicious products, and learn about the craft and culture of chocolate in an expertly curated venue.
Discover exclusive vendors, indulge in tastings, shop for unique treats, and take the perfect chocolate selfie. Most importantly, have fun with chocolate in all its forms.
chocolART – International Chocolate Festival
Location: Tübingen, Germany
Dates: December 3 – 5, 2024
Over 100 exclusive chocolatiers and manufacturers from around the world will be represented, including selected houses from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Poland, Africa, and Ecuador.
Set against the unique historical backdrop of Tübingen’s old town, the six-day program features exquisite chocolate tastings, creative praline courses, artistic cocoa painting, inspiring readings, fun activities for children, unique chocolate lectures, and delicious gastronomic offerings.
At chocolART, many exhibitors ensure their products are made from fair-trade raw materials, marked with the “Fair Bean” symbol. Regional chocolatiers also emphasize using local organic milk, combining high quality with sustainability. This approach helps exquisitely crafted drinking chocolates develop their full flavor while supporting local agriculture, ensuring fair prices, and reducing CO₂ emissions through short transport routes.
Chocolate festivals in 2025
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Dates: February 5 – 9, 2025
Celebrate the 10th edition of the Chocoa Chocolate Festival in the heart of Amsterdam. This two-day event promises a delicious journey filled with unique experiences:
- Tastings & Pairings: Discover new chocolate flavors perfectly paired with wine, coffee, tea, or craft beer.
- Workshops: Let experts guide you through immersive workshops on all things chocolate.
- Presentations: Gain insights from industry professionals during engaging presentations.
- New Experiences: Experience cacao and chocolate like never before.
Join an unforgettable celebration of chocolate, where you can savor, learn, and enjoy to your heart’s content!
Location: Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites, Ashland, OR
Dates: March 7 – 9, 2025
Experience an unforgettable chocolate adventure with educational presentations and demos, a delightful Chocolate Brunch, and a weekend filled with exquisite chocolate creations from artisan makers across the West Coast. There’s even a Charlie’s Chocolate Run for those who want to get in shape to eat a lot of chocolate!
Location: Radovljica, Slovenia
Dates: April 12 – 13, 2025
Slovenia’s largest chocolate and culinary event features a vast selection of chocolates, culinary dishes, and desserts from both local and international providers. The best way to explore the variety and flavors is with tasting coupons. The event offers something for everyone, with activities like animations, concerts, creative workshops, and physical challenges. A highlight is the competition for the ‘Best Praline of the Festival,’ where top chocolatiers showcase their finest creations, judged by a professional jury before the festival. You can taste these award-winning pralines in Radovljica.
Cocoa and chocolate events for professionals in 2024-2025
Location: The Meydenbauer, Bellevue WA.
Dates: October 3 – 4, 2024
Join chocolate professionals from around the world in two days of learning, networking, sharing, and creating the future for artisan chocolate. The 10th Annual UnConference is a gathering of the artisan chocolate and cacao community to connect and share experiences and lessons.
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Dates: February 3 – 9, 2025
Amsterdam will be celebrating its 750th anniversary and Amsterdam Cocoa Week will be part of the festivities. There will be a variety of business to business events where attendees can close important deals, learn from their peers and taste excellent cocoa and chocolate.
Location: Quito, Ecuador
Dates: May 2025
Although the dates for next year are not yet confirmed, the Cacao & Chocolate Summit is a unique gathering of experts from across the fine cacao and chocolate value chain. This global event brings together producers, chocolate makers, pastry chefs, NGOs, government representatives, and consumers. Our shared goal is to create a better future for everyone in the industry and a superior product for the world to enjoy. The discussions that begin here aim to ensure a sustainable industry that not only survives the challenges we face but thrives for generations to come.
The mission of the Cacao & Chocolate Summit is to share valuable knowledge, spark innovative ideas, and promote impactful education that empowers us all to face challenges and create new opportunities.
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