A Festival of Chocolate
January 18 & 19
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Chocolate Festival is included with general admission. 

EVENT MAP

Artisanal Chocolate Vendors
Location: Art Center & Garden Houses 
All Weekend!
Chocolate sold separately from various vendors. 

Savor the best in handcrafted chocolates from local artisans. Purchase a variety of unique flavors and small-batch treats that will delight every chocolate enthusiast!

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The Chocolate Olympics!
Location: Cycad Vista
Two Age Groups
Ages 4-6 : 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:00 p.m., & 3:00 p.m.
Ages 7-12 : 11:45 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:15 p.m. & 3:45 p.m.

Get ready to compete, laugh, and have a sweet time at the Chocolate Olympics—the ultimate family-friendly event where fun takes center stage! Designed for kids ages 4-12, this chocolate-themed adventure features action-packed games sure to delight the whole family.

• Cocoa Sack Race: Hop to the finish line in our hilarious sack race, where kids transform into cocoa bean hoppers!
• Chocolate Egg Carry: Test your balance and focus as you race to carry delicate “chocolate eggs” on spoons without dropping them. 
• Chocolate Bar Relay: Unwrap a chocolate bar faster than your opponents in this exciting race. Sounds easy... but there's a twist!
• Chocolate Puzzle Race: Put your problem-solving skills to the test by piecing together a chocolate bar puzzle faster than the competition.
• Bon Bon Bucket Sink: How many bon bons can you sink? Putt your way to glory in this sweet bucket challenge!

Bubble Dance Party
Location: Victoria Amazonica Lawn
Time: 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:00 p.m., & 4:15 p.m.

Let the music move you at the Bubble Dance Party, while a stream of bubbles adds excitement to every step.

The Choo-Choo Chocolate Express
Location: Tram Plaza
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

All aboard the Chocolate Express! Kids will delight in a whimsical train ride through Fairchild’s lush gardens, where the magic of chocolate meets the beauty of nature. (One parent may accompany each child.)

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Stories with Katie Cacao
Location: The Shop
Time: 10:45 a.m., 12:00 p.m., & 1:30 p.m.

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The Sweet Sanctuary
Saturday and Sunday
Location: Arts Center
Included with admission

Join us all weekend for live cooking and wellness demonstrations featuring chocolate! From salads to fondue to skin care, you’ll be ready to whip up all things chocolate!

11:00 a.m. - Cooking Demo with Short Chef 

12:15 p.m. - History of Cacao

01:00 p.m. - Cooking Demo with Short Chef 

03:00 p.m. - Cacao and Skin Care with The Couture Mobile Spa

Not-So-Sweet Chocolate Fondue: Discover the art of creating delicious chocolate sauces and sides in this interactive presentation

Short Chef

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Array of Spice Seminar
Saturday & Sunday
Location: Education Building
11:30 a.m.
SOLD OUT

Step into a culinary journey that showcases the bold flavors of cacao with our Array of Spice Seminar. Explore the art of infusing cacao into various dishes using premium-quality natural cacao from Grenada. 

Guests will indulge in a tasting that includes:

• Beverage: A refreshing chocolate-infused mocktail
• Appetizer: A warm appetizer drizzled with chocolate
• Main Dish: A cacao-infused entrée served with complementary sides
• Dessert: A rich chocolate-based dessert paired with a delightful accompaniment

Learn fascinating facts about the health benefits of cacao and chocolate while engaging with the experts such as Dr. Valma Jessamy Environmental Scientist and Chocolatier certified from the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting. Enjoy interactive sessions learning the various elements of cacao. In addition, variety of chocolate and chocolate based products will be available for purchase.

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Wine and Cupcakes (21+only)
Location: Across the Phillips Courtyard / Chocolate Lab 
11:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. 
Ticketed event sold separately: $34
Limited availability

Unwind with a unique pairing of delectable cupcakes and hand-selected wines. These expertly paired duos are sure to satisfy your taste buds with the perfect balance of sweet and sophisticated. Sip, savor, and indulge in this delightful pairing experience.

• Pairing One
  Pink Champagne with Pink Cream Cheese
  Franzie et Cratzi Prosecco DOC
  
  
• Pairing Two
  Vanilla raspberry with Chocolate Mousse
  Marchelle Old Vine Colombard
  
  
• Pairing Three
  Dubai Chocolate
  Marchelle Old Vine Red Cuvee

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Sweet Bar Studio
Location: Across Phillips Courtyard / Chocolate Lab
12:30 p.m. & 2:45 p.m. 
Ticketed event sold separately: $25
Limited availability 

Create your very own candy bar using premium chocolate and a variety of fun and tasty mix-ins. Perfect for chocolate lovers looking to add a personal touch to their sweet treats.

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The Candy BAR: a candy bar-marking experience
Location: Garden House
Ticketed event sold separately: $13

Design your own chocolate bar masterpiece using a variety of toppings like sprinkles, crushed cookies, mini candies, and more. This interactive experience is fun for all ages and guarantees a sweet and satisfying treat you’ll love.

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Chocolate & Spirits (21+only)
Location: Phillips Courtyard / The Cacao Bar 
Ticketed event sold separately: $34 each

Elevate your taste experience with our Chocolate & Spirits offerings. Each sip is expertly crafted to complement the flavors of decadent chocolate. More details coming soon!

• Mini Chocolate Cocktail Flight
• Bourbon and Chocolate Tasting

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Live Entertinament for All Ages
Location: Palmetum / Sugar Rush Stage 
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sweeten your weekend with live music, lively performances, and fun activities for all ages! On Saturday, enjoy the music of Alomako, and on Sunday, Rhythm Street Duo @rhythmstreetduo.

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Learn and Create at Fairchild: Capturing Cacao During the Chocolate Festival

The program fee does not include materials. Please click here to view a list of suggested and required supplies.

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Interested in becoming a Vendor during the Chocolate Festival? 

VENDORS

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