Chocolate Fest 2019: This Sweet Festival Returns to Historic Downtown Long Grove Near Chicago by 30Seconds Travel

Chocolate lovers rejoice! The Midwest’s annual homage to the almighty cocoa bean returns to Historic Downtown Long Grove next weekend of May 17, 18 and 19. At the 2019 edition of Chocolate Fest, life’s most delectable cravings will come together with family fun and live music featuring local fan favorites. From chocolate cotton candy to chocolate bacon, this spring-time extravaganza is most famous for its dynamic selection of chocolatey creations made by the best local chocolate makers. But the action doesn’t stop there. In addition to a Chocolate Experience Tent and a classic carnival with old school thrills, the Kid Zone gives younger folks old school entertainment galore, including the epic chocolate pie-eating contests.

Chocolate Food: At its gooey core, Chocolate Fest is for chocoholics. Some of the most innovative chocolate-infused cuisine – foods everyone loves made with or dipped in chocolate – are showcased at Chocolate Fest by the area’s leading chocolatiers and chocolate-loving chefs. Some of the tantalizing chocolate specialties being served up this year include: chocolate kabobs, frozen hot chocolate, funnel cakes with chocolate sauce, chocolate blintz, chocoflan, chocolate bbq sauce, chocolate dipped fruits, chocolate covered cheesecake, chocolate popcorn, chocolate fudge assortments, caramel hot chocolate, chocolate filled croissants, chocolate chip zucchini breads – and many, many more. Additionally, the infamous Chocolate Experience Tent will host other vendors, activities, carvers and live demonstrations – all with chocolate front and center. To top it all off, for those who are interested in something savory, there will be a new Luke’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on the Main Stage on Sunday afternoon.

Family Activities: Chocolate Fest 2018 is again produced by Ravenswood Event Services, programmers of some of Chicago's leading festivals and events like Taste of Chicago, Blues Fest, and Chicago Marathon. Throughout the three-day Chocolate Fest weekend, high energy music that resonates with every taste bud will play out live around the clock on multiple stages. This year's main stage headliners include classic 70's & 80's cover artists, 7^th Heaven (Friday), 80's powerhouse, 16 Candles (Saturday), and John Cougar Mellencamp tribute kings, Mellencougar (Sunday). For the full main stage lineup, visit the Chocolate Fest website.

Chocolate Fest 2019 is produced by Ravenswood Event Services, programmers of some of Chicago’s leading festivals and events like Taste of Chicago, Blues Fest, and the Chicago Marathon. Throughout the Chocolate Fest weekend, high energy cover and tribute bands that resonate with every taste bud will rock out live around the clock on multiple stages, headlined by 7 ^th Heaven and Sixteen Candles. For the full main stage lineup, visit the Chocolate Fest website.

Historic downtown Long Grove is known for its wide array of independent, family owned and operated restaurants and stores. As such, Chocolate Fest marks the opening of shopping season, welcoming all festgoers to venture outside fest grounds to peruse at their leisure. Many Long Grove merchants will be featuring chocolate specialties of their own at their stores during Chocolate Fest weekend; local institutions such as Viking Treasures, Paddy's on the Square, The Olive Tap, Morkes, Long Grove Confectionery, Village Tavern, and Ma & Pa's – to name a few.

Dates: May 17, 18, 19
Location: Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047
Cost: $5 per person, children under 12 free all the time
Hours: Friday, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Parking: Free in all public lots in downtown Long Grove, with one free shuttle provided for additional satellite lots. Ride sharing is encouraged this year.

Learn more by visiting LongGrove.org!