Chocolate Fest returns to Long Grove
To the delight of chocoholics everywhere, Chocolate Fest returns to Long Grove this weekend with an endless list of chocolate-infused foods, a chocolate scavenger hunt and live music on three stages.
Presented by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, the fest features two of life's sweetest pleasures, chocolate and music. There will be dozens of exhibitors selling an endless mix of sweet and savory chocolate creations, everything from fried chocolate pudding pies to frozen hot chocolate, and local and national touring acts live on multiple music stages. There are plenty of free family activities.
“Above all, Chocolate Fest is a celebration of Long Grove's diverse businesses and unique personalities behind them,” said Mary Ann Ullrich, owner of the historic Village Tavern, the longest continuously operating restaurant-tavern in Illinois.
“If you want the full experience, you need to wander into our storefronts and discover who we really are.”
The Scavenger Hunt
More than 12,000 pieces of chocolate are being distributed throughout downtown Long Grove. For $5, chocolate lovers can purchase a specially colored ticket (on sale each day in front of the Confectionery) that correlates to four participating businesses, one for each color category. From there, scavenger hunters adventure around to the respective locations in search of chocolate tastings, compliments of the Long Grove Confectionery Co.
The Chocolate
Chocolate specialties being planned exclusively for Chocolate Fest include everything from novelties like hamburgers with chocolate BBQ sauce and chocolate beer, to time-proven favorites like chocolate-dipped fruits and handcrafted fudge.
The Music
Entertainment is being produced by Ravenswood Event Services, programmers of events like Taste of Chicago and Blues Fest. Headliners include famed '70s and '80s party group 7th Heaven and legendary Beatles tribute band American English.
Family Activities
Families can enjoy sword fighting demos and dueling from Medieval Times knights and KidZone activities including face painters, bubble shows, art activities, 3-legged races, tug-o-war, potato sack races and coloring.
The festival is from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $5 per person per day; free for kids 12 and younger. Advance tickets, including a discounted 3-day pass, are on sale at visitlonggrove.com.
Parking is free at Stempel Municipal Lot, 360 Historical Lane; Archer Lot, 343 Old McHenry Road; and Kildeer Countryside Elementary School, 3100 Old McHenry Road.
The lineup for the MillPond and Fountain Square stages is at https://www.dropbox.com/s/dnz4gu0s5iwjy4g/Chocolate%20Fest%20Music%20Lineup.xlsx? dl=0.
Main Stage entertainment schedule
FRIDAY
Noon to 2 p.m. Aryk Crowder Duo
4-6 p.m. 97Nine
6:30-8:30 p.m. 97Nine
9-11 p.m. 7th Heaven
SATURDAY
Noon to 1 p.m. Orange Star
1:30-2:30 p.m. Fire the Canon!
3-4:30 p.m. Rosie &the Rivets
5-6:30 p.m. West Side Winders
7-8:30 p.m. Mellencougar
9-11 p.m. Infinity
SUNDAY
Noon to 1:30 p.m. The Millinnells
2-3:30 p.m. Billy Elton
4-6 p.m. American English