Long Grove Chocolate Fest turns 25 May 16-18
Get ready to indulge as Chocolate Fest returns to Long Grove from May 16-18, celebrating 25 years in the storybook village. Nestled among lovingly restored buildings, recently expanded pedestrian-friendly walkways and the iconic covered bridge, downtown Long Grove offers the ultimate backdrop for a weekend of chocolate-themed delights.
Festivalgoers can expect an abundance of decadent treats, lively entertainment, and engaging experiences for all ages. To celebrate the 25th anniversary, organizers are offering a limited-time early bird special: two-for-one single-day tickets and $5 off three-day passes, available now at longgrove.org/festival/chocolatefest.
Standard tickets are $7 per day or $15 for a weekend pass; children 12 and under attend free.
Chocolate Fest is famed for its incredible assortment of chocolate-infused foods, drinks, and inventive desserts. Throughout the weekend, guests can sample everything from chocolate funnel cakes and chocolate-dipped strawberries to chocolate turon (crispy banana fritters with vanilla ice cream), Oreo cheesecake mini cupcakes, and peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate.
Chocolate Fest delivers more than sweet treats. Guests can enjoy whimsical, chocolate-themed activities sprinkled throughout the village. One highlight is a live re-creation of the classic “I Love Lucy” chocolate factory scene, courtesy of Long Grove Confectionery.
Live music will fill the air all weekend long across multiple stages. From unplugged sets on the Mill Pond Stage to family acts on the Fountain Square Stage and headliners on the Main Stage, there’s a soundtrack for every mood. The Main Stage lineup is as follows (visit the website for the full schedules):
Friday, May 16:
• 2-4 p.m. Daniel Cortez & the Trio
• 4:30-6 p.m. Liquid Faction
• 6:30-8:20 p.m. The Gingers
• 9-11 p.m. Without U2
Saturday, May 17:
• Noon to 2 p.m. The Acoustiholics
• 2-4 p.m. Band of Bison
• 4:30-6 p.m. Fearless: Tribute to Taylor
• 6:30-8:20 p.m. Whiskey Friends: Tribute to Morgan Wallen
• 9-11 p.m. Sixteen Candles
Sunday, May 18:
• Noon to 1:30 p.m. Wagon Wheel
• 1:30-3:20 p.m. 2nd Hand News: Fleetwood Mac Tribute
• 4-6 p.m. Heartache Tonight: Tribute to The Eagles
This festival is tailor-made for families. Enjoy classic games, arts and crafts, a daily chocolate pie-eating contest, and a traditional carnival with rides and midway games. Local retailers will also roll out special sales and surprises throughout the weekend.
Festival hours are noon to 11 p.m. Friday, May 16; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 17; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 18, in Historic Downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Free public parking is available throughout downtown; ride-shares ar encouraged. For more information visit longgrove.org/festival/chocolatefest.