Long Grove Chocolate Fest returns this weekend
Calling all chocolate lovers! The Midwest's annual homage to the almighty cocoa bean returns to historic downtown Long Grove May 17-19.
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.
This springtime extravaganza is most famous for its dynamic selection of chocolaty creations made by the best local chocolate makers, including such treats as chocolate cotton candy and chocolate bacon.
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.
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 kebabs, frozen hot chocolate, funnel cakes with chocolate sauce, chocolate blintz, chocoflan, chocolate barbecue sauce, chocolate dipped fruits, chocolate covered cheesecake, chocolate popcorn, chocolate fudge assortments, caramel hot chocolate, chocolate filled croissants, chocolate chip zucchini breads — and 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 Sunday afternoon.
Besides the chocolate action, parents and children can enjoy hours of fun at the Kid Zone. Activities include chocolate crafts, chocolate pie-eating contests for adults and children, junior knight training with demos and dueling, interactive kids' games, and more.
As the cherry on top, Fantasy Amusements Carnival at Chocolate Fest will produce a full carnival with unlimited ride packages.
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 will rock out live around the clock on multiple stages, headlined by 7th heaven and Sixteen Candles. For the full main stage lineup, visit the Chocolate Fest website.
Historic Downtown Long Grove is known for its array of independent, family-owned and operated restaurants and stores.
The annual Chocolate Festival also marks the official opening of the spring shopping season in Long Grove, with village merchants featuring their own decadent specialties throughout the weekend, giving visitors yet another taste of what makes this town so flavorful.
If you go
What: Long Grove Chocolate Fest 2019
When: Noon to 11 p.m. Friday, May 17; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 18; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 19
Where: Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
Admission: $5 per person; free for children younger than 12
Parking: Limited free parking in public lots in downtown Long Grove; ride sharing recommended
Details: <a href="http://www.longgrove.org/festivals/chocolate-fest/">www.longgrove.org/festivals/chocolate-fest/</a>