Events

Chocolate Weekend

Support local vendors as you sample handmade chocolates and unique treats with a chocolate twist.

Content Detail

Visit the Arboretum on Saturday, February 1, and Sunday, February 2, for the Chocolate Weekend expo event. Sample an array of chocolate confections and unique items with a chocolate twist made by local artisans and chocolatiers—from baked goods and toffee to fudge and chocolate sauce. Pick up a Valentine’s Day gift, find the perfect party favor, or simply treat yourself during this decadent annual event!

Event Details

The Chocolate Weekend expo is included with Arboretum admission.

The expo will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center on the Arboretum’s East Side.

Chocolate Weekend Member Event

On Friday, January 31, Arboretum members can sample artisanal confections from local chocolatiers and other vendors before the expo opens to the public.

Tickets to the Chocolate Weekend Member Event will be available Tuesday, December 10.

Learn About the World of Chocolate

Attend presentations by chocolatiers and cacao experts throughout the expo weekend to get an in-depth look at the making of chocolate. Learn about the history of chocolate-making through the ages, learn how rare cacao beans around the world are grown and sourced, and see how chocolate artisans are adopting more sustainable and equitable practices in cacao cultivation. Participants must register in advance.

Chocolate Weekend Member Event

Please note: Member Event tickets are sold out.

At this ticketed event on Friday, January 31, Arboretum members can sample artisanal confections from local chocolatiers and other vendors before the expo opens to the public.

The Chocolate Weekend Member Event is open to guests aged 16 and older. Ticket purchasers aged 21 and older will receive a specialty hot chocolate with Baileys, hot white chocolate with Nocino, a glass of wine, or a beer.

Bakery items, salads, sandwiches, and beverages will be available to purchase from the Ginkgo Café until 7:00 p.m.

Learn About the World of Chocolate

Attend presentations by chocolatiers and cacao experts during Chocolate Weekend to get an in-depth look at the making of chocolate from bean to bar.

Learn about the history of chocolate through the ages, see how rare cacao beans around the world are grown and sourced, and see how chocolate artisans are adopting more sustainable and equitable practices in cacao cultivation.

Participants must register in advance.

Participating Vendors

Ginkgo Room

Chocolate Inspirations
Handmade small-batch chocolate, toffee, and vegan chocolate

Gindo’s Spice of Life
Farm-fresh hot sauces

Le Chocolat du Bouchard
Custom bakery creations

Legacy Fudge
Homemade gourmet fudge

Soapy Roads of Lombard
Small-batch hot process soap

Sweet Street Candies
Old-fashioned candy and fudge

United Chocolate Works
Handcrafted chocolate from Italy

Orientation Hall

Candy Shenanigans
Freeze-dried candy and fruit

Flat Bottom Pretzels
Chocolate-covered pretzels and graham crackers

GrownUp KidStuff
Soy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, and corn-free chocolate sauces

Katherine Anne Confections
Handmade truffles, caramels, and marshmallows

Lucila’s Alfajores
Authentic Argentinian alfajores, soft sandwich cookies with dulce de leche filling

Mamie’s Toffee & Treats
Handmade old-fashioned toffee and treats

North Central College Enactus Coffee Lab
Direct-trade coffee beans

Salty Provisions
Harvested Norwegian sea salt and handcrafted spice mixes

The Spice Merchant and Tea Room
Gourmet tea and spices

Sycamore Room

GB’s Beverages
Sipping chocolate and mixes

Just-A-Taste Confections
Homemade chocolate confections

Prairie Macarons
Gluten-free macarons with dairy-free options

PremOla Granola
Low-sugar, low-carb, gluten-free granola blends featuring nuts

Wild Blossom Meadery
Sustainably-produced wine and mead

Please inquire with vendors for dietary information and availability of dairy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free products.

Participating vendors are subject to change up until the event date.

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