Events

Chocolate Weekend

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

Content Detail

This February, visit the Arboretum for a weekend expo celebrating all things chocolate. 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!

Details

This event is included with Arboretum general admission.

The Chocolate Weekend expo will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Artisan vendors at the Chocolate Weekend expo will offer small-batch chocolate, baked goods, vegan treats, and other handmade creations.

Chocolate Weekend Member Event

At the Chocolate Weekend Member Event on Friday, January 30, Arboretum members can sample artisanal confections from local chocolatiers and other vendors before the expo opens to the public.

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.

Vendors

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

Please note that participating vendors are subject to change up until the event date.

Barcacaochocolat
Sustainable, boutique artisan chocolates

Candy Shenanigans
Freeze-dried candy and fruit

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

Doña Pancha Chocolate
Handcrafted, women‑owned Guatemalan chocolate

Flat Bottom Pretzels
Edible art and gourmet creations

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

Jeanine Bakes
Handcrafted macarons made with premium almond flour

Just-A-Taste Confections
Homemade chocolate confections

Katherine Anne Confections
Handmade truffles, caramels, and marshmallows

Le Chocolat du Bouchard
Custom bakery creations

Legacy Fudge
Family-owned gourmet fudge

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

Prairie Macarons
Gluten-free macarons with dairy-free options

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

Salty Provisions
Harvested Norwegian sea salt and handcrafted spice mixes

SugaRRR & Spots
Handmade custom cakes, cookies, and pastries

Sweet Street Candies
Classic candy and treats

Wild Blossom Meadery
Sustainably-produced wine and mead

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. Program details will be available soon.

Participants must register online and in advance.

Workshop registration opens on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

Chocolate Weekend Member Event

At this ticketed event on Friday, January 30, 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.

The Ginkgo Restaurant and Café will be closed during the Member Event. A charcuterie box will be available for pre-purchase.

Tickets

Tickets are now available to Arboretum members.

Purchase Chocolate Weekend Member Event tickets online.

Member cost: $25

Become a Member

When a trip to the Arboretum inspires you to explore more, become a member to visit again and again.

Join now