Every March, as winter loosens its grip and spring begins to stir, Ashland, Oregon becomes the sweetest place in the Pacific Northwest. From March 6–8, 2026, the Oregon Chocolate Festival returns for its 22nd year—inviting chocolate lovers, curious foodies, and families alike to gather for one indulgent weekend.
This year’s festival arrives with special resonance. March 8 marks International Women’s Day, and the festival’s 2026 theme, From Bean to Boss: The Power of Chocolate, celebrates the women shaping the chocolate world—while honoring all makers who bring creativity, ethics, and passion to the craft.
Behind every exquisite truffle or perfectly tempered bar is a story. At this year’s festival, guests will meet inspiring women-led chocolate brands such as Branson’s Chocolates, a Southern Oregon favorite known for its dedication to craft and community; Lerato Luxe, blending global inspiration with luxurious flavor; and Everything Chocolate by Cynth, a joyful new venture launched last August by founder Cynth—who just turned 70, proving that starting something new can be one of life’s sweetest chapters. Also featured are beloved makers like Holm Made Toffee, Care Rituals, and Pyroclastic Chocolate, alongside dozens of other talented chocolatiers, winemakers, confectioners, and specialty food producers from across the West Coast.
The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with the Chocolate Maker’s Wine Dinner, setting the tone for connection and storytelling. Saturday and Sunday unfold into a vibrant two-day marketplace filled with chocolate, wine, and more, expert-led tastings and demonstrations, interactive experiences, and opportunities to vote for favorite makers. Families are warmly welcomed—children 8 and under enjoy free marketplace entry.
Beyond the marketplace, guests can savor special events sprinkled throughout the weekend, including a decadent Chocolate Brunch, a lively Chocolate Happy Hour, and the indulgent Cocoa & Cocktails After-Hours Mixology Affair—each offering a different lens into chocolate’s versatility and joy.
For those wishing to linger a little longer, Ashland offers cozy places to rest between tastings, with festival-weekend stays turning chocolate discovery into a true getaway—where mornings begin with coffee and confections, and evenings end with one last sweet bite.
More than a festival, the Oregon Chocolate Festival is an annual celebration of creativity and community—where stories are shared, passions are tasted, and chocolate becomes a bridge between people.
March 6–8, 2026
Tickets and experiences available at oregonchocolatefestival.com
