The Chocolate Expo theme song has, at times, a sinister vibe to its lyrics. “It’s a chocolate wonderland! Don’t care if we never leave, so many things I just can’t wait to try, so stay with me all day and all night,” belt Ron Geffen and Kris Carmillo about the event taking place October 15 in Manchester, N.H., and in other northeastern states from January to April. But the vibe might not be completely wrong … having 30 to an upwards of 90 local and regional chocolate exhibitors serving up all types of delicious concoctions truly does sound like the sweetest of traps.
Chocolate finds itself in some interesting places at this fest. This year, make sure to grab a Cake Popsicle (for the uninitiated: cake with frosting covered in a chocolate popsicle mold) from Sweet Treats by Emilee, or a boozy Chocolate Brownie bourbon-infused ice cream custard from Creme de Liqueur.
Those worried about having to make a call to the dentist will be happy to know there are sugar-free and gluten-free options available, such as the turtle bites by Ketolicious Treats, or the “calorie-free treats for the senses” by Tribal Wicks, a non-edible line of soy candies. (Heavy emphasis on non-edible, but you will wish you could take a bite out of their ‘Cinnamon Buns’ or ‘Coffee House’ products.) For culinary aficionados, there will be several surprise celebrity chefs making the rounds and performing cooking demos this year, including ones from the Food Network, Netflix’s “Snacks VS Chefs,” a “Chopped” champion, and a “Cutthroat Kitchen” champion.
Chocolate may be the belle of the Chocolate Expo ball, but there are dozens of other culinary options, including Ansanm’s Haitian-inspired gourmet Mac and cheese. You can also expect other baked goods, specialty foods, ready-to-eat foods, as well as craft beverages (wines, ciders, spirits, coffee, teas). There are also lots of strawberries around — to be dunked in the chocolate fondues, obviously. And not Chocolate Expo would be complete without the sales of chocolates.
The Specs
- The Chocolate Expo bills itself as “The Official Home of Chocolate, Food & Fun!” and one of the largest chocolate events in the country. The venue capacity for the Chocolate Expo 2023 in Manchester, N.H. is 2,500 guests.
- Prices for online “Timed-Entry” tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 5-12. Those under 5 are free (and so are parents’ post-sugar high regrets.) These give you priority admission but only for the time designated on the ticket.
- Prices for online “Late Day Special” tickets are $10 per person.
- VIP Tickets (online only) are $40 per person and include early admission at 9:30 a.m. (pay for your head start). You also get priority admission at any time if you need a break, and a tote bag that reads “Chocolate Fixes Everything.”
- Door tickets (if there are any left) are $30 for adults and $15 for children aged 5-12.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to New Hampshire here.
FAQS
What is the closest airport to the Chocolate Expo 2023?
If you are going to the main event on Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Manchester, N.H, at the Doubletree Expo Center, the nearest airport is the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, which is six miles away.
When are the other Chocolate Expos happening?
- January 27 and 28, 2024 in Wilmington, Mass.
- March 9 and 10, 2024 in Edison, N.J.
- April 14, 2024 in Syracuse, N.Y.
- Long Island, N.Y.’s date is still up in the air.
What is the bag policy at the Chocolate Expo 2023?
Leave large bags and backpacks at home — they’re not allowed. This is probably a good thing, lest you want to come across melted chocolate bits in the future.
Who produces the Chocolate Expo series?
The event production company Baum Image Group Inc.
When was the Chocolate Expo in Hempstead this year?
According to the official website, the one-day Long Island event was held at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Arena in on March 12, 2023.
Will there be kid events at this Chocolate Expo?
Most of these events are kid-friendly and include a mix of face painting, balloon twisting, crafts, and a notable appearance and more. Though, the New Hampshire event hasn’t released information about special programming for children.