Mouthwatering chocolate treats in nearly every form imaginable are in store for everyone attending Fairfax City’s upcoming Chocolate Lovers Festival. The 31st annual event is set for Friday, Jan. 31, from 6-8 p.m., followed by more tasty treats Saturday, Feb. 1, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Held in the City’s Old Town area, it’ll feature a variety of fun for all ages. There’ll be chocolate candy, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, ice cream and fudge, as well as chocolate fountains and even adult beverages flavored with chocolate.

The signature event is the Taste of Chocolate, where attendees purchase samples of chocolate treats from two floors of vendors in Old Town Hall. And throughout the festival, children and adults will enjoy a full slate of activities. 

There’ll be musical performances, cake walks, puppet shows, a make-your-own chocolate bar station, a balloon artist, Chocolate Caper mock trial, children’s entertainers, cupcake-decorating, make-and-take crafts, chocolate tours, plus open houses in historic buildings. (See the Schedule of Events at https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/special-events/chocolate-lovers-festival/schedule-of-events for specific times, locations and other details).

Liquid Chocolate 

Featuring an intriguing assortment of chocolate libations, this year’s Liquid Chocolate is set for Friday, Jan. 31, from 6-8 p.m. It’s held inside a heated tent on Old Town Square’s upper parking lot, 3999 University Drive. And because it’s so much fun, it’ll return Saturday, Feb. 1, from noon-5 p.m. 

There’ll be beverages for all ages, ranging from offerings such as chocolate soda, hot chocolate and milkshakes for children to chocolate wines, chocolate beers and dessert wine pairings for adults. Admission is free; alcohol tastings cost $2 each, non-alcohol tastings, $1 each.

In addition, there’ll be a special Hot Chocolate Bar on Sunday, Feb. 2, from noon-3 p.m. Attendees will be able to customize their hot cocoa with a variety of toppings and mix-ins, both with and without alcohol.

Taste of Chocolate

The festival’s centerpiece, the Taste of Chocolate, will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 5, from noon-4 p.m., in Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive (corner of Main Street and University Drive). Strollers may be left on the front porch; a fully accessible entrance is at the door on Main Street.

Sponsored by Sandy Springs Bank, admission to this event is free. Visitors buy pogs for $1 each and then browse vendors’ tables to see the wide array of chocolate treats being offered. They purchase them with the pogs and may buy as many pogs as they want from roaming volunteers in red aprons.

There’s always a wide variety of goodies includes chocolate candies, bars, brownies, cakes and fudge, chocolate-covered strawberries and ice cream. And one of the biggest hits each year are the chocolate fountains into which customers may dip bite-sized treats such as fruit, doughnut holes or marshmallows.

Live Music and a Chocolate Stroll

On Friday, Jan. 31, head to the Sherwood Center at 3740 Blenheim Blvd. to enjoy musical entertainment. The Bonita Lestina Performance Series will present Bootsie and The Groove at 8 p.m. This high-energy band plays a mix of funky rhythms, soulful beats and smooth melodies.

And throughout the festival, people may enjoy a Chocolate Stroll, featuring special chocolate-themed offerings from participating businesses. For example, Forever Enchanted Candle Co. will be selling chocolate-scented candle, and Lucy Loves will have unique items and treats. Paradise Games and Gifts is offering chocolate-themed games, and Commons Fooderie will sell hot chocolate, white chocolate mocha lattes and mocha lattes.

For more festival information, go to https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/special-events/chocolate-lovers-festival.