Article Text
Fairfax City’s Old Town will become a chocolate-lover’s destination as the city’s 31st annual Chocolate Lovers Festival brings three days of sweets, drinks, entertainment and family activities.
The festival runs Friday, Jan. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitors can expect candy, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, fudge and ice cream, along with chocolate fountains and chocolate-flavored adult beverages. The schedule also includes musical performances, cake walks, puppet shows, crafts, children’s entertainers and tours of historic buildings.
Other activities range from cupcake decorating and a make-your-own chocolate bar station to a balloon artist and the Chocolate Caper mock trial.
Chocolate by the Glass
Liquid Chocolate will open inside a heated tent in the upper parking lot of Old Town Square, 3999 University Drive. It will operate Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and return Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
All-ages choices will include chocolate soda, hot chocolate and milkshakes. Adults can sample chocolate wines, chocolate beers and dessert-wine pairings.
Admission is free. Alcohol tastings cost $2 each, while nonalcoholic tastings cost $1.
A Hot Chocolate Bar will follow Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., allowing guests to customize cocoa with alcoholic or nonalcoholic toppings and mix-ins.
Festival Centerpiece Fills Old Town Hall
The Taste of Chocolate will take over two floors of Old Town Hall at 3999 University Drive, at Main Street and University Drive. Hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Admission to the Sandy Spring Bank-sponsored event is free. Visitors purchase $1 pogs and exchange them for samples at vendors’ tables. Volunteers wearing red aprons will sell additional pogs throughout the event.
Offerings typically include chocolate candies, bars, brownies, cakes, fudge, chocolate-covered strawberries and ice cream. The popular chocolate fountains let customers dip small treats such as fruit, doughnut holes and marshmallows.
Strollers may be left on Old Town Hall’s front porch. An accessible entrance is available through the Main Street door.
Music and a Chocolate Stroll
Bootsie and The Groove will perform at 8 p.m. Friday at the Sherwood Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd., as part of the Bonita Lestina Performance Series. The band combines funky rhythms, soulful beats and smooth melodies.
Participating businesses will also offer chocolate-themed products during a festival-long Chocolate Stroll. Forever Enchanted Candle Co. will sell a chocolate-scented candle, while Lucy Loves will feature specialty items and treats. Paradise Games and Gifts will offer chocolate-themed games, and Commons Fooderie will serve hot chocolate, white chocolate mocha lattes and mocha lattes.