2026 Paradise Chocolate Fest!

Paradise Chocolate Fest is ranked among the "Best of the Golden State!" by Cal Expo!

The Paradise Chocolate Fest is the place to indulge your love of all things chocolate!

Join us on Saturday, May 9, 2026 10:00 am - 5:00 pm for an unforgettably sweet experience!

Celebrating 21 years of "Sweetening Kids Lives"! Since its inception in 2006, Paradise Chocolate & Music Fest has contributed over $440,000 to youth programs and services on the Paradise Ridge. From scholarships to upgraded computers, sports uniforms, summer camp and dance classes, musical instruments, reading programs, vision screening, food banks and more, revenues from the Chocolate Fest ultimately reach out to impact the lives of thousands of Ridge youth, their families and our community.

Paradise Chocolate Fest is a special event of Youth on the Ridge Community Foundation. Additional Fest fundraising events include "Dinner Can Wait .... Eat Dessert First!", “Chocolate, Wine, Brew & Spirits Garden" and “Chocolate Thunder Poker Run & Road Rally”.

For additional information, contact 530-342-4896 or info@chocolatefest.us

No Pets Allowed at the Fest.

Chocolate Fest Events

Paradise Chocolate Fest

The Paradise Chocolate Fest & Musical Celebration features Chocolate Candy Land where you can dip into decadence at the large chocolate fountain or visit chocolate booths and professional Chocolatiers with countless chocolate delicacies, desserts, confections and scoops of yummy Ice Cream for sale. Fest attendees will also enjoy “Art in the Park”, “All About Books” and “Young Authors Writing Contest”, “Rediscover the Ridge” community exhibits, craft and commercial booths and delicious food selections. Young Fest goers will have great fun visiting the Kidz-Zone including giant inflatables, carnival games and prizes, costumed characters, arts & craft projects, contests, hands-on exhibits & demonstrations. Special events throughout the day include the Queen & King Coronation, Chocolate Cuisine Challenge, Chocolate Pie Eating and Cookie Stacking Contests and Super Sensational Ice Cream Sundae Eating Contest and LEGO Build Competition!" Additional Highlights! • Musical Concerts on 2 Stages showcasing a wide-range of top talent! Hot Flash, Radio Relapse, Rigged, Spark & Cinder, Whiskey River Band ...!! Golden Ticket Hat Contest! First 200 Guests to enter the Main Gate wearing a Chocolate themed Hat will receive a Golden Ticket for a chance to Win a 10 POUND Guittard Chocolate Bar! Drawing at 1:30!! • "Chocolate, Wine, Brew & Spirits Garden", Live Music …. Open 11 am -4 pm 21 & older. The Great Chocolate Rock Hunt! - Find one of the hidden Chocolate Fest Rocks around town during the 21 days leading up to the Fest! Bring your rock to the gate for FREE admission + 5 raffle tickets! Clues on the Chocolate Fest Facebook site 4/18-5/8. Good Luck following the Clues! LEGO Competition at the Fest! – 2 Competitions 10-Noon & 12:30-2:30 Prizes for each Age Category. Chocolate Exhibit and Chocolate Inspired Art Show & Sales - Celebrating 21 Years of Sweeting Kids Lives on the Paradise Ridge! Admission - $5.00 • Children 4 & Under – Free.Admission Includes - Free Chocolate Samples! Free Chocolate Pie & Ice Cream Eating Contests! Free Kidz-Zone Bounce House & Super Slide, Carnival Games, Crafts & Prizes! Free Raffle Prizes! Free Parking! Sorry, No Pets allowed at the Fest. Support of Educational, Enrichment, Recreation & Leadership programs benefiting Youth on the Paradise Ridge.

Chocolate, Wine, Brew & Spirits

Chocolate, Wine, Brew & Spirits At the Fest! Saturday, May 9, 2026 11:00 am – 4:00 pm at the 21st Annual Paradise Chocolate Fest! Terry Ashe Park Highlights Include - Fine Wines, Specialty Beers & Craft Spirits; Chocolate Martinis, Festive Mocktails plus an array of Non-Alcoholic beverages. Wine & Beer Garden Bands starting at 11 am are - Radio Relapse, Hot Flash & Whiskey River Band! Bring your lawn/beach chair - for a great afternoon! Guests will enjoy an “all access pass” to the Paradise Chocolate Fest Celebration with entertainment on 2 Stages! Chocolate Candy Land Art in the Park, All About Books, Vendors, Contests, Delicious Food selections and so much more! Beer & Wine Garden - Must be 21+

Chocolate Cuisine

Chocolate Cuisine Challenge, sponsored by Guittard Chocolate Company. This deliciously decadent competition is limited to the first 8 entry forms submitted by amateur “chocolate chefs” of all ages. Prizes will be awarded to Grand Prize, 2nd and 3rd Runner-up, Best Presentation and Most Unique Use of Chocolate.

All About Books

Meet your favorite Northern California author, or discover your next can’t-put-down read! Regional Authors, Illustrators and Publishers from a variety of genres will have books for sale & signing. “Young Authors Writing Contest” open to all K-12 Students throughout Butte County encouraging young people to develop enthusiasm for, and expertise in, their writing successes. Winners announced at the Fest.

Chocolate Thunder Poker Run & Road Rally!

Get ready to rev your engines for the ultimate ride! The Chocolate Thunder Poker Run & Road Rally is rolling out Sunday, May 17th. The adventure kicks off with check-in at Sierra Steel Harley-Davidson in Chico, followed by a rolling start through breathtaking landscapes with stops at Clear Creek Crossing, and the scenic Feather River Canyon. Riders will regroup at Lime Saddle Marina before a ride up the Skyway to the Paradise American Legion / Vets Hall for the grand finale: a barbecue celebration with cash prizes, music, raffles, and—of course—chocolate! Registration: $20 per Rider $35 per Couple Includes: Refreshments at each stop Commemorative event pin for the first 200 riders Entry to win prizes & raffles A day filled with camaraderie, music, and community impact Date: Sunday, May 17th 2026 Check-In: 9:00 – 10:00 AM (Rolling Start after check-in) Start Location: Sierra Steel Harley-Davidson, Chico 1501 Mangrove Avenue For More Info &/or to register, contact the Paradise Chocolate Fest office: 530/342-4896 info@chocolatefest.us

Paradise Stronger Chocolate Chase 5K Run/Walk

Knowing chocolate is the prize will cause anyone to race for the finish line at the 19th annual Chocolate Chase! Traversing the beautiful, historic Yellowstone Kelly Trail, participants will cross the Finish line at the Fest. Details TBA

Tour 'de Chocolate

Details TBA

Chocolate Royale

One of the most anticipated and beloved traditions of this “deliciously indulgent” community celebration is the coronation of the Paradise Chocolate Fest Queen & King, taking place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Terry Ashe Park in Paradise. Community members step into the spotlight by becoming a Chocolate Fest Queen or King Candidate in the 2026 Race for the Crown. • Candidates create their own custom chocolate-themed hats • Candidates host imaginative fundraisers—ranging from madcap and silly to elegant and grand • Each dollar raised equals one vote • The candidates with the most votes are crowned 2026 Paradise Chocolate Fest Queen & King. Stay Tuned for the Announcement of this year's Candidates on Valentine's Day!

Paradise Chocolate Fest A benefit for non profit youth organizations on the ridge!