Serving up sweet treats, savory bites and plenty of fun for food lovers, the Pikes Peak Chocolate & Cheese Fest returns April 4 to Colorado Springs.
This year’s event features approximately 80 chocolate and cheese vendors from around Colorado and out of state. Indulge in unique treats, including European baked goods, bonbons and truffles in a variety of flavors, chewy pecan brownie slices, Hatch green chile pimiento cheese with pretzels, vegan cheese and marshmallow confections.
Held on Easter Eve, this year’s event will also lean into the holiday fun with photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Other Easter-themed events — including an Easter egg hunt and a Peep toss — take place on the main stage, alongside a cheese-rolling contest, a no-hands chocolate pudding eating contest and chocolate bingo.
The majority of vendors are small business owners without brick-and-mortar storefronts. Instead, they sell through mail orders, wholesale and at events and festivals. That means “vendors will have treats that can’t be found anywhere else,” says Dana Cain, owner and organizer of Colorado Chocolate Fests.
Nicole Garcia, owner of Kikki’s Baking Co., says the tasting structure makes the event hugely successful not only for her own bottom line, but also to draw repeat customers every year who are seeking an affordable, high-quality event.
The event has the usual confections to taste: fudge, drinks, bonbons, cookies, brownies, soft and hard cheese, cheese wheels, cheesecake, cheese sauce, fondue and much more.
“Chocolate is America’s favorite flavor, and it’s a universal thing. If you don’t love chocolate, chances are you love cheese.”
— Dana Cain, owner and organizer, Colorado Chocolate Fests
The event also caters to those with dietary restrictions with vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free options.
Festival-goers can buy $1 tickets, equal to roughly one treat, and sample as many treats as they want. The cornerstone of the festival, the tickets, means patrons can try various sweets before buying larger quantities to take home.
“That’s why people go. They want to sample. They want to taste everything.”
— Dana Cain
She adds that the festival is a day for people to forget about their worries, support small businesses and enjoy themselves in a family-friendly atmosphere.
“This is strictly a day of escape and fun and indulgence.”
— Dana Cain
The Chocolate and Cheese Festival
Norris Penrose Event Center
1045 Lower Gold Camp Road, Colorado Springs
Saturday, April 4 · 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
1–3 p.m.
3–5 p.m.
All guests may stay until 5 p.m. regardless of session. Free for kids 10 and younger.
Online ticket sales end April 2; available at the door while supplies last.