TICKETS
Pre-purchase your tickets. This event sells out every year approximately one to two weeks prior to the event date.
On event day, attendees check in at Will Call located at Maple Street Plaza and Grand Avenue.
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Each attendee will receive:
1.) Tasting Glass
2.) Drink Wristband
3.) Swag Bag to fill with goodies, coupons and information as you visit each participating downtown business.
4.) Tasting Map Brochure indicating each participating Tasting Location
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WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Gourmet Chocolates Paired with Wine, Champagne, Craft Beers or non-alcoholic beverage. Restaurant Inspired Chocolate Themed TastingsSwag Bag to fill with goodies throughout your day.
Photo Booth, Golden Ticket, prizes, Instagram Photo and Tag, enter to win, Valentine Treats, Event Day Discounts & Specials from Downtown Restaurants and Retailers
Follow the map and stroll in and out of each of the approximately 20 tasting locations to sample chocolates paired with wine, beer, champagne or non-alcoholic beverage. ​
Attendees must drink any alcoholic beverages prior to leaving each location which allows them to meander through and get familiar with each business while enjoying their chocolate adventure! Feel free to shop, eat and play along the way.​
TRUFFLE MAKING CLASS
Learn from the pros at D'liteful Chocolat. Make beautiful truffles to take home. This optional 60 minute class will be held at Simply Adina on Orange Street and is purchased separate from the tasting passport ticket. Includes wine paring. Class size is limited!
ESCO ALLEY ART
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A beautifully eclectic art exhibit of murals displayed on the alley walls of Downtown Escondido from Maple Street to Juniper Street.
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ARTS & CULTURE
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​Downtown galleries feature stunning artwork from both world-renowned and emerging artists. Serving as cultural hubs, these galleries play a vital role in shaping the Escondido art scene. Whether you're admiring or looking for something special to enhance your space, downtown galleries offer an enriching experience for everyone.
HOW IT WORKS...
CHOCOLATE & MORE
MORE SWEET DETAILS...
PARKING:
There are multiple free parking lots but the closest location to Maple Street Plaza, where you will start out to check-in is the parking lot on the South-West corner of Valley Parkway & Broadway behind Filippi's Restaurant. Free parking is also available all along Grand Avenue but time limitations may apply so be aware. Parking signs will be in effect.
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BRING YOUR ID:
Attendees of the festival must be 21+. Please bring your ID as you will be carded at time of check in.
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TIME:
The event is from 12PM-5PM but you may check in as early as 11:45AM. Please be patient as most everyone will arrive at the same time.
WHAT TO WEAR:
We suggest wearing layers and comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking. Will Call is located outside but the actual tasting locations are located inside of each businesses.
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RAFFLE AT 5:15PM:
Get 1 free raffle ticket when you return to Will Call. Plus, get a 2nd free raffle ticket if you show your receipt of a $20/person or $40/couple or more purchase from any of the participating tasting locations! Limit 1 extra raffle ticket per person.
Raffle held approximately 5:15PM. MUST be present to win. Raffle only available to participants of the Escondido Chocolate Festival.
DO I HAVE TO GO TO EVERY TASTING LOCATION?
No. There is something sweet to offer at each Tasting Location. We hope you will visit every designated stop but you can enjoy your delicious adventure however you choose.
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DO I HAVE TO GO TO EACH TASTING LOCATION IN NUMERICAL ORDER?
No. Some attendees choose to do their tastings in reverse order to avoid the crowds. Others leisurely skip around to their favorites. Our hope is that you go to every tasting stop because each business has something fun to offer. The goal is to have fun and do whatever your sweet little heart desires.
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We look forward to seeing you all and thank you again for supporting Downtown Escondido Businesses. Check out our other Downtown Escondido events.
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Portions of the the proceeds from this event will be used to promote Historic Downtown Escondido as a shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.