The JAX Chocolate & Coffee Festival is coming to the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center on Nov. 21-22. The festival will bring together more than 75 local vendors selling chocolate, specialty coffee, cookies, cake, honey, art and more. This family-friendly festival is a fun opportunity to support local businesses while giving back to the community.
“We are blessed to be partnering with Three Grains of Rice, a local Jacksonville nonprofit organization, to host a food drive at the event,” said festival manager Grace Berestecky.
Attendees are encouraged to bring canned food donations to the festival. With their donations, they will receive a complimentary tote bag from their media partner The Joy FM.
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, renowned chocolate sculptor, Paul Joachim, “The Chocolate Genius,” will present his chocolate sculpture of George Washington. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the rich history of drinking chocolate in the founding era.
There will be plenty of opportunities for shopping, sampling and mingling with local business owners and members of the community. The festival will also have kids’ craft tables and photo opportunities with Chunk the Chocolate Bar and Bean the Coffee Cup.
The inspiration behind the festival comes from the founders of Pathway Vendors, John and Lindsay Hill, in 2022.
“They started the company after spending several years traveling the country as vendors and participating in events themselves. During their experience, they gained insight on what small businesses need to succeed and wanted to organize their own events where that would be possible, while giving attendees the same high-quality experience,” Berestecky said.
They started the festival in the Northeast and wanted to expand it to their hometown of Jacksonville this year. Their goal is to create a space where businesses can make meaningful connections and the community can discover new favorites, all while giving back.
Berestecky and her team are looking forward to bringing the festival to the Jacksonville community in support of small businesses.
“Whether you come for the chocolate, the coffee, the shopping or simply a fun weekend for family and friends, we want you to leave with great memories and the feeling that you’ve supported something meaningful,” she said.
On Saturday, Nov. 21, admission is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an exclusive VIP shopping hour from 9 to 10 a.m. Festival hours on Sunday, Nov. 22, are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets must be purchased ahead at https://www.jaxchocolateandcoffee.com/buytickets.
