FIRST IN THE NATION AND LARGEST IN THE WORLD
Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest
FINAL DAY. SUNDAY, APRIL 12
April 11 & 12, 2026
10AM - 5PM
Step inside the World’s Largest Chocolate & Coffee Festival.
Taste incredible chocolate. Sip amazing coffee. Explore 200+ vendors, tastings, and live demos, all under one roof.
Expo NM State Fairgrounds
Albuquerque, NM
Inside the Lujan Exhibit Halls at Expo New Mexico — plus outdoor live music, dessert and food trucks as weather allows.
ALL TICKETS $15
Youth, ages 3 - 15, $5
Under 3, Free
Tickets available online or at the gate.
First in the Nation - Largest in the World
As the world’s first, and largest, Chocolate and Coffee Festival, the Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest brings over 21,000 chocolate and coffee lovers face-to-face with over 200 of the finest chocolatiers, coffee roasters, candy makers, bakers, and culinary artisans from around the world.
With endless tastings, staged demonstrations, live music, and hands-on tasting classes, it’s the ultimate experience for foodies, families, and anyone who loves a little indulgence.
Championing Inclusion Through Chocolate and Coffee
The Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest celebrates diversity and inclusivity through purposeful hiring practices, working with Mandy’s Farm, and partnerships with inclusive culinary businesses—such as DIRT, a company dedicated to empowering neuro-diverse individuals. This commitment is part of our ongoing mission to uplift those with disabilities and spotlight the businesses and organizations that champion accessibility, empowerment, and meaningful opportunity.
FEATURED
2026 FESTIVAL VENDORS
FREE DAILY PRESENTATIONS & TASTING SESSIONS
10:00AM & 3:00PM
History of Coffee: A Tasting Experience
12:00PM
Fine Chocolate 101 with the FCIA
1:00PM
Truffle Making with the Touring Chocolatier
2:00PM
A guided tasting with the FCIA
Solar Roasting with Michael Thomas Coffee
Due to unforeseen circumstances Michael Thomas Roasters is unable to present at the event. We hope to reschedule in the near future.
CANCELED
2026 special FESTIVAL Guest
Dr. Maricel Presilla
Dr. Maricel Presilla is renown a cultural historian, chocolate expert, James Beard Award-winning chef, founder of the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting and the International Chocolate Awards, and the author of The New Taste of Chocolate, among other books.
Dr. Presilla will be conducting a Level 1 and 2 Chocolate Tasting Certification Classes. Learn more.
As part of the 2026 Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest we are honored to host Dr. Maricel Presilla of the International Institute of Chocolate & Cacao Tasting. At the Fest, Dr. Presilla will be hosting small group tastings of international award winning chocolates.
Add a tasting session to your online ticket purchase before they sell out.
2026 FEATURED TASTING EXPERIENCES
Discover the art of tasting chocolate with renowned cacao expert Maricel Presilla in these intimate, small-group sessions. Sample internationally awarded fine chocolates while learning professional tasting techniques, flavor recognition, and the stories behind the world’s most exceptional cacao. A must-experience for true chocolate lovers and curious connoisseurs alike.
Saturday: 11AM, 12:30PM. (SOLD OUT)
Sunday: 11:30AM, 1PM.
Add-on ticket required
Roasters of the Year
Sip your way through exceptional coffees at our free tasting station, featuring selections from Roast Magazine’s prestigious Roaster of the Year winners. Discover rich aromas, bold flavors, and the craftsmanship behind some of the world’s most celebrated roasters — all included with your festival admission.
Free experience
Saturday: 10:00AM – 12:00PM & 3:00PM – 5:00PM
Sunday: 10:00AM – 12:00PM & 3:00PM – 5:00PM
Indulge in an elevated tasting journey as Lescombes Family Vineyards presents a curated lineup of award-winning wines paired with chef-inspired bistro bites. From bold New Mexico flavors to decadent sweet finales, this limited-seat experience blends savory, sweet, and sophisticated sips into one unforgettable festival moment.
Saturday: 11AM, 12:30PM, 2PM, 3:30PM. (SOLD OUT)
Sunday 11:30AM, 1PM, 2:30pm
Add-on ticket required
SWEET & SAVORY SENSATIONS COLLIDE ALL IN THE NAME OF CHOCOLATE!
A REGIONAL TASTING & A TALK from MEXICO to NEW MEXICO
Saturday: 2:00PM (SOLD OUT)
Add-on ticket required
For the wine lovers:
Be sure to visit the team from Lescombes Family Vineyards and experience Mocha Noir, the official wine of the Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest.
2026 OFFICIAL FESTIVAL POSTER BY Brianna Gardocki
A limited number of posters will be available for purchase at the festival.
BEFORE THE FESTIVAL:
DIVE INTO THESE CACAO EXPERIENCES
LEVEL 1 & 2 CHOCOLATE TASTING CERTIFICATION CLASSES
Women’s Santa Fe Cacao Summit with projet chocolat
Thank You
To Our Generous Sponsors
