Aug 8 2026

A Chocoholic’s Dream: Everything You Need to Know About the 18th Annual LA Chocolate Salon Pasadena, CA 2026

A Chocoholic’s Dream: Everything You Need to Know About the 18th Annual LA Chocolate Salon

Calling all chocolate aficionados, sweet tooth fanatics, and dessert lovers! If there is one date you need to circle, highlight, and star on your calendar, it is Sunday, October 4, 2026.
The legendary Los Angeles Chocolate Salon and Festival is returning to thrill tastebuds for its incredible 18th Anniversary. Over the past nearly two decades, this premier artisan event has welcomed over 20,000 visitors, celebrating the artistry, passion, and mouth-watering creations of the world’s finest chocolatiers. Whether you are a casual fan of a classic milk chocolate bar or a discerning connoisseur of single-origin dark cacao, this event promises to be a day of absolute chocolate nirvana.
And the best part? It’s happening right in our own backyard at The Pasadena Center!

The Venue: A Sweet Day in Pasadena

There is no better backdrop for a day of gourmet indulgence than Pasadena. The event takes place from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM at The Pasadena Center, located at 300 Green Street, Pasadena, CA.
The spacious convention center is the perfect setting to stroll from booth to booth, taking in the intoxicating aroma of roasted cocoa that fills the air. Because the salon wraps up in the mid-afternoon, it leaves you with plenty of time to take your chocolate-induced serotonin boost out into Old Pasadena to explore the local shops or grab a post-dessert dinner.

What to Expect: The Artisan Difference

If your primary experience with chocolate comes from the candy aisle of a grocery store, you are in for a serious awakening. The LA Chocolate Salon is the Southern California epicenter for artisan and premium chocolate.
This means you will be tasting creations from culinary artisans who treat chocolate as a canvas. You’ll experience the famous “snap” of perfectly tempered bars, the melt-in-your-mouth luxury of fresh ganache, and flavor pairings that will completely redefine how you view this ancient treat. From vegan offerings and ethically sourced bean-to-bar creations to extravagant, hand-painted truffles, the sheer variety is staggering.
Unlike many food festivals that nickel-and-dime you after you walk through the doors, the LA Chocolate Salon keeps it brilliantly simple: All tastings, presentations, and events are included with your entry ticket.

A Star-Studded Exhibitor Lineup

The heart and soul of the Salon are the incredibly talented people behind the tables. This year features a curated selection of premium, award-winning chocolatiers and confectioners. While there will be dozens of vendors to explore, here are just a few heavy hitters you absolutely cannot miss:
  • Mignon Chocolate: A beloved Southern California favorite returning to the scene! Mignon has been a wildly popular regular at the Salon, known for their deep-rooted family recipes and elegant, meticulously crafted truffles that taste as beautiful as they look.
  • Albert’s Petite Sweets: Chef Albert brings a hands-on approach from initial creation all the way to final production. His visual masterpieces are designed to delight both your taste buds and your eyes, channeling your inner child’s sense of wonder.
  • Truffles N Toffee: This fan-favorite is returning to specialize in what they do best: Chocolate Truffles paired beautifully with alcohol (think beer and wine!), alongside their dangerously addictive handmade toffees.
  • Letterpress Chocolate: True bean-to-bar heroes. If you want to taste the distinct terroir of different cacao growing regions around the world, you need to stop by their booth.
  • Amano Artisan Chocolate: A multi-award-winning staple in the premium chocolate world, offering complex, rich, and intensely flavorful bars.
  • Venice Organics: For those seeking plant-based indulgence, this year’s Salon is putting a spotlight on vegan products, and Venice Organics will be there leading the charge with their incredible vegan chocolates.

Beyond the Bites: Panels and Pairings

The Salon isn’t just about eating; it’s about learning! Between your tasting sessions, you can catch celebrity speakers, chefs, and lifestyle experts sharing their knowledge.
A major highlight this year will be a special Salon Talk titled “Creating Chocolate with Coffee.” Peter Lee of COBA chocolates (also known as the Rubia Coffee Company) will be diving into the magical relationship between roasted coffee beans and cacao. If a mocha is your go-to drink, you will definitely want to pull up a seat for this fascinating presentation.
There will also be the annual LA Chocolate Salon Awards, where attendees and judges vote on the top selections of the year. You can actually taste the chocolate, cast your mental vote, and see if your palate aligns with the judges!

Pro-Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) at the Salon

To make the most out of your 5.5 hours in chocolate paradise, you need a game plan:
  1. Pace Yourself: It is a marathon, not a sprint. The temptation to eat an entire truffle at the first booth is strong. Take small bites, share with friends, and savor the flavors.
  2. Cleanse Your Palate: Bring a reusable water bottle. Drinking water between tastings will reset your taste buds so you can fully appreciate the subtle flavor notes of the next chocolate.
  3. Dress Comfortably: You’ll be doing plenty of walking, standing, and socializing. Wear comfortable shoes and something with a forgiving waistband!
  4. Stock Up for the Holidays: The Salon is the ultimate place to buy gifts. Bring a tote bag to safely carry your purchases home (or stop by the official “Shop 4 Swag” booth to grab an official Chocolate Salon bag or shirt).

Get Your Tickets!

Tickets are available right now, and buying them early is the smart move.
  • Adults (Advance Purchase): $22.50
  • Adults (At the Door): $25.00 (Note: Door tickets are limited in quantity, so don’t risk missing out!)
  • Children (6 to 12): $10.00
  • Children (under 6): Free!
Remember, that one ticket covers all your tastings and presentations for the entire day.
Whether you are looking for a unique Sunday date idea, a fun family outing, or you just want to see how deep the rabbit hole of gourmet chocolate goes, the 18th Annual LA Chocolate Salon is the place to be.
Mark your calendars for October 4th, get your tickets at LAChocolateSalon.com, and we will see you in Pasadena!

TAGS:

Comments are closed.