Okay, let's just say it: April in Albuquerque is already pretty great. The weather is warming up, the Sandia Mountains are doing their thing, and the city comes alive with events that remind you exactly why you love living here. But if there's one weekend to circle on your calendar in bright red — or, you know, chocolate brown — it's April 11 & 12, 2026, when the 16th Annual Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest rolls into the Expo New Mexico State Fairgrounds.

Yes, we said 16th annual. This thing has been a beloved ABQ tradition for over a decade and a half — and it keeps getting bigger, better, and more delicious every single year.

Whether you're a die-hard foodie, a casual coffee sipper, or a chocolate lover who considers Hershey's Kisses an appetizer, this festival was built for you. Let's break down everything you need to know before you go.

Wait — Is This Really the World's Largest Chocolate & Coffee Festival?

Yep. Right here in Albuquerque. No need to fly to Paris or Belgium — the world's first and largest festival dedicated to chocolate and coffee calls New Mexico home.

Each year, the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest brings over 21,000 chocolate and coffee lovers face-to-face with more than 200 of the finest chocolatiers, coffee roasters, candy makers, bakers, and culinary artisans from around the world. That's two full days of tastings, demos, live music, and hands-on classes — all under one roof.

This isn't your average sample-and-stroll food fair. This is a full-on sensory experience. We're talking artisan chocolate makers who source single-origin cacao from small farms in South America and Africa, sitting right next to local New Mexico roasters who've been perfecting their craft for years. It's genuinely special.

The Details You Actually Need

Before we get into the fun stuff, here's the practical info:

  • Dates: Saturday & Sunday, April 11–12, 2026
  • Hours: 10am – 5pm both days
  • Location: Expo New Mexico State Fairgrounds, Albuquerque, NM
  • Tickets: 2 for $25 (limited-time offer!) — grab them at chocolateandcoffeefest.com

What's on the Menu (Figuratively and Literally)

Let's talk about the experiences that make this fest worth every penny — and every extra step on your fitness tracker.

Guided Chocolate Tastings with Dr. Maricel Presilla

If you're even a little bit serious about chocolate, this is your moment. Dr. Maricel Presilla — a renowned cultural historian, James Beard Award-winning chef, founder of the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting, and author of The New Taste of Chocolate — will be leading intimate, small-group tasting sessions featuring internationally awarded fine chocolates.

You'll learn professional tasting techniques, flavor recognition, and the stories behind some of the world's most exceptional cacao. Sessions run Saturday at 11AM and 12:30PM. Spots are limited — add this on when you buy your ticket.

Roasters of the Year Tasting Bar

Roast Magazine's prestigious Roaster of the Year winners will be pouring at a free tasting station both days. Sip through rich, award-winning coffees and discover what separates truly exceptional roasting from the everyday cup. This one is included with your general admission — no extra ticket required.

Wine & Bistro Bites with Lescombes Family Vineyards

New Mexico's own Lescombes Family Vineyards is pairing award-winning wines with chef-inspired bistro bites in this elevated tasting experience. Think bold NM flavors, decadent sweet finales, and sophisticated sips all rolled into one unforgettable session. Available Saturday and Sunday — add-on ticket required, and these seats will fill fast.

"Sipping Supreme: Chocolate & What?!" — The Wildcard Session You Didn't Know You Needed

The Sweet & Savory Sisters — chocolate historian Sophia Rea and Master Foodie Mara Papatheodorou (former Bon Appétit Magazine editor) — are taking you on a tasting journey from Mexico to New Mexico, exploring the surprisingly wonderful world of chocolate and its most unexpected flavor pairings. It's part history lesson, part culinary adventure, and 100% fun. Saturday at 2PM, add-on ticket required.

Don't Want to Wait Until April? There's More!

The fun actually starts before the festival weekend. Here are two ways to get your chocolate-and-coffee fix early:

Chocolate & Coffee 5K — March 29, 2026

Run (or walk — no judgment here) your way to chocolate glory! The 5K kicks off at 9:30AM, and there's even a RunFit Kids K at 10:15AM for the little ones. It's a great way to earn your tasting calories in advance. Registration and details available at irunfit.org.

Level 1 & 2 Chocolate Tasting Certification Classes

Here's something you don't see every day: a $2,200 professional certification course being offered for $0, presented in partnership with the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting and Central New Mexico Community College. If you've ever wanted to add "certified chocolate taster" to your résumé (honestly, who hasn't?), this is your shot.

More Than Just Delicious: A Festival with Heart

What makes the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest stand out beyond the amazing food? Its commitment to inclusion and community.

The festival partners with Mandy's Farm and organizations like DIRT — a coffee company dedicated to empowering neurodiverse individuals — as part of an ongoing mission to uplift people with disabilities and spotlight businesses that champion accessibility and meaningful opportunity. When you buy a ticket or a bag of beans, you're supporting something bigger than a great cup of coffee.

This Is Why We Love Living in Albuquerque

Events like the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest are a perfect reminder of what makes Albuquerque such a special place to call home. This is a city with genuine character — one that supports local artisans, celebrates culinary culture, and brings the community together in the most delicious ways possible.

At the Sandi Pressley Team, we talk about community all the time when helping buyers find their perfect neighborhood. And honestly? The ability to walk (or run a 5K, or drive 10 minutes) to a world-class event like this — that's a quality-of-life perk you can't put a price on.

Whether you're a longtime Albuquerque resident or you're thinking about making the move, ABQ has a way of surprising people. There's always something happening, always something to discover, and always something worth savoring — sometimes literally.

Quick FAQs About the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest

Where is the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest held?

The festival takes place at Expo New Mexico, the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

When is the 2026 Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest?

This year's festival runs Saturday and Sunday, April 11–12, 2026, from 10am to 5pm each day.

How much are tickets to the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest?

For a limited time, tickets are available 2 for $25. Individual add-on experiences (specialty tasting classes and pairings) require an additional ticket purchased at checkout.

Is the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest family-friendly?

Absolutely. With hundreds of artisan tastings, live music, and food vendors, there's something for everyone — including kids (who tend to think a festival built around chocolate is pretty much perfect).

Is this really the world's largest chocolate and coffee festival?

It is! The Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest holds the distinction of being the first and largest chocolate and coffee festival in the world — and it's right here in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Ready to find a home in Albuquerque close to all the culture, events, and community this city has to offer? The Sandi Pressley Team knows every corner of this city — and we'd love to help you find your perfect place in it. Give us a call or visit us online to start the conversation.

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