Top Candy Festivals in the U.S. You Should Attend

• 1. Why Visit Candy Festivals?
• 2. Top Candy Festivals in the U.S. You Should Attend
• 3. What to Expect at Candy Festivals
• 4. Candy Festival Tips and Tricks
• 5. Planning Your Visit to a Candy Festival
• 6. Where to Buy Candy Supplies for Your Own Creations

1. Why Visit Candy Festivals?

Candy festivals are an absolute dream for anyone with a sweet tooth. These events celebrate everything that makes candy so irresistible—from chocolate truffles to sugary gummies, and even vintage candy creations. Whether you're a foodie, a family looking for fun, or a die-hard candy lover, attending a candy festival is an unforgettable experience.

What makes candy festivals so special is the combination of entertainment, hands-on experiences, and the opportunity to indulge in some of the finest sweets available. These festivals offer more than just a chance to taste candy; they bring together candy makers, chefs, and passionate fans, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere. Plus, many of these festivals feature candy-making workshops, competitions, and games, making them interactive and family-friendly.

In this article, we’ll take you through some of the top candy festivals in the U.S. that you won’t want to miss, whether you're seeking a nostalgic candy experience or looking to try something new and unique.

Hatch Family Chocolates / hatch family chocolates

Salt Lake CitySalt Lake CountyUtah

376 8th Ave A, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, USA

2. Top Candy Festivals in the U.S. You Should Attend

These candy festivals celebrate everything from chocolate to candy canes, offering a sweet experience for everyone involved. Here are the top candy festivals in the U.S. you should add to your calendar:

1. National Candy Festival (Spencer, Massachusetts): Held annually in September, the National Candy Festival is one of the most famous candy events in the U.S. Visitors can sample a wide variety of homemade sweets and take part in candy-making demonstrations and competitions.
2. Chocolate Lovers Festival (Virginia): For anyone with a deep love for chocolate, the Chocolate Lovers Festival in Virginia is the place to be. This festival features chocolate-themed contests, tastings, and activities, with plenty of opportunities to savor everything from truffles to chocolate fountains.
3. The Great American Candy Run (Florida): Combining a candy-themed 5K race with a festival of sweets, the Great American Candy Run is a fun and active way to enjoy all things candy. Runners are treated to a post-race candy buffet, making this a sweet experience for the entire family.
4. Santa Clara Chocolate Festival (California): Held in California, this festival showcases a wide range of chocolate candies, from artisanal truffles to novelty chocolate bars. In addition to tastings, the event features chocolate-making workshops and the chance to meet top chocolatiers.
5. Denver Candy Expo (Colorado): This candy expo is a must-attend event for candy enthusiasts, featuring hundreds of candy brands, retailers, and manufacturers. Attendees can sample the latest products, learn about the candy-making process, and discover innovative candy designs and flavors.
6. Candy Cane Lane (Los Angeles, California): Every year, the city of Los Angeles hosts the beloved Candy Cane Lane, a winter wonderland full of candy-themed decorations, displays, and events. It’s the perfect festive atmosphere to enjoy some candy and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
7. Salt Lake City Candy Festival (Utah): This annual event celebrates Utah’s candy-making history, offering sweet treats, games, and workshops. The festival is a fantastic family outing with something for everyone, including candy sculpture exhibits and a candy-making competition.

Each of these candy festivals offers something unique, from candy-making competitions to themed races and tasting experiences. Whether you’re a chocolate aficionado or a fan of all kinds of sweets, these events offer an unforgettable experience filled with candy, fun, and more!

Thomas Chocolate / thomas sweet new brunswick

New BrunswickMiddlesex CountyNew Jersey

57 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA

3. What to Expect at Candy Festivals

Candy festivals are more than just a sugar rush; they offer a variety of exciting activities and experiences for attendees. Here’s what you can expect when you attend one of these sweet events:

• Sweet Tasting Stations: Most candy festivals feature booths or stations where you can sample an array of candies, chocolates, and sweets from local and national candy makers. Expect to taste everything from classic favorites to new, experimental flavors.
• Interactive Candy-Making Workshops: Many festivals offer workshops where you can learn how to make your own candy. Whether it’s creating your own chocolate truffles, gummy bears, or taffy, these hands-on sessions are fun for both adults and kids.
• Candy Competitions: Some festivals host candy-making contests where professionals and amateurs compete to create the most delicious or visually stunning candy. It’s an excellent opportunity to see talented candy artisans in action.
• Live Entertainment: In addition to the sweets, candy festivals often feature live music, comedy shows, and other performances that make the event even more enjoyable for attendees of all ages.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Most candy festivals are family-friendly and include games, face painting, and kid-friendly activities. Some festivals even have candy-themed games like candy sculptures or “candy hunts” for children.

Expect to be surrounded by sugary goodness, exciting events, and a community of candy lovers. These festivals are more than just opportunities to indulge—they’re a celebration of candy culture and creativity!

4. Candy Festival Tips and Tricks

If you’re planning to attend a candy festival, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your experience:

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Candy festivals often involve a lot of walking and standing, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear to enjoy the event to the fullest.
2. Bring a Tote or Backpack: With so many candies to sample and take home, a tote bag or backpack can help you carry all your sweet treasures.
3. Stay Hydrated: With all the sugar around, it’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and balance the sweetness.
4. Check for Special Offers: Some candy festivals offer discounts or special deals for tickets purchased in advance. Be sure to check online for any promotions before heading to the festival.

By preparing ahead of time, you can make the most of your candy festival experience and avoid any unnecessary stress.

5. Planning Your Visit to a Candy Festival

Before you attend a candy festival, be sure to plan your visit to make the most of your time. Here are a few planning tips:

• Research the Festival: Look up the festival's schedule, activities, and ticketing options to ensure you don’t miss any important events. Some festivals also offer early access for VIP ticket holders, so it’s worth checking out these options.
• Travel Logistics: Plan your travel and accommodations well in advance, especially if you’re attending a large festival. Make sure to book your hotel early to secure the best rates.
• Bring Friends or Family: Candy festivals are even more fun when shared with others. Bring along friends or family to make the event more memorable and share your favorite candy discoveries with them!

With a little planning, you can enjoy every moment of the candy festival and leave with a bag full of sweet memories.

6. Where to Buy Candy Supplies for Your Own Creations

If you’re inspired by all the candy-making at the festivals and want to try making your own sweets at home, there are many places to purchase candy-making supplies. Specialty stores, online retailers like Gaias Candy, and local craft shops offer everything from molds and thermometers to high-quality chocolate and sugar alternatives.

Visit Gaias Candy for the best selection of candy-making tools and ingredients to bring the sweet fun of festivals right to your kitchen!