The Rochester Coffee and Chocolate Festival returns to the Riverside Convention Center on April 25, 2026. Tastings, local vendors, and everything you need to plan your visit.

Rochester Coffee and Chocolate Festival 2026: What to Know Before You Go

Two of the best things in life are coming together in Downtown Rochester this weekend. The Rochester Coffee and Chocolate Festival returns to the Rochester Riverside Convention Center on Friday, April 25, 2026, and it is one of the most anticipated food events of the spring.

If you love craft coffee, artisan chocolate, local wine, or small-batch spirits, this is your kind of event. Here is everything you need to know before you go.

What Is the Rochester Coffee and Chocolate Festival?

The festival brings together dozens of local and regional vendors under one roof at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main St. Your ticket gets you unlimited tastings of coffees, chocolates, wines, and spirits from participating vendors.

This is not a quick walk-through. Plan to spend a couple of hours sampling, chatting with vendors, and discovering new favorites. Many vendors offer products for purchase, so you can take your favorites home.

What to Expect This Year

The 2026 festival features an expanded vendor lineup with Rochester favorites and newcomers. Expect to find:

Coffee Vendors: Local roasters and cafes showcasing single-origin beans, cold brews, espresso drinks, and specialty blends. Rochester's coffee scene has exploded in recent years, and this festival is the best way to taste it all in one place. For our favorite coffee spots year-round, check out our guide to the best coffee shops in Rochester.

Chocolate Makers: Artisan chocolatiers offering truffles, bonbons, chocolate bars, drinking chocolate, and creative pairings. From dark single-origin bars to milk chocolate caramels, there is something for every palate.

Wine and Spirits: Regional wineries and distilleries round out the tasting experience. The Finger Lakes wine region is just a short drive from Rochester, and many of those producers show up at this festival. If you want to explore more, our Finger Lakes wine weekend guide has you covered.

Live Demonstrations: Watch coffee roasting demos, chocolate tempering workshops, and latte art competitions throughout the day.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Festival

Arrive early. The first hour tends to be less crowded, giving you more time to chat with vendors and get first pick of limited samples.

Pace yourself. With unlimited tastings, it is tempting to try everything at once. Start with lighter coffees and white chocolates, then work your way to darker roasts and richer chocolates.

Bring a tote bag. Many vendors sell their products at the festival, and you will want to stock up on your favorites.

Stay hydrated. Water stations are available throughout the venue. Coffee and chocolate are both dehydrating, so drink water between tastings.

Wear comfortable shoes. You will be on your feet for a while, walking between vendor booths.

Location and Getting There

The Rochester Riverside Convention Center is located at 123 E. Main St. in Downtown Rochester. Parking is available at nearby garages including the Washington Square Garage and the Midtown Garage.

If you are making a day of it, the convention center is within walking distance of the East End entertainment district, where you can grab dinner or drinks after the festival.

Pair It with a Rochester Food Crawl

The Coffee and Chocolate Festival is a great starting point for a full Rochester food day. After the festival, explore some of the city's best dining:

Grab a legendary garbage plate for dinner
Hit up one of Rochester's best brunch spots the next morning
Explore the craft beer trail for an evening out
Check out the best pizza and wings in the city

Tickets and Details

Tickets for the Rochester Coffee and Chocolate Festival are available online through Eventbrite. The event typically sells out, so grab yours early. Check the festival's social media pages for the latest vendor announcements and schedule updates.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, April 25, 2026
Location: Rochester Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main St.
What's Included: Unlimited tastings of coffee, chocolate, wine, and spirits

Rochester's food scene continues to grow, and events like this showcase the creativity and passion of local makers. If you are visiting Rochester for the first time, this festival is one of the best introductions to the city's culinary culture.

For more Rochester food guides, explore our complete restaurant guide and food truck roundup.