March 6–22, 2027
Porta da Vila, R. Josefa de Óbidos 2, 2510-001 Óbidos, Portugal
Óbidos International Chocolate Festival
festivalchocolate.cm-obidos.pt

Chocolate Meets Art at the Óbidos Chocolate Festival 2027

The medieval Portuguese town of Óbidos will once again become a destination for chocolate lovers when the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival returns from March 6–22, 2027. Running Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., the festival combines chocolate, gastronomy and artistic expression throughout one of Portugal’s most distinctive historic settings.

The 2027 theme, “Art,” places creativity at the centre of the festival. Chocolate sculptures, live artistic demonstrations, exhibitions, culinary presentations and sensory experiences will explore how cacao and chocolate can move beyond flavour to become forms of cultural and creative expression.

First held in 2002, the festival has grown into one of Portugal’s established themed culinary events. Organisers say the 2027 edition will feature more than 100 national and international professional chefs, 16 activities, eight chocolate sculptures and works of art, with approximately 85 tonnes of chocolate represented through sculptures, products and festival offerings.

Chocolate Sculptures and Live Art

Chocolate takes on an artistic role throughout the 2027 festival. Visitors can discover eight chocolate sculptures and works of art, alongside live sculpture experiences that reveal some of the craftsmanship involved in transforming chocolate into an artistic medium.

The Chocolate Art Museum expands on that idea by presenting chocolate through a creative lens, connecting cacao with sculpture, design and visual expression. Street art and exhibitions will carry the festival’s “Art” theme beyond the traditional chocolate display.

More Than 100 Professional Chefs

Culinary talent remains central to the festival. Organisers are promoting the participation of more than 100 national and international professional chefs, with showcooking, demonstrations and competitions forming part of the programme.

Several dedicated stages will host festival activities, including the SMEG/Callebaut Stage and Aveirotel Stage/Pingo Doce. Together, these programmes give visitors opportunities to watch professionals work with chocolate while discovering techniques, flavours and contemporary approaches to pastry and confectionery.

From the Ivory Coast to the Cocoa Ecosystem

The programme also looks beyond the finished chocolate product to cacao itself. The Art of Cocoa from the Ivory Coast brings one of the world’s important cacao-producing regions into the festival’s cultural programme.

Meanwhile, the Cocoa Ecosystem by Paccari provides another opportunity to explore the relationship between cacao, chocolate production and the people and environments behind the ingredient. These activities give the festival an educational dimension alongside its tastings and entertainment.

Workshops, Competitions and Chocolate Experiences

The 2027 programme includes workshops, competitions, exhibitions and interactive activities, giving visitors different ways to experience chocolate. Among the listed activities is the Chocolatotype Workshop, alongside professional culinary competitions and demonstrations.

The combination allows visitors to move between watching professional chefs, exploring chocolate art and learning more about the techniques and ingredients involved in chocolate making.

Explore Chocolate in Medieval Óbidos

Part of the festival’s appeal comes from its setting. Óbidos’ preserved medieval walls, narrow cobblestone streets and historic architecture provide a striking backdrop for contemporary chocolate and culinary art.

Festival activities are integrated into the town, allowing visitors to combine chocolate experiences with time exploring Óbidos itself. The result is an event that connects gastronomy, culture and tourism rather than operating as a conventional exhibition-hall chocolate show.

Planning a Visit in 2027

The Óbidos International Chocolate Festival runs from March 6–22, 2027, opening Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

With activities spread throughout the festival period, visitors should check the official programme before travelling for individual chef appearances, demonstrations, competitions, workshops and other scheduled experiences.