Portland Craft Chocolate Festival Returns with 45+ Makers and Cookie Competition
News related to:Portland Craft Chocolate Festival · 2 min read
The second annual Portland Craft Chocolate Festival is set to return to Portland's Central Eastside from October 2 to 4, expanding its reach and offering a more immersive experience for chocolate lovers and artisans alike. Organized by Ranger Chocolate Co., the festival will feature more than 45 Oregon-based chocolate makers, confectioners, bakers, and other artisan producers, bringing a diverse array of products and experiences to the community.
Last year's inaugural event attracted more than 30 exhibitors and nearly 2,000 attendees, showcasing the growing craft food community in Oregon. This year, the festival has seen significant growth, with organizers reporting an incredible response from makers, bakers, partners, and the community. Over 300 entries were submitted for the C⁴ Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition, a new addition to the festival lineup.
The C⁴ Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition is designed to find some of Portland's best chocolate chip cookies. Entries were submitted across Youth, Home Baker, and Professional divisions, and the final judging will take place on Saturday, October 3, at 3 p.m. A panel of professional bakers, chocolate experts, and Portland personalities will determine the gold, silver, and bronze winners. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson will join the judging panel to announce the winners, who will earn prizes, bragging rights, and the distinction of being among the first C⁴ champions.
On Saturday evening from 4 to 7 p.m., festival neighbors Steven Smith Teamaker and Ranger Chocolate Co. will host a special block party and launch event. The event will offer a sneak peek at a new collection of tea-infused bonbons, bringing together two longtime Portland makers and exploring the pairing of craft tea and chocolate. The six-piece collection features chocolate creations inspired by three Steven Smith Teamaker teas: Lord Bergamot, Golden Light, and Masala Chai.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters will pop up outside the festival throughout the weekend, keeping festivalgoers well caffeinated between chocolate tastings. Aybla Grill food truck will also be on site on Saturday and Sunday, serving Greek and Mediterranean food. Families are encouraged to explore the festival together, with activities for younger chocolate fans and free admission for children eight and under.
The festival will take place at the historic Olympic Mills Building, located at 107 SE Washington Street in Portland, Oregon. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free for kids eight and under, and tickets can be purchased at PDXCCF.com. Use code PRNW50 for 50% off festival tickets.
Founded in Portland in 2025, the Portland Craft Chocolate Festival is an annual celebration of Oregon's craft chocolate and artisan food community, bringing together makers and chocolate lovers for a weekend of tasting, learning, and connection.