March 2026 - Cover Story: A Sweet Tradition That Keeps Albuquerque Buzzing: The Chocolate & Coffee Fest Returns
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Few events capture Albuquerque’s appetite for community quite like the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest — a sensory playground where indulgence meets discovery and local pride blends with international flavor. As the festival celebrates its 16th anniversary, producer Dean Strober says the event’s longevity comes down to something simple yet powerful: creating experiences people genuinely want to attend.
Produced by Blue River Productions, the festival has grown from a bold idea into one of the region’s most anticipated annual gatherings. Strober and his family moved to Albuquerque more than a decade ago, unsure of what opportunities awaited them. What they did know was that they loved bringing people together.
“Mass gatherings — which luckily we can do again — are about community,” Strober explained. “At the base of it all, for us, it’s to throw the kind of parties that we’d want to go to.”
That philosophy shaped the very first Chocolate & Coffee Fest. At the time, Albuquerque lacked a large-scale event dedicated to two of the world’s most beloved indulgences. Strober reached out to local chocolate makers and coffee roasters. He asked whether a collaborative festival might work.
“It was with their input — that community collaboration — that kind of helped it,” he said.
What began as an experiment quickly proved there was an enormous appetite for such an event. The festival grew every year, drawing thousands of attendees eager to sample products, meet creators, and deepen their appreciation for the craft behind their favorite treats.
Part of the event’s enduring appeal is that it never stands still. Coffee science continues to evolve, with new fermentation techniques, roasting methods, and flavor profiles constantly emerging. Chocolate makers are likewise pushing boundaries with sourcing, sustainability, and innovative combinations.
“There’s always something new,” Strober said. “New trends, new companies, new people. You can taste so much, discover, and take it home.”
This year’s festival promises an even broader range of experiences. Beyond rows of vendors offering samples and products for purchase, attendees can participate in curated tastings featuring international award-winning chocolates. Hands-on seminars will guide coffee enthusiasts through roasting techniques and flavor development, turning casual drinkers into informed connoisseurs.
“You’re going to learn there, leave there transformed,” Strober said. “You’ll meet the people who make chocolate and coffee, support their businesses, and discover things you didn’t know existed.”
That emphasis on education distinguishes the festival from a typical food event. It’s not just about consumption — it’s about connection: between producers and consumers, between local businesses and the community, and between attendees themselves.
The festival also highlights Albuquerque’s growing reputation as a culinary destination. By showcasing regional makers alongside national and international brands, it reinforces the city’s role as a hub for innovation in specialty foods.
Equally important is the economic impact. Vendors gain direct access to thousands of potential customers, many of whom become long-term supporters, an important aspect for small businesses.
Strober’s team produces multiple events throughout the year, but the Chocolate & Coffee Fest holds a special place in Albuquerque’s cultural calendar. It signals not just a celebration of flavor but a reaffirmation of community — a shared experience that brings people together under one roof in joyful abundance.
For those planning to attend, preparation is key. With so many samples, workshops, and vendors, it’s easy to become overwhelmed in the best possible way. Comfortable shoes, a sense of curiosity, and a strategic caffeine plan are encouraged.
Tickets, schedules, and add-on experiences such as tastings and pairings are available at chocolateandcoffeefest.com. To learn more about the other events from Blue River Productions, visit blueriverproductions.com.
As Albuquerque continues to grow and diversify, events like this remind us why people fall in love with the city in the first place. It’s not just the food or the coffee or even the chocolate — it’s the feeling of being part of something vibrant and welcoming. If Strober has his way, the party will continue for many years to come.
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