Hershey's Choctoberfest: Where Chocolate Meets Oktoberfest Fun
What happens when you mix a lively Oktoberfest celebration with Hershey’s famous chocolate? You get Choctoberfest, an unforgettable day of live music, local craft beers, mouth-watering bites, and, of course, lots of chocolate. Now in its ninth year, this year's event will be held Saturday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is hosted by the Downtown Hershey Association. If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate the harvest season, join the droves of people who'll come from far and wide to partake in the autumn festivities at Choctoberfest.
Picture a crisp fall afternoon with the vibrant hues of the changing leaves setting the scene as you listen to great live music, sip on local brews, and smell the aroma of delicious food. It's easy to see why Choctoberfest has quickly become one of Hershey's favorite fall traditions. The festival takes place — rain or shine — right at the corner of Cocoa and W. Caracas avenues, the heart of downtown Hershey, just 5 miles from the Londonderry Inn and Estate.
In the spirit of a classic Oktoberfest, there will be beer — and plenty of it. If fact, there will be at least a dozen beverage vendors at Choctoberfest. Craft beer fans will want to sample all the brews, like the Perpetual IPA, from Hershey's own Tröegs Independent Brewing, a refreshing Sparkle City Kolsch from Shy Bear Brewing, and the Spunky Monk Hefeweizen from Lebanon Valley Craft Brewery — plus many others to choose from. Beer won't be the only way to wet your whistle. Wyndridge Farm and Hardball Cider both will have hard fruit ciders on hand, or you can try something a little stronger from Midstate Distillery, like a vanilla vodka or small-batch rye whiskey.
When hunger strikes, there’s no shortage of delicious food to choose from, with roughly 14 food trucks and stands cheffing up mouthwatering eats. Will you choose some finger-lickin' ribs from Midnite Smokin’ BBQ or a cheesesteak from Big Dawgz Cook’n? What about a stuffed pretzel from Uncle Paul’s Stuffed Pretzels or one of the Grappling Crab Shack's world-famous crab cakes? No matter what you sink your teeth into, with so many options, you're guaranteed to find something that will hit the spot!
What would a day in Hershey be without chocolate? Choctoberfest features over 30 chocolate and retail vendors, with a wide variety of decadent treats and handcrafted gifts. You can pick up homemade milk and dark chocolates from Grove's Brittle Works, enjoy hand-dipped chocolate-covered treats from Skinny Dippers: Sweets and Treats, or even try some chocolate-covered bacon from Got Chocolate. And while you’re treating yourself, don’t forget to check out the plethora of local crafts. Vendors like LoveLeigh Craft Co. will be selling handmade wood earrings, while Chocolate Avenue Candle Co. offers hand-poured candles, and 4Luv by Christy C has cozy blankets to keep you warm as the weather cools.
It wouldn't be a festival without some great live entertainment, too. Choctoberfest will feature three local bands playing throughout the day. Whether you're into vibe-heavy indie rock from The After Hours, some feel-good rock ‘n roll from the Martini Brothers, or the sweet harmonies of folk and bluegrass from Cumberland Honey, there’s something for every music lover to enjoy.
Choctoberfest is the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon, especially when you stay with us at the Londonderry Inn this October. Enjoy a day of autumn festivities — beers, bands and bites — and make sure to bring home a chocolatey souvenir (or two) to savor later to remind you of your fall getaway to the sweetest place on Earth!
