Kokomo’s Sweetest Day of the Year Returns: Inside the 2026 Chocolate Celebration
Chocolate lovers in Kokomo won’t have to wait much longer for one of the community’s most beloved and best tasting traditions to return.
The 24th annual Chocolate Celebration, hosted by Samaritan Caregivers, is set for Friday, May 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at One Church, and it promises another year filled with creativity, community, and plenty of chocolate in every form imaginable.
If you have never been, here is the idea. Local restaurants, businesses, and organizations come together to serve bite sized samples of their best chocolate inspired creations, all in support of Samaritan Caregivers’ mission to assist local seniors with everyday needs like transportation, grocery shopping, and companionship. Admission to the event is free, and once inside, guests can purchase tasting tickets, typically five for $20, with each ticket redeemable for a sample.
And the samples? That is where things get fun.
While you will certainly find your fair share of classics like brownies, cookies, cupcakes, cheesecakes, and chocolate dipped everything, this event has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of what chocolate can be. This year’s lineup includes everything from espresso rubbed pork belly with chocolate BBQ glaze and cocoa rubbed brisket wraps to a midnight berry salad with cocoa vinaigrette. Of course, there are also plenty of over the top sweets like s’mores cupcakes, chocolate raspberry desserts, whoopie pies, and even chocolate mocktails.
In other words, whether you are a traditionalist or someone willing to try chocolate in unexpected places, there is something here for you.
Beyond the food, the Chocolate Celebration offers plenty to explore. A silent basket auction will run throughout much of the event, giving attendees a chance to bid on a variety of items while they snack. Vendor booths will feature local goods and gifts, and food trucks will be set up outside serving full menu items, with at least one chocolate option on each menu. There will also be a limited spring flower sale, perfect timing for anyone looking to pick up something for Mother’s Day.
Organizers recommend arriving early, as popular items tend to go quickly once doors open at 11 a.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on site the day of the event, and preordered tickets will be available for pickup at a designated table.
While it is easy to get caught up in the chocolate, and you probably will, the heart of the event is its impact. Every ticket purchased helps support Samaritan Caregivers and their work serving seniors across the community, making this one of the rare events where indulging your sweet tooth also gives back in a meaningful way.
So whether you are planning to sample a little bit of everything or just want to experience what many call Kokomo’s sweetest day of the year, the Chocolate Celebration is worth adding to your calendar.
Just come with a sweet tooth!
Photos from the 2025 Chocolate Celebration
