The Red Rock Region Chocolate and Fine Foods Festival 2026 — commonly called the Red Rock Chocolate Festival — runs Saturday, January 31 through Sunday, February 1, 2026, bringing artisan chocolatiers, gourmet food vendors, and dessert enthusiasts together at the Grafton Building at Legacy Park in Hurricane, Utah. As Southern Utah's signature chocolate-focused event, the festival features tastings, competitions, demonstrations, and vendor sales that draw attendees from across Washington County and beyond.
What to Expect at the Chocolate Festival
The festival format is built around experiential tasting and discovery. Attendees move through vendor booths collecting samples of artisan chocolates, gourmet fudges, handcrafted truffles, chocolate-dipped fruits, specialty baked goods, and pairings with coffee, tea, and (for adult-only sections) wine and spirits. Educational chocolate-making demonstrations typically run throughout the day, showing attendees the art and science of chocolate tempering, truffle rolling, and dessert plating.
Vendor Lineup and Tastings
Typical festival vendors include:
- Artisan chocolatiers — regional and national craft chocolate producers showcasing single-origin bars, bonbons, and specialty pieces
- Local bakeries — Southern Utah dessert businesses presenting their signature items
- Wine and spirits — regional wineries and distilleries offering pairings (adult-only tasting areas)
- Gourmet food companies — olive oils, vinegars, preserves, condiments, and specialty pantry items
- Coffee and tea — specialty roasters and tea blenders with chocolate-complementing selections
- Specialty caterers — dessert-focused catering businesses marketing to the Southern Utah event market
Competitions and Awards
The festival typically includes judged competitions where local bakers, chocolatiers, and home dessert makers compete in categories like Best Chocolate Creation, Best Truffle, Most Innovative Dessert, and People's Choice. Winners receive recognition, prizes, and the bragging rights of being named Southern Utah's best in their category. Entry into competitions typically requires separate registration.
Ticket Options
General admission for the 2026 festival is $15 per person, covering access to the festival floor and vendor sampling. Saturday also offers a VIP early-access window (9-10 AM) ahead of general doors opening at 10 AM. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door, subject to availability — check the festival's official ticketing page for the most current options.
Grafton Building at Legacy Park Venue
The Red Rock Chocolate Festival takes place at the Grafton Building at Legacy Park (Washington County Fairgrounds) — an indoor venue with climate control, ample booth space, and adequate parking. The indoor venue makes the festival weather-independent, a significant advantage for a late-January date when outdoor events would be at risk of cold or windy weather. Legacy Park is centrally located in Hurricane with free parking on-site.
Why Late January Is Perfect Timing
The festival's late-January timing serves multiple purposes. Its proximity to Valentine's Day creates natural marketing hooks for chocolate and romance themes. Southern Utah weather in late January is typically cool (45-60°F daytime) but mild compared to most of the country, making an indoor festival a comfortable winter outing. The date also lands well before Southern Utah's busy spring outdoor tourism season, giving vendors and attendees focus without competition from major outdoor events.
Making a Day of It
Many festival attendees combine their visit with other Hurricane Valley activities. Zion National Park is 30 minutes east via SR-9 — ideal for a post-festival hike. Sand Hollow State Park is 5 minutes south for outdoor recreation. Hurricane's growing restaurant scene along State Street offers post-festival dining, and Sand Hollow Resort provides a relaxing setting for overnight stays. The festival fits naturally into a weekend getaway from St. George or a day trip for visitors already in the area.
For Chocolatiers and Vendors
The Red Rock Chocolate Festival represents an excellent marketing opportunity for artisan chocolatiers, local bakeries, and gourmet food businesses looking to reach Southern Utah customers. Vendor registration typically opens 4-6 months before the festival with booth fees varying by size and category. The festival's growing audience and community-focused organization make it an accessible event for smaller producers alongside established regional brands.