Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival is held every September on Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco. About 40,000 people gather to see San Francisco chefs' cooking demonstrations and enjoy the live music and the perfect sweet treat. Up to 50 booths are set up by restaurants, bakeries and chocolatiers to provide dessert samples. The festival runs from noon to 5 pm.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival gathers chocolate fans and all those who are interested in cooking and baking. One of the main highlights is the "Chocolate School" at the Culinary Stage by Ghirardelli Chocolate Master. Also, Ghirardelli Chocolate Lounge will be available to festival attendees with beverages like absinthe, rum, beer, and Californian wines. Admission to the festival is around $26. Proceeds from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company Festival benefits Project Open Hand charity.
Outside the festival season, San Francisco visitors may explore Ghirardelli Square with its multiple shops and restaurants, and above all Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop. This place is one of the highlights in the official city tour program.
