Something fills the air every October in Hershey, and it’s not just the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. It’s the rich aroma of melted chocolate, freshly pulled espresso, sizzling food truck fare, and yes, craft beer. If you time it just right, a fall weekend getaway can line up with one of the town’s most beloved events in Hershey: Choctoberfest.
Held in the heart of downtown, this free annual chocolate festival transforms ChocolateTown Square Park into a lively celebration of all things local, sweet, and seasonal. Whether you’re visiting with your partner or meeting up with friends, Choctoberfest is the perfect excuse to plan an autumn getaway, and there’s no better place to stay than our charming Hershey bed and breakfast.
What Is Choctoberfest?
One of our favorite things to do in Hershey each fall, Choctoberfest captures everything we love about our sweet little town in one delicious, music-filled celebration. For an entire day, the corner of Chocolate and Cocoa Avenues fills with music, laughter, and the unmistakable scent of chocolate wafting through the air. Since its start in 2015, it’s become one of the most anticipated Hershey events of the season.
The Downtown Hershey Association curates this street party with a focus on flavor and fun, featuring three rotating bands, a generous beer and wine garden, food trucks, local artisans, and of course, plenty of chocolate. Past years have brought everything from gourmet truffles to chocolate-dusted pulled pork sliders. It’s festive, flavorful, and completely free to enter.
What to Eat and Drink
Choctoberfest is a true chocolate celebration at heart, but it’s also a celebration of Central PA’s culinary creativity. Vendors offer a rich spread of treats ranging from hot cocoa and chocolate fondue to more adventurous dishes like mole tacos and chocolate stout cupcakes. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll be in heaven.
Beyond the sweets, savory options abound. Food trucks and local restaurants bring seasonal favorites, international bites, and Oktoberfest-inspired specials. Make sure you don’t skip the beer garden! Beers from beloved brewers like Tröegs Independent Brewing pair perfectly with the flavors of the season.
Planning Your Visit
We recommend arriving early to enjoy the full day. Wear comfortable shoes for strolling in the park and layer up. Temperatures can dip as the sun sets. Street parking is available near the event, but it fills quickly. Ride shares or a quick walk from your Hershey bed and breakfast are smart options.
2025 Choctoberfest Event Info
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: ChocolateTown Square Park (Chocolate & Cocoa Avenues, Downtown Hershey)
Admission: Free (food, drinks, and crafts available for purchase)
Our inn is already fully booked for Choctoberfest 2025, but there’s still time to plan a fall getaway around the festival. Many guests love staying with us the week before or after Choctoberfest when the leaves are still vibrant, the seasonal flavors are just as rich, and the pace is a bit more relaxed. You’ll find shorter lines at attractions, easier dinner reservations, and all the charm of Hershey in October.
There’s also no shortage of things to do in town. The Antique Automobile Club of America’s Eastern Fall Meet (October 7–10, 2025) brings thousands of vintage car enthusiasts to Hershey each year.
And if you’re a hockey fan, the Hershey Bears’ regular season kicks off with home games that weekend and the following weekend. Crisp fall weather, exciting sports, and chocolate in the air? That’s a win all around.
Why Fall Is the Best Time to Visit Hershey
Fall in Hershey is postcard-pretty. Golden trees line the sidewalks, and the air carries just enough bite to make your scarf feel cozy. Choctoberfest falls right in the peak of leaf-peeping season, making this the ideal weekend to explore the area on foot.
The whole town seems to slow down this time of year. Summer crowds have thinned, making downtown strolls and country drives feel a little more personal. Tree-lined streets in nearby neighborhoods glow with amber and crimson, and scenic routes like Hersheypark Drive and Middletown Road offer stunning views of Central Pennsylvania’s rolling hills at their most vibrant.
It’s the season that makes you want to linger over a second latte at a sidewalk café, a warm pretzel from a market stall, or a quiet moment on the porch. Pair it all with the scent of chocolate in the air, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfectly indulgent weekend.
Extend the Chocolate Festival Into a Weekend Getaway
While Choctoberfest brings energy to the heart of town, your stay doesn’t have to be hectic. Just a short drive from downtown, The Inn on Church Road offers a peaceful retreat in one of the region’s most charming bed and breakfasts.
After a day spent sampling chocolate and sipping local brews, you’ll appreciate the calm of a luxurious suite, plush robes, and a warm, made-from-scratch breakfast the next morning. Our guests love relaxing on the porch with a cocktail in hand, surrounded by fall colors and fresh country air.
Reserve Your Fall Escape Today
Let the Inn on Church Road be your home base for a weekend of indulgence, comfort, and flavor. Whether you’re here for the chocolate, the music, the beer, or the beautiful autumn weather, Choctoberfest is one of the most memorable things to do in Hershey this season. And when the day winds down, we’ll be here with your key, a quiet porch, and the promise of a peaceful night’s sleep.
If Choctoberfest is on your bucket list, our 2026 calendar is open, and rooms fill quickly. Book your stay now to secure your stay for Hershey’s sweetest fall tradition.
