starting the popular okanagan hot chocolate festival from our desk

If you’ve ever wondered how to start a food festival, what it actually takes to run one, or why community-driven events matter so much in Canada’s food scene, then this episode of the Foodie Town podcast is for you.

In our latest live episode, my sister Taryn and I sat down to tell the full story behind the Okanagan Hot Chocolate Festival — how it started, why we launched it, and what five years of running a Canadian food festival has taught us about food, people, and building something that truly supports local businesses.

This episode is a little different from our usual format. Instead of interviewing a guest, we became the guests.

From Food Tours to a Full-Scale Canadian Food Festival

Before the Hot Chocolate Fest existed, we were running food tours, experimenting with a foodie card, and building Foodietown as a way to highlight great food in the hidden corners of Canada.

When the pandemic hit, we saw a huge gap — especially during the slower winter months. Cafes and bakeries needed foot traffic. Communities needed something joyful. And people really, really wanted an excuse to drink hot chocolate.

Inspired by hot chocolate festivals in Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, we launched the Okanagan Hot Chocolate Festival in 2021, entirely from our desks, while working full-time jobs and raising families. No ticketed booths. No massive infrastructure. Just local businesses, creative drinks, and community support.

What Makes the Okanagan Hot Chocolate Festival Different

This isn’t a one-day event. It’s a multi-week, self-guided food festival that invites people to explore cafes, bakeries, wineries, and unexpected spots across the region.

The magic comes from:

• Limited-edition hot chocolates you can only get during the festival
• Pairings with baked goods, desserts, and treats
• Vegan, gluten-free, and kid-friendly options
• A passport program that turns sipping hot chocolate into an opportunity to get new foot traffic through the door
• Turn new customers into returning customers

Most importantly, it’s designed to drive real foot traffic during January and February which is historically the quietest months for hospitality businesses.

The Real Reason We Keep Doing This

Here’s the honest truth we shared on the podcast:

There’s no money in running festivals.What there is, is community impact.

One message from a participating business owner still sticks with us. She told us the festival helped keep her doors open for an extra month and allowed her to pay her staff before closing permanently. That moment confirmed we were doing something that mattered. That’s the heart of this Canadian food festival; supporting local, spotlighting creativity, and giving people something joyful to rally around in winter.

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How to Start a Food Festival (What We’ve Learned)

We get asked this constantly — from BC to Alberta to Ontario — so we broke it all down on the podcast.

Here’s the condensed version:

1. Start With a Clear Idea

Research what already exists. Avoid duplication. Respect your community.

2. Build Trust Before You Build Hype

Our earliest participants were businesses we already had relationships with through Foodietown.

3. Communicate Relentlessly

This is something we are always trying to improve. Emails, social DMs, in-person check-ins — people are busy. Follow up matters.

4. Keep the Model Simple

No booths. No tickets. Let people explore at their own pace.

5. Don’t Do It for the Money

Do it for brand awareness, community building, and long-term connection.

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Why This Episode Matters for Canadian Food Lovers

This podcast episode isn’t just about hot chocolate.

It’s about:

• How Canadian foodie podcasts can spotlight real impact
• Why local food festivals strengthen communities
• What it looks like to build something sustainably, year after year
• Celebrating creativity in Canada’s food scene

If you love food festivals, want to start one, or simply enjoy hearing the behind-the-scenes stories that don’t make it to Instagram — you’ll love this conversation.

Listen to the Episode + Join the Community

Listen to the full episode of the Foodie Town podcast to hear the full story behind the Okanagan Hot Chocolate Festival, our favourite moments, and what’s coming next.
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Because great food always comes with a story — and this one is just getting started.

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