Did you know Austin, TX, was home to an annual chocolate festival? Neither did I!

The Sixth Annual Austin Texas Chocolate Festival will be held Nov. 16-17, 2013, at the Norris Conference Center (in the former Northcross Mall). Tickets are $21.65 each (including tax) and are sold for two-hour intervals. Guests get to taste 16 treats from local chocolatiers, bakeries, restaurants, caterers, and authors. Vendors compete against each other in a variety of categories, some of which attendees can vote on.

The festival raises money and community awareness for multiple sclerosis and breast cancer. One unique feature is Fudge for Feet, the goal of which is to raise enough money to put shoes on at least 50 needy people. Guests can sample fudge made by Chef Jason Maddox using one of their tickets or by giving a small donation. 100% of the Fudge for Feet funds will be used to purchase the shoes, which will then be distributed at homeless shelters.

I really want to go to the festival, but unfortunately, I found out about it too late and I already have plans that I can’t break. I’ll be keeping an eye out for it next year, though.