These 7 dessert fests are the sweetest thing ever

Living la dolce vita is easy as pie when you make room on your itinerary for one of these annual events that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth. Just in time for National Dessert Day on Oct. 14, we’ve rounded up a list of ways to get your just desserts all year long.

Chocolate-Covered February: Hershey, PA

When you’re at the epicenter of the chocolate universe and it’s the sweetest month of the year, you celebrate all day, every day. The birthplace of the Hershey Company warms up winter with more than 90 chocolate-themed events throughout the city, including hands-on workshops, wine-and-chocolate pairings, decadent spa treatments and more.

LA Cookie Convention: Los Angeles

If you thought everyone in LA was on a diet, then a visit to the West Coast’s largest baking and pastry convention in February will prove you wrong. Marvel at creative confections in the decorators’ showcase, designed by professionals, amateurs and even kids. And because it’s LA, expect the stars to come out. The upcoming 2020 convention includes appearances by Ace of Cakes star Duff Goldman, YouTuber Rosanna Pansino of Nerdy Nummies, vampire slayer/foodie Sarah Michelle Gellar and more.

Flan Fest: Tampa, FL

Flan fans flock to the historic Ybor City district every February for this festival celebrating the custardy dessert and the Latino immigrants who popularized it in Florida. Bakers compete for a cash prize and bragging rights, while attendees enjoy flan samples, live entertainment, a children’s area and more.

Claremont Pie Festival: Los Angeles

If you’re planning a trip to Southern California, this daylong pastry party 40 minutes east of downtown LA will be the icing on the cake. Highlights of the March event include a baking contest, pie eating contest, demos and more. A classic car show and retro fashion show are the cherry on top.

National Pie Championships: Orlando

Grab a slice of life at this April event that’s as American as, well… you know. The competition includes divisions for pros, amateurs and commercial bakers, and there’s a pie party that’s open to the public.

Atlanta Ice Cream Festival: Atlanta

With a nickname like Hotlanta, how could the ATL not have its own ice cream festival? Each July, visitors descend on Piedmont Park for a day of ice cream eating contests and cooking demos. You’ll have almost as much fun burning off the calories with the festival’s wellness activities, which include yoga, double dutch, hula hoop competitions and more.

Eli’s Cheesecake Festival: Chicago

After surviving brutal winters, Windy City denizens deserve a sweet treat. Famed cheesecake purveyor Eli’s offers guilty pleasures in spades, especially during its annual July celebration. Among the most recent festivities were live music, a classic car show, a cheesecake eating contest, cheesecake walk and something called Cheesecake Bingo. There’s also a Zumba party to dance off the damage.

Dessert Goals: NYC, Los Angeles

A sweet tooth can strike at anytime, just like this bi-coastal festival that happens every few months. At themed events, indulge in cake pops, mochi ice cream, macarons, artisanal toaster pastries and whatever else the cool kids can dream up. Costumes and Instagram posts are highly encouraged.