The Chocolate Lovers Festival was developed in 1992 as a joint effort of the City of Fairfax, Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Fairfax Coalition, Downtown Fairfax Merchants Association and George Mason University. The purpose of the festival was to draw visitors to Old Town Fairfax, to encourage community participation and to foster cooperation among the city government, the business community and local residents.

The first festival was held in February 1993 and continues an annual tradition with "love of chocolate" as a unifying theme. This popular festival continues to attract chocolate lovers from around the country.