Event

Chocolate Groove - 7 Year Anniversary - Part 1 - Outdoors

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Chocolate Groove is turning 7 — and you're invited to celebrate this MASSIVE milestone with us!

Seven years ago, the seed was planted with our very first Chocolate Groove — an intimate rooftop gathering in downtown Toronto. What began as a dream to expand the Ecstatic Dance container into a more social, community-driven experience quickly grew into a Cacao Ecstatic Dance Social. Born from The Big Love – Cacao Ecstatic Dance collaboration between Darren Austin Hall and founder Jesse Buck in 2016, it has since blossomed into something much bigger. Over the summer we hosted our first few events that were just a test to see how the community responded & to clarify this vision.

Then, on September 5th, 2018 — Founder Jesse Buck’s birthday — we officially launched the Chocolate Groove Weekly Wednesday Social at Alternity. This weekly cacao-fueled ecstatic dance party ran strong until 2020 (yes, that year). From there, we pivoted and expanded: moving online, hosting outdoor events, silent discos, retreats, festivals, and building a cultural movement rooted in alcohol-free celebration, connection, and community.

What started as a cacao ecstatic dance social has now evolved into a vibrant alcohol-free movement — one that champions conscious partying, international artists, authentic community connection, and transformative gatherings. And we’re just getting started.

Because we have two anniversaries — the planting of the seed and the launch of the weekly groove — we’re celebrating both in true Chocolate Groove style:

🌱 Part 1 – The Seed - This Wednesday — join us at a Secret Outdoor Location (you know how we do) for an intimate and magical celebration of the roots.

🌸 Part 2 – The Bloom - On September 5th or 6th, we’ll be gathering for an overnight campout celebration at a stunning location just 1 hour outside the city. This will be a full power experience — a tribute to how far we've come and what we’re stepping into next.

Stay tuned for the full drop — and get ready to groove with us into the next chapter.

>>> LOCATION - TBA TO ATTENDEES VIA EMAIL

Location will be sent to all registered attendees via email 24 hours before the event.

IMPORTANT -- If purchased within 24 hours, check your confirmation email for the location.

>>> Schedule

6:00 - Arrival

6:30 - Warm up with Chris Dub

7:30 - Cacao Activation

8:00 - MATTY RYCE

9:15 - CACAOBOY

10:30 - MIXWELL - MTL

12:00AM - Soundbath with Jesse Buck & Reva Wild

>>> ENERGY Exchange -

Suggested Donation - $20 - $40

*Your donations are essential to keep these events going. These donations help pay our artists & cover the costs associated with these outdoor offerings. Donations can be made to Michael Egan (wearing a bright vest) at the Cacao Table).

💫 PLEASE NOTE 💫

🌿 Bring a Cup - Please bring your own cup for the cacao ceremony — this helps us reduce waste and honor the Earth.

🙏 By Donation - For anyone who comes with out a ticket we encourafge them to support by donations with Michael Egan (in a bright vest) at the cacao table to make your contribution.

This event is by suggested donation: $20 – $40

Your donation supports our artists and helps us continue bringing these magical outdoor gatherings to life �

♻️ Leave No Trace - Let’s respect the land. Pack out what you pack in and leave the park cleaner than you found it. This is part of how we give back to the Earth.

🌤️ Dress for the Weather - Rain or shine, we dance! Check the forecast and come prepared — bring layers, sun protection, or a light rain shell if needed.

🧺 What to Bring - Water bottle, blanket or yoga mat, sunscreen, insect repellent, cozy layers for after the dance, and anything else to help you feel grounded and comfy.

🧺Safety - With this being a public event outdoors, we cannot contain who will wander into our gathering. We do our best to have Security Volunteers, staff around keeping an eye on things and we encourage radical self reliance. While also trusting our community will all look out for each other. We will have a 10x20 ft lounge area lit up and encourage you to keep your items there if you have a back pack. Feel free to also bring tapestries to expand the lounge area. Pillows are welcome <3

If you see someone or something that needs our attention please tell one of our staff.

🦶 Footwear - Many love to dance barefoot, but it’s a good idea to bring shoes for walking to and from the dance area, especially if terrain is uneven.

🚫 "California sober" - Alcohol-Free eventWe co-create a sober space of presence and connection. Please do not bring alcohol or illegal substances — let’s keep our vibe clear and intentional.

📵 Presence Over Phones - Let’s be here now. We do appreciate you taking videos and sharing it to your socials. It plays a huge roll in spreading our movement to your communities. But, If you need to use your phone, please step away from the dance floor to preserve the shared energy on the dance floor.

🚽 Facilities - There are public washrooms nearby but they do close around 9or 10 pm, so please plan accordingly. There are lots of bushes and trees around ;)

📍 Location & Arrival - Location will be send to all attendees 24 hours before the event starts. Be sure to arrive early to settle in, ground, and be part of the opening circle. Make sure you know how to find us.

INTERESTED IN VENDING?

Contact : dmVuZG9ycyAhIGNob2NvbGF0ZWdyb292ZSB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t

What is Chocolate Groove?
For the past seven years, Chocolate Groove has been hosting conscious, intentional celebrations—creating a safe, inclusive space for gathering, drinking cacao, dancing, and deep connection.

As a staple "Sober Celebration" event in Toronto, we bring a wellness-focused, retreat-style experience to the nightlife scene. Since our first alcohol-free dance gathering in 2018, we have continued to evolve—holding space for both Ecstatic Dance and meaningful social connection.

At our core, we are more than just a dance party—we are a community. A space for authentic connection, expression, and celebration where everyone is welcome.

..:: CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT ::..
Please respect, honor & love:❤️ Yourself💫 The Space🌎 Each Other

🌿 This is an alcohol-free space🌈 We are co-creating a safe, inclusive, family-friendly, non-judgmental, and shame-free space for radical community expression & care.

We are all active participants in fostering this environment. If you or someone else is struggling to uphold these values, please connect with us—we are here to support each other as a community.

💛 With love, Your Chocolate Groove Team
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