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Miami’s most delectable tradition returns as Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, home to the continental United States’ only tropical rainforest, announces its 18th Annual Festival of Chocolate.
Taking place Jan. 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the two-day celebration transforms the garden’s legendary 83-acre paradise into an immersive journey through the world of chocolate, from bean to bar.
“The Festival of Chocolate is much more than a celebration of sweets — it’s an opportunity to educate visitors about the ecology of the rainforest where cacao grows,” said Nannette Zapata, deputy director at Fairchild. “When you walk our chocolate trail through the rainforest, visit our laboratories, and engage with our exhibits, you begin to understand how a simple cacao flower becomes the chocolate we all love. This deeper understanding gives every piece of chocolate more dimension and, quite literally, more flavor.”
For 2025, the festival introduces exclusive early access tickets with a 20 percent discount on adult admission, ensuring chocolate enthusiasts don’t miss a moment of this multisensory experience. “Chocolate is probably the most universal medium there is,” notes Charity Hill, event organizer. “It crosses every demographic, making this event perfect for multigenerational families or dates. Our programming approach balances education with entertainment, aligning perfectly with the Garden’s mission.”
The weekend’s highlights include:
● The House of Chocolate, featuring premier local and international chocolatiers.
● Interactive Chocolate Lab experiences, including the popular Sweetbar Studio, where guests can create custom chocolate candy bars using premium ingredients ($25/session).
● The Chocolate Olympics for young competitors.
● Cocoa Lounge, offering curated wine, bourbon, and chocolate pairings, as well as the new mini chocolate cocktail flight ($34).
● Educational demonstrations and chocolate-making workshops.
● Chocolate tastings, cooking demos, and chocolate-inspired activities, including pairings and chocolate-themed drink flights aimed at unlocking flavors.
● The Candy BAR, a family-friendly station for decorating personalized chocolate bars ($13).
● Artisanal chocolate vendors, showcasing handcrafted small-batch treats and unique flavors from local artisans.
● Array of Spice Seminar ($34): A culinary journey exploring cacao-infused dishes, including appetizers, entrées, and desserts, led by Spice Rack by Rochelle Inc.
● Wine and Cupcakes Pairing ($34/session): A sophisticated pairing experience combining delectable cupcakes and curated wines (ages 21 and older).
● Sweet Stories with Mrs. Cacao, Bubble Dance Parties, and live music throughout the garden.
The festival integrates hands-on experiences with educational opportunities, allowing visitors to explore the complete journey of chocolate while enjoying its many forms. Special attention is given to the garden’s rainforest exhibits, where visitors can see live cacao plants and understand chocolate’s origins firsthand.
Early Access Ticket Information: Sign up now at www.fairchildgarden.org to receive 20 percent off adult admission tickets. Regular Admission: members are free; adults, $24.95; seniors, $17.95; Children (6-17), $11.95, and children (5 and under) are free.
For complete event details and to purchase tickets, visit www.fairchildgarden.org.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is an 83-acre tropical paradise in the Heart of Miami.
Founded and named after Dr. David Fairchild, one of the most famous plant explorers in history, the garden’s outstanding botanical collection has been a fundamental part of the institution’s existence since 1938. Fairchild is home to a significant collection of palms, cycads, and rare tropicalplants. It is also home to the only tropical rainforest in the continental U.S. and Wings of the Tropics, an exotic butterfly exhibit featuring butterfly specimens from all over the world.
Fairchild has the largest education program of any metropolitan area, reaching more than 300,000 schoolchildren each year with programs like The Fairchild Challenge, The Million Orchid Project, Growing Beyond Earth, and its BioTECH High School.
The Garden is a not-for-profit organization committed to harnessing the power of plants for humankind and sharing the joy of tropical gardening with everyone. Fairchild Garden is known for its outstanding signature events. From Chocolate, Mango, and Orchid festivals, to concerts, classes, art exhibitions, and plant shows, Fairchild has something for everyone.
Additionally, Fairchild is a premier location for outdoor weddings and private events. With gorgeous vistas and spectacular event spaces, the Garden is the perfect location to celebrate all of life’s important moments. More information is available at www.fairchildgarden.
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