Fairchild’s Chocolate Festival
January 24 – 25, 2026
Annual
Chocolate Festival
A celebration of chocolate in all its forms. Artisan treats, live chef demonstrations, curated pairings, family activities, and the beautiful, open-air atmosphere that makes Fairchild such a great place to spend a day. Come ready to explore, enjoy, and bring home exceptional chocolate.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Chocolate-lover’s Paradise
A Chocolate Experience for All Ages
A two-day celebration designed for chocolate lovers of all ages, blending tastings, education, entertainment, and hands-on activities across Fairchild.
Artisan Chocolate Marketplace
Shop handcrafted chocolates from master chocolatiers featuring truffles, chocolate bars, bonbons, and specialty sweets made by local and international makers.
Chocolate Wine Pairings & Specialty Tastings
(Sold separately. Tickets available soon) Experience our elevated pairings and tasting experiences, including Cacao & Corks, a wine & chocolate pairing led by expert hosts and chocolatiers; Chocolate & Cocktails, a mini chocolate flight of chocolate-themed cocktails; or our smooth Bourbon & Chocolate pairing. Must be 21.
Culinary Demos & Educational Talks
Live cooking demonstrations and educational sessions exploring chocolate from origin to finished creation, with insights into sourcing, flavor development, and technique.
Hands-On Chocolate Workshops
(Sold separately. Tickets available soon) Interactive experiences like candy bar creation, chocolate painting, and specialty workshops designed for guests who want to get creative with chocolate.
Science, Art & Discovery Activities
Explore the science and art behind chocolate through labs, crafts, and discovery-based experiences that reveal how chocolate is made and why it behaves the way it does. Some offerings are sold separately.
Family Fun & Kids Activities
Garden-wide activities for younger guests, including chocolate scavenger hunts, games, crafts, face painting, bubble dance parties, art activities, themed challenges, and the world famous Choco Choco ChooChoo.
Music, Entertainment & Garden Experiences
Live entertainment, stage programming, butterfly exhibits, children’s gardens and exhibits, the beauty of Fairchild, create a festive atmosphere throughout the weekend long.
Festival of Chocolate Event Activities
Chocolate experiences, workshops, music, and family fun — these are the moments that make the Festival unforgettable.
The Candy BAR
Get creative with chocolate! Design your own candy bar using premium chocolate and a fun mix of toppings. A sweet, hands-on treat for all ages.
$13 per bar. Sold separately.
House of Chocolate
A curated chocolate experience featuring South Florida’s finest chocolatiers. Discover bold, beautiful creations from names like Romanicos, Club Chocolate, and OMG Brigadeiros.
Included with admission.
Products sold separately.
A Journey in Chocolate
Embark on a world tour through chocolate. Sample six warm, globally inspired chocolates in this immersive tasting experience that traces cacao’s journey across continents. A rich, sensory adventure for curious palates.
$24 per tasting.
Offered daily at 10:45am, 12:15pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm.
Chocolate Olympics
Scheduled chocolate-themed activities for children at Amazonica Lawn, organized into two age groups (ages 4–6 and ages 7–12), with multiple sessions throughout the day.
Ages 4-6: 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., & 3:30 p.m.
Ages 7-12: 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m.,
2:45 p.m. & 4:15 p.m.
Garden Marketplace & Food Vendors
Shop a selection of artisanal items and delicious food and beverages from our local Marketplace and Food Court vendors.
Cacao and Corks
A pairing as refined as it is irresistible. Discover rich chocolate from Kamm and perfectly matched wines—bold, bright, and beautifully balanced.
Sessions at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
$39 per person. Must be 21. We ID.
The Sweet Sanctuary
Step into a haven of handcrafted chocolates and bold flavor. Shop treats from KAMM, Esquisito, AWKI, and more—plus, join us for the Chocolate Dessert Contest.
Don’t miss The Candy Bar—decorate your own for $13.
Included with admission. Products sold separately.
Sweetbar Studio
Get hands-on with chocolate at this fun, flavor-packed workshop. Craft your own custom candy bar using premium chocolate and a mix of playful toppings—creativity encouraged.
Sessions at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
$25 per person.
The Chocolate Challenge
A garden-wide adventure awaits. Kids can explore, discover, and follow the clues on a chocolate-themed scavenger challenge made for curious minds and sweet seekers.
Included with admission.
Chocolate & Spirits
Bold meets smooth in this bourbon and chocolate pairing experience. Three pours, rich KAMM chocolate, and one unforgettable tasting.
$39 per person. Must be 21. We ID.
Bubble Dance Party
Turn up the beats and pop into the fun! DJ Brandon Segree transforms the dance floor into a bubble-filled celebration with music, movement, and nonstop smiles for kids of all ages.
11:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m.,
3:15 p.m., and 4:30 pm.
Mini Chocolate Cocktail Flight
Three decadent sips, one delicious flight. Enjoy a trio of chocolate-inspired mini martinis: Almond Joy Martini, White Chocolate Strawberry Martini, Tootsie Roll Martini.
$34 per person. Must be 21. We ID.
Face Painting
Brighten up the day with a colorful transformation. Stop by our face painting station and let the creativity shine—perfect for little festival-goers.
Available throughout the event.
Sold separately.
The Cacao Cabana
Discover the craft behind the cacao. Enjoy live demos and talks that explore chocolate from bean to bite—led by chefs, makers, and experts.
Schedule coming soon. Included with admission.
Cacao Grove Kids Lab
Chocolate Butter Painting available from 10:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m., followed by additional crafts and hands-on activities from
1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Details provided on site.
Yoga and Chocolate Ceremony
Start your day with grounding movement and a warm cup of ceremonial cacao. Flow through a guided yoga session, then craft your own cacao in a mindful ritual rooted in tradition and connection.
Begins at 9:00 a.m.
Access to yoga becomes available after choosing an admission ticket.
Live Music That Hits Every Note
What’s a sweet celebration without a perfect soundtrack? This year’s Festival of Chocolate brings more than decadent treats: it brings rhythm, soul and high-energy performances under the Garden’s towering canopy.
Saturday: Elilo
A soulful, genre-blending performance by Elilo, whose smooth vocals and modern Latin sound will fill the Garden with irresistible energy.
Sunday: First Call
Get ready to dance! First Call delivers chart-topping hits and timeless favorites in a high-energy set that keeps the party going.
@arredondo_music
Music begins mid-afternoon and flows into the evening. Included with festival admission.
Garden Marketplace & Fairchild Gift Shop
Shop artisan vendors offering hand-crafted wares, unique gifts, home accents and specialty items. Visit the Fairchild Gift Shop & Bistro for garden-themed finds, specialty chocolate-themed coffees and snacks.
Plan Your Perfect Chocolate Day at Fairchild
Explore the official map and full program for Fairchild’s Festival of Chocolate.
From bourbon pairings and hands-on workshops to live demos, family-friendly competitions, and performances on the lawn—every corner of the Garden is alive with flavor, creativity, and celebration. Whether you’re charting your tasting journey or planning your family’s chocolate-filled adventure, this map is your must-have companion.
Membership Benefits
at a Glance
• Free daytime admission for adults and/or children (depends on membership level)
• Access to signature Fairchild events: Chocolate Festival, Orchids in Bloom, Mango Festival, and more
• Discounts on concerts, classes, and specialty programs
• Early Tuesday morning entry
Become a Chocolate Festival Marketplace Vendor
Showcase your chocolate or cocoa-inspired creations at Miami’s signature chocolate weekend.
The Chocolate Festival is rain or shine.
Certain products and experiences are sold separately.
Must be 21 to participate in any experiences where alcohol is offered. We ID.
Vendors may choose to offer samples of their products in very limited supply. First come, first served.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Festival of Chocolate take place?
The Festival of Chocolate takes place Saturday and Sunday, January 24–25, at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL.
What time does the Garden open?
- 8:45 a.m. – Early entry is available only for guests registered for Morning Yoga & Chocolate Ceremony.
- Guests must be registered and have a valid festival ticket to enter early.
- No other festival activities, vendors, or experiences will be open during early entry.
- 10:00 a.m. – The Garden and all Festival of Chocolate activities officially open to all ticketed guests.
Who can enter early for yoga & Chocolate Ceremony?
Early entry is limited to guests who:
- Are registered for the Morning Yoga & Chocolate Ceremony
- Have a valid Festival of Chocolate ticket
No walk-ins or early access for non-yoga guests
Does general admission include all activities?
General admission includes access to:
- Live music performances
- Cooking demos and educational talks
- Family and kids’ programming
- Artisan chocolate vendors and curated markets
- Art, science, and hands-on activities
- Garden-wide chocolate scavenger hunt
Some special chocolate tastings, workshops, and food experiences are ticketed separately and available in limited quantities.
What ticketed experiences are available?
Optional ticketed experiences include:
- Chocolate Pairings and Tasting Experiences:
- Chocolate & Spirits Pairing (21+) Chocolate and bourbon pairing Sponsored by kamm®
- Mini Chocolate Cocktail Flight (21+) Enjoy three chocolate-inspired cocktails.
- Chocolate & Wine Pairing (21+)
- Sweet Bar Studio (Create your own custom candy bar using premium chocolate and fun mix-ins).
- The Candy BAR (decorate your own candy bar)
- A Journey in Chocolate (six warm chocolates from around the world)
Availability is limited and subject to change.
Will tram tours be running during the festival?
No. Tram tours will not operate on Saturday or Sunday during the Festival of Chocolate.
Is transportation available inside the Garden?
Yes. The Choco Choco Choo Choo Express runs throughout the day from the Tram Plaza.
Limited priority shuttle service is available for guests requiring additional assistance
Where can I find food and drinks?
Food and beverage options will be available at:
- Glasshouse Café
- Garden House Lawn
- Victoria Amazonica Lawn
Food and drinks are sold separately unless included in a ticketed experience.
Are water stations available?
Yes. Water refill stations are available throughout the Garden and are clearly marked on the festival map. Guests are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles.
Is the Festival family-friendly?
Yes. The Festival of Chocolate is designed for all ages and includes:
- Chocolate Olympics (ages 4–6 and 7–12)
- Bubble Dance Party
- Chocolate scavenger hunt
- Face painting (additional cost)
- Kids art labs and craft activities
- Choco Choco Choo Choo Express
Activity times vary and are listed in the Fairchild App.
Will there be live music?
Yes. Live music performances take place on the Garden House Lawn Stage throughout the day on both Saturday and Sunday. Performance times are listed in the Fairchild App.
Is alcohol available?
Yes. Alcohol is available within designated areas and ticketed experiences. Guests must be 21 years of age or older and present a valid ID.
Alcohol is served as part of the Cacao Bar tasting experience, and a full bar is also available on the Garden House Lawn and at the Glasshouse Café.
How do I see the full schedule and map?
Download the Fairchild App to:
- View the full festival schedule
- Explore the interactive map
- Purchase ticketed experiences
- Receive real-time updates during the event
Where do I park?
On-site parking is available. Guests should follow event signage and staff directions upon arrival. Accessible parking is available near the Visitor Entrance.
Can I shop during the festival?
Yes. Guests can shop from curated vendors and chocolatiers throughout the Garden.
Vendor locations and lists are available in the Fairchild App.
Can I become a Fairchild member during the event?
Yes. Visit the Membership Booth before departing to:
- Convert your festival ticket toward membership
- Renew your membership
While supplies last, guests who join or renew may receive a complimentary water bottle.
General Garden Policies
In addition to the Festival-specific information above, all standard Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden policies apply.
For details regarding:
- Re-entry policies
- Pets and service animals
- Strollers and mobility devices
- Weather-related updates
- Smoking policies
- Photography guidelines
- Prohibited items
Please refer to the official Fairchild FAQ page:
https://fairchildgarden.org/faq/