A Festival of Chocolate at Fairchild: Miami’s Sweetest Weekend

Get Ready for South Florida’s Sweetest Weekend

Chocolate lovers, mark your calendars. A Festival of Chocolate at Fairchild is officially back—and it’s shaping up to be one of the most delicious weekends in Miami. Taking over the lush 83-acre grounds of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this two-day celebration transforms a tropical paradise

into a cocoa-fueled playground for all ages.

Part indulgent food fest, part educational adventure, and part family-friendly carnival, the festival invites guests to taste, create, sip, and explore everything chocolate—from bean to bonbon. It’s the kind of event that feels distinctly Miami: elevated, playful, and rooted in

culture, sustainability, and flavor.

A Festival of Chocolate at Fairchild: What to Expect

From artisan treats to hands-on workshops, this year’s lineup delivers something for every kind of chocolate enthusiast—from serious foodies to curious kids.

Artisan Chocolate Marketplace

Stroll through a curated marketplace featuring local and international chocolatiers offering handcrafted truffles, bonbons, and limited-edition chocolate bars.

It’s the perfect place to discover new flavors, meet the makers, and stock up on gifts (or treats you’ll pretend are gifts).

Hands-On Chocolate Workshops (Sold Separately)

Ready to get messy? These interactive workshops let guests create custom candy bars, paint with chocolate, and learn professional techniques straight from the pros. Whether you’re channeling your inner chocolatier or just having fun, these sessions are as entertaining as they are tasty.

Chocolate & Wine Pairings (21+, Sold Separately)

Elevate your palate with indulgent pairing experiences like Cacao & Corks and Bourbon & Chocolate. Expect expertly matched sips and bites that highlight how chocolate plays beautifully with wine and spirits.

Mini Chocolate Martini Flight (21+, Sold Separately)

Three decadent chocolate cocktails, one unforgettable tasting. These mini martini flights are designed to delight your taste buds—and your Instagram feed.

Sweet Experiences for the Whole Family

One of the reasons A Festival of Chocolate at Fairchild stands out is its family-friendly approach. While adults sip and sample, kids can dive into experiences designed just for them.

Family Fun Zone

Little ones can enjoy chocolate scavenger hunts, face painting, bubble dance parties, and a ride on the iconic Choco Choco ChooChoo train. It’s joyful, high-energy fun that keeps kids engaged while parents explore.

Science & Discovery Labs

Ever wonder why chocolate melts the way it does—or why that snap matters? These interactive labs break down the science behind chocolate’s texture, flavor, and chemistry in a way that’s hands-on and easy to understand.

More Than a Treat: Chocolate with a Purpose

Beyond indulgence, the festival tells a deeper story about cacao, conservation, and sustainability. Through culinary demonstrations and educational talks, guests learn how chocolate connects to tropical ecosystems, ethical farming practices, and global conservation efforts.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden weaves education seamlessly into the experience, reminding visitors that chocolate doesn’t just come from a wrapper—it starts with a cacao tree and a global community working to protect it.

Plan Your Visit Like a Pro

Tickets typically sell quickly, especially for workshops and tastings, so advance planning is key. For the latest ticket info, schedules, and festival updates, visit https://www.fairchildgarden.org and explore upcoming Miami food and culture events on https://www.miamivibesmag.com.

Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking the gardens), bring sunscreen, and pace yourself—this is a marathon of chocolate, not a sprint.

Why This Festival Is Pure Miami Magic

A Festival of Chocolate at Fairchild is more than a food festival—it’s a celebration of flavor, creativity, education, and community set against one of Miami’s most beautiful backdrops. Whether you’re designing your own chocolate bar, sipping a cacao cocktail, or watching your kids chase bubbles between palm trees, this weekend captures the sweet side of South Florida living.