Fairchild's Festival of Chocolate fills the garden on Old Cutler Road for a weekend each January. The 2026 festival was Jan. 24-25; 2027 dates to come.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden had not posted dates for the 2027 festival when we checked, so the details below are from the January 2026 festival. Source: Fairchild’s Festival of Chocolate page and visitor FAQ. Fairchild: 305-667-1651.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on Old Cutler Road turns over a whole weekend each January to chocolate. Its Festival of Chocolate brings an artisan chocolate market, chef demonstrations, talks on where cacao comes from, family activities and live music across the 83-acre garden. Fairchild points out that its rainforest is one of the few places in the continental U.S. where the cacao tree grows outdoors, so you can see where chocolate starts before you buy it.

What this means for you

  • The festival is a Saturday and Sunday in late January; in 2026 it was Jan. 24-25.
  • Hours were 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
  • Garden admission covers the festival, and members get in free; pairings and workshops cost extra.
  • Parking at the garden is free.
  • We will post the 2027 dates here as soon as Fairchild announces them.

When and where
When (2026) Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2027 Not announced when we checked
Where Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road
Tickets Fairchild festival page
Rain The festival is rain or shine

The garden opened at 8:45 a.m. in 2026 only for guests booked into the Morning Yoga and Chocolate Ceremony, who also needed a festival ticket. Everything else opened at 10 a.m.

Cost and tickets

Fairchild says festival activities are included with general admission, and members reserve free tickets. General admission in 2026 covered the live music, cooking demos and talks, the children’s activities, the chocolate vendors and markets, art and science activities, and a garden-wide chocolate scavenger hunt.

Some experiences were sold separately and in limited numbers. The prices Fairchild listed for 2026 included:

  • The Candy BAR, decorate your own candy bar: $13 per bar
  • A Journey in Chocolate, six warm chocolates from around the world: $24 per tasting
  • Mini chocolate cocktail flight, 21 and older: $34 per person
  • Chocolate and spirits or wine pairings, 21 and older: $39 per person

Alcohol was served only in set areas and ticketed experiences, and Fairchild checks ID. Food and drinks were sold at the Glasshouse Café, the Garden House Lawn and the Victoria Amazonica Lawn.

Parking and getting around

Parking at Fairchild is free. Park at the Main Visitor Entrance on Old Cutler Road; the South Entrance is for staff only. On festival weekends Fairchild asks drivers to follow event signs and staff directions, and accessible parking is near the Visitor Entrance.

Fairchild’s regular eco-discount takes $5 off adult admission and $2 off for children if you walk, bike or take public transportation.

The garden’s usual tram tours did not run on festival weekend in 2026. Instead, the Choco Choco Choo Choo Express ran through the day from the Tram Plaza, and a limited priority shuttle carried guests who needed extra help.

What to know before you go

  • Kids: Fairchild says the festival is built for all ages: the Chocolate Olympics (ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 12), a bubble dance party, a scavenger hunt, art labs and crafts. Face painting costs extra.
  • Water: refill stations are marked on the festival map. Bring a reusable bottle.
  • Schedule: performance and activity times, the map and real-time updates are in the Fairchild app.
  • Food: Fairchild’s FAQ says you may bring your own food on a normal visit, but rolling coolers are not allowed.
  • Pets, strollers and re-entry: Fairchild’s standard garden policies apply; check its FAQ before you go.
  • Accessibility: the garden’s paths and buildings are accessible, and the trams take wheelchairs.

Other Fairchild festivals

The Chocolate Festival is one of three signature weekend festivals at Fairchild. The orchid festival follows in March and the Mango Festival in June.

More: things to do this month, kids activities and getting around Coral Gables.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Fairchild Chocolate Festival?

It is held on a Saturday and Sunday in late January. The 2026 festival was Jan. 24-25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Fairchild had not posted 2027 dates when we checked.

Where is the Chocolate Festival held?

At Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road. Parking at the garden is free; Fairchild asks visitors to use the Main Visitor Entrance.

Is the Chocolate Festival included with Fairchild admission?

Yes. Fairchild says general admission includes the festival, and members get free tickets. Pairings, workshops and some tastings are sold separately.

Is the Fairchild Chocolate Festival good for kids?

Fairchild says it is designed for all ages, with a scavenger hunt, the Chocolate Olympics for ages 4 to 12, a bubble dance party, crafts and the Choco Choco Choo Choo Express.

Does the Chocolate Festival happen if it rains?

Yes. Fairchild says the Chocolate Festival is rain or shine.