Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will transport visitors to the islands during its one-day culinary festival, “Taste of the Caribbean,” on Saturday, September 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event showcases authentic Caribbean cuisine, live music, and family-friendly activities, with admission included in general garden entry.
The festival will feature traditional island dishes representing the rich culinary heritage of Caribbean nations. Each offering tells the story of tropical abundance and cultural fusion that defines the region’s distinctive flavors.
Visitors can experience live performances throughout the day, including reggae, junkanoo, and Latin musical blends performed in the garden’s scenic setting. The entertainment lineup will complement the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Specialty cocktails crafted with tropical ingredients will be available alongside traditional Caribbean beverages. The drink menu emphasizes authentic flavors and colorful presentations characteristic of island culture.
Family programming includes traditional Caribbean games such as limbo contests, lime carry competitions, and fruit sack races. Additional lawn games, including oversized checkers and dominoes, will provide entertainment for all ages.
An island marketplace will feature Caribbean food vendors, spice merchants, and specialty shops offering authentic products from the region. The curated selection allows visitors to take home traditional Caribbean items and ingredients.
The festival aims to celebrate Caribbean culture through food, music, and community activities in Fairchild’s tropical setting. All programming is included with regular garden admission.
WHEN: Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Fairchild Botanical Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd. Coral Gables, FL 33156
ADMISSION: Tickets are required for all attendees
Adults: $24.95
Seniors (65+): $17.95
Children (3-11): $11.95
Free for Fairchild members and children under 2
For more information: www.fairchildgarden.org or call 305-667-1651
2025 TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN LINEUP INCLUDES:
Live Music and Entertainment
Guests can enjoy pulsating reggae, junkanoo, and Latin rhythms in the venue’s picture-perfect garden setting. The establishment features an exclusive entertainment lineup that creates an immersive cultural experience in its vibrant outdoor atmosphere.
11:30 a.m. -11:50 a.m. – Folklore Singers
11:55 a.m. -12:15 p.m. – Junkanoo Band
12:20 p.m. -12:50 p.m. – Mento Band
01:00 p.m. -1:20 p.m. – Junkanoo Band
01:30 p.m. -1:50 p.m. – Folklore Singers
2:15 p.m. -2:45 p.m. – Mento Band
3:15 p.m. -3:35 p.m. – Junkanoo Band
3:30 p.m. -4:30 p.m. – Calypso Band
Soca Dance Lessons
Guests can learn the infectious movements of this vibrant Caribbean dance style through energetic lessons that teach the dynamic steps and rhythmic culture of soca dancing.
1:20 -1:50 p.m and 2:45 -3:15 p.m.
Family-friendly Activities
The venue provides entertaining activities designed for all ages, including limbo contests, lime carry competitions, and fruit sack races. Families can enjoy additional lawn games such as giant checkers and dominos, creating an inclusive environment where guests of all generations can participate in the fun together.
Exploring the Tropics
Guests can discover the finest Caribbean fruits through an educational experience led by Nick Bernal of Seasons Farm Fresh. This tropical exploration offers participants the opportunity to learn about premium local produce while gaining insights into the region’s diverse agricultural offerings.
11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Cooking Demo
The venue features live cooking demonstrations that showcase authentic Caribbean culinary techniques. Guests can observe skilled chefs prepare traditional dishes while learning about local ingredients and cooking methods that define the region’s vibrant cuisine.
12:00 -12:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson
The festival offers dance lessons that allow guests to learn traditional Caribbean dance styles. Participants can experience the rhythmic movements and cultural expressions that define the region’s vibrant dance traditions under professional instruction.
1:00 -1:30 p.m. and 2:30 -3:00 p.m.
Kitchen Beauty with The Couture Spa
The venue features a unique beauty experience led by The Couture Spa, where guests can discover natural skincare treatments using kitchen ingredients. Participants learn to create nourishing beauty remedies from everyday culinary items, blending wellness with Caribbean-inspired natural ingredients.
1:45 -2:15 p.m.
Array of Spice Demo
An educational spice demonstration that introduces guests to the diverse array of Caribbean seasonings and their culinary applications. Participants can explore the rich flavors and aromatic profiles that define the region’s distinctive cuisine through this informative presentation.
3:15 p.m.
Dominos Tournament
The venue hosts a competitive dominos tournament that invites guests to participate in this beloved Caribbean pastime. Players can engage in friendly competition while experiencing an authentic cultural tradition that brings people together in the spirit of community and skillful gameplay.
1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Lawn Games – Available All Day
Lawn games available throughout the day for guest enjoyment. Visitors can engage in Connect 4, cornhole, giant Jenga, giant checkers, and dominos, offering continuous entertainment options that encourage social interaction and friendly competition in the outdoor setting.
Island Market
Guests can explore a diverse selection of Caribbean food products, spice shops, hemp items, and other regional specialties, creating an immersive shopping experience that captures the essence of island culture.
- Jerk Conch
- TJ Southern Kitchen
- Kitchen 1333
- Bahama Mama
- Artic Ice Cuban Delights
- It’s Always Happy Hour
- Irie Attire
- Healing Blends
- And more to come!
FOR PURCHASE:
Tropical Tasting Tavern
The festival offers a curated tasting experience featuring three Caribbean-inspired cocktails paired with complementary dishes. This guided tasting allows guests to explore authentic island flavors through expertly matched food and beverage combinations.
Two sessions are available at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
($39 per person)
Mini Caribbean Cocktail Tastings
Choose from exotic array of three specialty cocktails crafted with vibrant colors and flavors designed to transport guests to island life.
($29)
Fresh Coconut Water
Enjoy a fresh-cut coconut water providing guests with an authentic tropical refreshment. This natural beverage delivers a taste of the Caribbean while offering a healthy hydration option throughout the event.
($5)
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