Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Celebrates Chocolate Culture With 19th Annual Festival
- camilarosiaz
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will host the 19th annual A Festival of Chocolate on January 24 and 25, 2026, transforming its 83-acre landscape into a destination dedicated to chocolate, culture, and education. The two-day event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and brings together artisanal tastings, culinary demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly activities.
The festival features an extensive artisan chocolate marketplace, where local and international chocolatiers present handcrafted truffles, cacao-forward bars, caramels, bonbons, and limited-edition confections. Throughout the weekend, chefs lead live demonstrations showcasing chocolate-based recipes while explaining techniques, ingredients, and flavor pairings.
Educational programming explores the full bean-to-bar process, examining chocolate’s origins, ethical sourcing, and the science behind its complex flavors. These sessions align with Fairchild’s broader mission to connect food, culture, and conservation by highlighting chocolate’s rainforest roots and ecological impact.
Interactive experiences are offered throughout the Garden, including hands-on chocolate workshops, chocolate and wine pairings, bourbon and chocolate tastings for guests 21 and older, and a mini chocolate martini flight. Families can visit The Candy BAR, where children decorate personalized chocolate bars, and participate in science labs, crafts, scavenger hunts, games, and themed activities. The event also includes rides on the Choco Choco ChooChoo train, live entertainment, and stage programming.
In addition to the chocolate-focused attractions, guests have access to Fairchild’s butterfly exhibits, children’s gardens, and tropical plant collections, creating a weekend that blends culinary exploration with botanical discovery.
Admission to the festival is included with regular Garden entry. Tickets and full event details are available through Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.