Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden once again will transform into a mango lover’s paradise for the 31st Annual Mango Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday, July 12–13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Now a South Florida tradition, the two-day celebration offers something for everyone: world-class cuisine, horticultural wonders, family-friendly activities, and a marketplace overflowing with mango-inspired delights.

Held in one of the most iconic tropical gardens in the country, the festival draws visitors from across the region to experience the vibrant intersection of science, culture, and community—with the mango as its centerpiece. From chef-led brunches to art classes, curated tastings to horticultural lectures, Fairchild has curated a weekend that delivers both flavor and fun.

The Mango Brunch: Culinary centerpiece of the Festival

The highlight of the weekend is the ticketed Mango Brunch, a sold-out-every-year culinary showcase featuring South Florida’s top chefs. This year’s star-studded lineup includes James Beard Award winner Chef Allen Susser, Cindy Hutson of Zest at the Cliff, Cesar Zapata of Phuc Yea, and Jose Mendin of Pubbelly and Casa Isola. The culinary roster also features Aaron Brooks of Sunny’s Steakhouse, recently crowned the top new restaurant in America by Robb Report.

Guests will enjoy inventive mango-forward dishes like Chef Susser’s Mango Brulee Brie on ginger mango bread, Hutson’s Jerk Seared Tuna Tataki with Julie mango salsa, and Chef Irie’s Goat Ragu in Mango Curry Sauce. Brooks’ raw bar of Florida Treasure Coast oysters with green mango criolla offers a briny balance to the mango’s sweetness, while Mendin’s Mango Matsuri Roll proves the fruit’s versatility.

Held Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Arts Center, the brunch includes general admission and welcomes kids at the same ticket price. It’s a mango lover’s dream, and a highlight of Miami’s summer dining calendar.

Science, sustainability and flavor: The mango marketplace and lecture series

Beyond the brunch, the festival offers a full slate of programming rooted in Fairchild’s mission. Guests can shop for rare mango trees selected by expert horticulturists or sample fresh mango fruit—many varieties of which are unavailable anywhere else in the country.

The Mango Festival Lecture Series brings world-renowned mango experts to the stage. Speakers include Dr. Richard Campbell of Ciruli Brothers on mango biodiversity, Julian Lara of Lara Farms on propagation, and Dr. Jonathan Crane of UF on pest and disease management. A special tasting and talk on exotic mangos by Dr. Matt Snow of Sunshine Organics rounds out the series.

Creative workshops and free family fun

Fairchild offers dozens of free and low-cost activities for all ages. On both days, guests can play oversized lawn games, participate in Nature Bingo, or paint custom magnets and mango-themed art. Local artist Carlos Gallostra leads immersive classes in watercolor, pencil, oil, and acrylic, offering mangoes as both muse and metaphor.

For those seeking a hands-on sensory experience, the “Array of Spice: Mango Season Edition” invites guests to make mango-infused body butters, scrubs, and oils in a fragrant, DIY wellness workshop ($36 per person).

Tastings and tropical libations

Fairchild’s famous mango smoothies return, with three non-alcoholic blends ($9 each or 2 for $16). Adults can enjoy a mini cocktail flight or spirited smoothie, while craft beer lovers can sample a flight from La Tropical Brewery. The limited “Bite-Size Mango Tasting” offers guests a rare opportunity to try three Fairchild-grown mango varieties for just $5.

A mango for every Miami story

The Mango Festival encapsulates what Fairchild does best: marry serious science with joyful celebration. It honors Miami’s agricultural heritage and cultural diversity, all while spotlighting an iconic fruit that thrives in the region’s tropical climate. From kids building with giant Legos to foodies savoring chef-driven mango creations, the event is both educational and indulgent.

With over 83 acres of curated landscapes, the Garden provides a spectacular setting for the festival’s diverse offerings. From rare tree sales to high-end gastronomy, Fairchild’s Mango Festival reflects Miami’s global palate and botanical richness.

Ticket information

• General Admission: $24.95 (adults), $17.95 (seniors), $11.95 (children ages 3–11)
• Free for children under 2 and Fairchild members
• Mango Brunch: $120 (members), $135 (non-members)
• Workshop and tasting tickets available onsite while supplies last

Location Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156

Hours Saturday and Sunday, July 12–13 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Full schedule, tickets, and event details at: www.fairchildgarden.org