Miami's Mango Festival Returns: A Culinary and Cultural Celebration at Fairchild Garden

Source: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Reported By: Caroline Dalal

When July hits Miami, mangoes become more than a fruit—they become a movement. And this year, the 31st Annual Mango Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden promises a heightened celebration of all things mango, from chef-driven brunch plates to scientific workshops and mango-laced cocktails. Held July 12–13, 2025, the two-day event has evolved into one of the city’s most flavorful and family-friendly seasonal affairs.

Set within Fairchild’s lush 83-acre landscape, the Mango Festival isn’t just a garden event—it’s a Miami institution. For longtime attendees, it’s a cherished ritual. For newcomers, it’s a sensory deep dive into the flavors, culture, and craftsmanship that surround this tropical fruit.

At the heart of the festival is the Mango Brunch, an exclusive Sunday event featuring some of Miami’s most revered culinary talents. Curated by James Beard Award winner Chef Allen Susser—author of The Great Mango Book—this year’s brunch lineup is a who’s who of South Florida’s dynamic dining scene.

Chef Susser sets the tone with a decadent Mango Brulee Brie on ginger mango bread, while Chef Cindy Hutson of Zest at the Cliff introduces a Jerk Seared Tuna Tataki topped with Julie mango salsa. Chef Aaron Brooks of Sunny’s Steakhouse—recently named Robb Report’s top new restaurant in America—delivers an elevated raw bar featuring Treasure Coast oysters dressed in green mango criolla.

Other standout creations include:

• Chef Irie’s Goat Ragu in Mango Curry Sauce over coconut polenta

• Jose Mendin’s Mango Matsuri Roll with shrimp and mango passionfruit drizzle

• Cesar Zapata’s take on The Federal Biskits, layered with Florida mango butter and hot honey

• Malcolm Prude’s Champagne Mango and Compressed Pink Pineapple Ceviche

• Chef Colameco’s USDA Prime Skirt Steak with Mango Chimichurri and Ahi Tuna Tartare

Brunch tickets, which include garden admission, are priced at $135 for non-members and $120 for members—a sought-after seat at Miami’s table that sells out every year.

Beyond the brunch, mango takes center stage in a variety of inventive formats. At the Mini Mango Cocktail Flight, guests sample three bespoke cocktails showcasing the fruit’s bright, juicy character. A Spirited Mango Smoothie adds a splash of spirits to a beloved tropical classic, while La Tropical offers a beer tasting flight that’s equal parts crisp and summer-ready.

Non-drinkers can opt for the World-Famous Mango Smoothies, served in rotating seasonal blends for $9 each or two for $16.

Fairchild’s annual Mango Lecture Series brings together agricultural experts, horticulturists, and growers for a lineup of workshops on topics like pest management, grafting, global mango cultivars, and home propagation. Speakers include Julian Lara of Lara Farms, Dr. Jonathan Crane from the University of Florida, and USDA’s Jeff Wasielewski, among others.

Art lovers can take part in watercolor and painting classes led by local artist Carlos Gallostra, offering a slower, more reflective way to connect with the fruit as muse.

For families, the festival offers oversized outdoor games, creative art activities like magnet painting, and Nature Bingo to keep young guests engaged throughout the day. Meanwhile, the Mango Marketplace features an eclectic mix of mango-centric bites, handcrafted goods, and mango trees for sale—many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the country.

Another highlight: the Bite-Size Mango Tasting, a $5 sensory experience that allows guests to sample three peak-season mango varieties grown at Fairchild. This offering is first come, first served—and consistently among the most talked-about aspects of the festival.

With its signature blend of flavor-forward creativity, scientific education, and community spirit, Fairchild’s Mango Festival continues to evolve while staying rooted in its mission: to celebrate one of the world’s most beloved fruits in a way only Miami can.

Tickets and the full weekend schedule are available at www.fairchildgarden.org. General admission is $24.95 for adults, with discounted pricing for seniors and children. Entry is complimentary for Fairchild members and children under two.