Note: This event has already taken place. If you are interested in learning about current and upcoming Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Events, click here.

When: Friday, March 8, 2013 - Sunday, March 10, 2013 from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Choose from over 10,000 orchid plants from vendors from around the world.

Explore the wonder of orchids during our garden workshops and walking tours.

Marvel at rare orchid species in the American Orchid Society juried show, presented by the Orchid Society of Coral Gables.

Enjoy wonderful food and live entertainment from Ohana Arts, Solar Dogs, Whainy Bee and Hal Roland!

View a PDF of the Orchid Festival program

View a photo gallery of previous Orchid Fesitvals

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Lectures, Science Village Classroom

Friday, March 8

12:00 p.m.      Orchid Culture 
                       Ron McHatton, Ph.D., American Orchid Society

  1:00 p.m.      Introduction to Orchid Culture
                       Melana Davison, Orchid Society of Coral Gables

  2:00 p.m.      Orchid Diseases and their Control
                       Bob McMillan, Ph.D.

  3:00 p.m       Introduction to Orchid Culture
                       Betty Eber, Orchid Society of Coral Gables

Saturday, March 9

11:00 a.m.      Introduction to Orchid Culture
                       Larry Cox, Orchid Society of Coral Gables

12:00 p.m.      Introduction to Orchid Culture     
                       Melana Davison, Orchid Society of Coral Gables

  1:00 p.m.      Repotting, Orchid Care
                       Alex Lamazares

  2:00 p.m.      The Restoration of Rare Orchids at Fakahatchee
                       Strand Preserve
                       Dennis J. Giardina, Florida Fish & Wildlife
                       Conservation Commission

  3:00 p.m.      Cultivo de Orquideas
                       Mirta Russis Heineman, Coalition for Orchid Species

Sunday, March 10

11:00 a.m.      Introduction to Orchid Culture     
                       Martin Motes, Ph.D.,  Motes Orchids

12:00 p.m.      Introduction to Orchid Culture
                       Jim Davison, Orchid Society of Coral Gables

  1:00 p.m.     Orchid Pests
                      Catharine Mannion, Ph.D., University of Florida

  2:00 p.m.      A Year in the Life of the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve:
                      Orchids, Bromeliads and Wildlife
                      Dennis J. Giardina, Florida Fish & Wildlife
                      Conservation Commission

  3:00 p.m.      Cultivo de Orquideas
                       Ruben Sauleda, Ph.D., Ruben In Orchids

Music

Seraphic Fire’s Miami Choral Academy will be performing on Saturday from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. This group of talented young people have performed throughout Miami-Dade County with performances at The New World Center, City Hall of North Miami and Miami County, as well as the Museum of Modern Art.

OrKids at the Kidway

Did you know vanilla comes from the vanilla orchid that is found in tropical rainforests? Join us at the Kidway to discover what other tasty treats and products come from the rainforest. We will have educational displays, arts & crafts, face painting and more!

We will also be welcoming Jo-Anne Gardner, author of Butterfly Words for a poetry reading on Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. 

The Orchid Tea Room

The Veranda and Ballroom of the Jean Ellen DuPont Shehan Visitor Center is the site of the Orchid Tea Room which will be open daily during the International Orchid Festival. Come and enjoy a lovely tea, complete with live music, after shopping for your favorite orchids. Guests will be served scones, savories and desserts, as well as several choices of tea, by our delightful garden volunteers. Tea service is from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Cost per person for the Orchid Tea Room is $27 for members, $37 for non-members and $17 for children 12 and under. For information or reservations, please call Marnie Valent at 305.663.8059.

Vanilla Orchids in the Edible Garden

Growing vanilla plants at home is a rewarding experience that will help you learn and appreciate the work involved in its production.  Visit the Edible Garden during the Orchid Festival and learn how to grow this exciting orchid. Vanilla orchids are easy to propagate and plants will be available.

The Edible Garden will also feature smoothies and experts will be on hand to answer any vanilla orchid questions you may have.

View more information on the vanilla orchid.

Orchid Plaza in our Rainforest

Enjoy interactive discussions on the natural history of orchids, as well as growing tips.

Saturday and Sunday

2:00 p.m.      Walking tour of the rainforest lead by Georgia Tasker.

Orchids in our Tropical Fruit Pavilion (All Day)                                    

Take a journey through the beautiful and aromatic world of the vanilla orchid and other orchids.

Orchids in our Conservatories (All Day)

Marvel at our beautiful orchids on display in our Wings of the Tropics and the Tropical Fruit Conservatories.

Become a sponsor of the Orchid Festival today!

Thank you to our sponsor:

Admission: Free for Fairchild Members and children 5 and under.

Non-members: $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up and $12 for children 6-17. 

Eco-discount: If you walk, ride your bike or take public transportation to Fairchild, receive $5 off admission for adults and $2 off admission for children. Members, remember to bring your Rewards Card to earn your gift passes! 

Military Discount: We are pleased to offer active military personnel free admission. In addition, admission for spouses is $20 and children $10. Please present Military IDs.