Other Fun Stuff

Enjoy a night under the moon and stars in the Garden cozied up by a bonfire. Bring your telescopes to explore the night stars away from city lights. S'more kits and an assortment of drinks will be available while supplies last. Blankets, lawn chairs and small coolers are welcome. No large coolers or pets are allowed. Location: Fruit & Spice Park

Celebrate the magic of Fall with the whole family at Fruit & Spice Park! Enjoy a day filled with festive activities, from kids’ crafts and seasonal scavenger hunts to guided tours of what’s growing in the garden. Capture the season with cozy fall photo backdrops and make memories that will last all year! Special Highlights: The Homestead Cybrarium brings the joy of storytelling! Alan the Bubble Man fills the air with bubbly fun! Step inside SK Butterflies’ enchanting butterfly tent! Visit the Girl Scouts’ station to create your own binary bracelet! And of course, no fall celebration is complete without delicious bites—treat yourself to tasty food truck fare and savor a family picnic in the gardens!

The teachings on cultivating inner peace and serving others are heightened in the serene, one-of-a-kind atmosphere of Fruit & Spice Park. Surrounded by the energy of its rare and vibrant plant collection, meditation here is enriched by the park's tranquil character and its deep connection to the natural world. In collaboration with Kriya Yoga Institute, this session is guided by practitioners dedicated to love, compassion, cooperation, and service. Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this event offers a unique opportunity to let the park's calming presence and the timeless practice of meditation support your journey —nurturing your body and soul while awakening your spirit. In the company of a welcoming community, you'll explore a deeper stillness within an inspiring setting unlike anywhere else. Bring comfortable clothing, a yoga mat, and an open heart for a day of discovery, peace, and spiritual growth in South Florida's most exotic garden. Meditation is open to all levels, with a special focus on beginners. Includes admission to Park. Location: Fruit and Spice Park

Saturdays, September 6—October 18, 2025 3:00 - 4:00PM EST | Public | Crowdcast Join us online for Speak Up, a creative writing program supporting the artistic and professional growth of teens. In this FREE virtual creative writing workshop mini-series, teens will partner with experienced teaching artists to empower the creative writing process, from drafting to performance to publishing, to boost literacy and empower youth in Miami through community-based writing activities. The program is open to all teens (ages 13-19) and is as free of charge as it is free of homework. No previous experience necessary! Saturdays, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST via Crowdcast RSVP Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/speakupfall2025

Diaspora Explorer Pass: Second Saturday Youth Edition. This discounted youth ticket grants access to the Pots & Passages cultural tour on designated Second Saturdays. Designed for youth participants, this experience includes guided stops at key heritage landmarks, immersive storytelling moments, and culinary tastings (samples only NOT full meals). Youth attendees will explore Miami’s rich diasporic history through food, art, and interactive learning, with all activities tailored for young minds and curious palates. Valid only for Second Saturday tour dates. Adult accompaniment required for youth under 13. What’s Included: Roundtrip sightseeing tour through Miami’s cultural districts Food samples from diasporic chefs (please note: not a full meal) Guided stops at historic and artistic landmarks Cultural storytelling and interactive discussion Duration: Approx. 3 hours Departure Location: Little Haiti Cultural Complex Tour Runs: Saturdays & Sundays, August 2025 – July 2026 Spaces are limited, and each ride is different so come curious, come hungry, and come ready to explore.

Let’s Build It Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) is a week of fun and creativity that also addresses the critical need for life skills, self-awareness, and informed decision-making among youth. All attendees will receive community service hours. This program equips our youth with the tools to think critically, build healthy relationships, and develop leadership skills—using the arts as a foundational medium for self-expression and learning. Designed for youth ages 13-18, YEP is currently a 6 day program. Each session integrates expert-led discussions with artistic activities to reinforce key life lessons. • The Power of Image & Family: Exploring self-perception, media influence, and positive storytelling through photography, drawing, & Videography. • Community Relationship Building & Philanthropy: Strengthening connections at home and in the community through poetry. • Finance, Mental & Physical Health: Teaching financial literacy, wellness, and self-care through painting and drawing. • Leadership & Civic Engagement: Developing leadership skills and civic awareness through music and dance. • Education, Career, Entrepreneurship & AI: Exploring career paths and entrepreneurship through sculpting and graphic design. The program wraps up with a public art exhibition, where participants showcase their creative expressions, engage with family and community members, and celebrate their growth.

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the Summer Fruit Festival—a vibrant celebration of everything that makes summer in South Florida so special! Held at the beautiful Fruit & Spice Park, this festival showcases the bountiful harvest of local agriculture and tropical fruits that thrive in the summer months. Join us as we bring together the best of Miami’s local vendors, offering an array of delicious tropical cuisine, unique arts & crafts, and a variety of tropical fruit trees for you to take home. Whether you're looking to discover new flavors, find the perfect handmade gift, or enhance your garden with exotic plants, there’s something for everyone at this exciting event. But that's not all! Throughout the day, we’ll host educational workshops where you can learn about everything from sustainable farming to the health benefits of tropical fruits. Plus, enjoy live music that will set the perfect vibe for a fun-filled day with family and friends. The kids will have a blast too! We’ve got a variety of lawn games to keep the little ones entertained while you explore the festival. And, of course, don’t miss out on the chance to participate in our famous watermelon eating contest—a must for every festival-goer. With so much to see, taste, and experience, the Summer Fruit Festival is the perfect way to embrace the joys of summer. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for an exciting day of fresh flavors, entertainment, and local treasures!

MANSION OF DREAMS is the crowning achievement of the award-winning master illusionist Rick Thomas. Stunning magic, hilarious comedy, exquisite dancers and an inspiring story are woven into one of the most amazing productions ever to be seen onstage and on television!

Join Cheryl Gowing from the University Libraries, in partnership with UThrift, for a hands-on opportunity to transform your used t-shirts into functional and fun carry-all totes. Bring a much-loved, but no longer worn t-shirt, a festival or concert tee you want to remember, something grandma brought you from her vacation, or take your pick from one of the t-shirts donated by UThrift. Leave with a tote bag, and save one more item of fast fashion from the landfill!

Join Johnny Lamb Jr., a maintenance mechanic at the University of Miami who earned a Certificate of Apprenticeship in Horticulture and Landscape from the United States Department of Labor, for an insightful presentation on bonsai trees. Discover the art, history, and science behind bonsai tree cultivation, including species selection, pruning, wiring, soil, and watering essentials. Learn strategies to tackle pests, prevent diseases, and ensure proper care. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this session will inspire and guide your bonsai journey.