Step into a tropical dream at Orchid Fever x Havana Heat, a celebration of one of nature’s most exotic and captivating blooms combined with music from Arriba El Son, and delight in the flavors of Cuba! This event invites flower lovers and curious wanderers alike to experience exotic orchid varieties from around the world and much more.
Grand Orchid Arch – Visitor Center
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Take a beautiful selfie or portrait under our gorgeous orchid arch created by Bloom Box.
Morning Orchid Lectures in the Visitor Center Theater
(seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis)
Bret Ullery: Dendrobium Orchids 101
10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
In this lecture, Bret Ullery of Accent Orchids shares his passion for all things orchids. Bret specializes in Dendrobiums, Schomburkias and Grammatophyllums and will have them available for sale along with rare and unusual orchids that grow well in our area. Join Bret or his wife Ruth for the sale in the Magnolia Room from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Keith Emig: Orchids 101
11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Join Keith Emig of Winter Haven Orchid Nursery for Orchids 101 to learn the basics of several common orchid genera. Keith welcomes questions from the audience and along with his wife Dina, will be selling orchids from their collection in the Magnolia Room from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Additional Orchid Vendors – Visitor Center
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Vina Planters: Vina Planters are injection-molded orchid baskets made from 100% recycled plastic. They were designed by a Florida Native to fully disassemble for easier repotting and have a UV additive for longevity outdoors. We are a women-owned, small family business, that has been personally perfecting our design for over a decade.
The Habitat: Sharon Garrett specializes in Vanda orchids and can assist with selections of plants and growing advice.
Orchid and Tropical Plants by Tony Tirado: Featuring many different types of phalaenopsis orchids – all colors and sizes
Chef Matt in the Outdoor Kitchen “Caja China” Edition
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join Blue Palmetto Café’s Chef Matt Fulwood in the Outdoor Kitchen as he roasts a whole hog “Cuban Style” in a Caja China, a Latin American roasting box. Drop in to hear his tips and tricks for bringing the heat to your next barbecue. Try a sample of his roasted pork.
Cuban Cocktails on the Terrace
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Quench your thirst with four tropical iced cocktails: Sangria, Daiquiri, Blackberry Margarita, and Mojito
Music on the Terrace with Arriba El Son!
11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
“Arriba El Son!” performs old School Cuban/Puerto Rican salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, bolero, and parranda music. Our musicians are “Old School Salseros” sultry, fun, and full of life! Enjoy live Latin music in a vibrant garden atmosphere.
Cuban Specials at the Blue Palmetto Café
Mojo Pork Plate with Black Beans and Rice – Enjoy Chef Matt’s Roasted Pork with tangy mojo sauce
Ropa Vieja with Black Beans and Rice – Shredded roasted beef with onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes and spices
Whole Hog Cuban Sandwich with Chips – Enjoy a toasty Cubano sandwich with ham, roasted pork, swiss cheese, mustard, mayo, and dill pickles
Tostones – twice fried green plantains
Loteria on the Terrace
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Play an inspiring game of Loteria for a chance to win a beautiful phalaenopsis orchid.
Event Date & Time
Saturday, August 16, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Vendors, lectures, and music)
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Loteria on the Terrace)
Location
Visitor Center
Price
Free for members / $20 for non-member adults / $10 for non-member children ages 6 – 17 / Free for children 5 and under (Includes Admission)
Registration is not required