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Food, Wine & Fete is bringing Caribbean culture to Virginia Key

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 6:46 GMT by Time Out
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Food & Wine Fete Brings Caribbean Flavors to Virginia Key This Weekend

If you’re looking for a taste of the Caribbean without leaving Miami, the Food & Wine Fete at Virginia Key is the place to be this weekend. The two‑day celebration, running Saturday and Sunday, promises a feast of spices, rum, live music and cultural performances that showcase the vibrant culinary heritage of the Caribbean islands.

A Quick Overview

• Dates & Times: Saturday, May 25th (10 am – 6 pm) and Sunday, May 26th (10 am – 6 pm)
• Location: Virginia Key Park – the historic beachfront park just 10 minutes from downtown Miami
• Tickets: Free admission; some specialty experiences and vendor booths require a small fee (details below)
• What to Expect: 30+ Caribbean food vendors, local wine and rum tastings, live reggae and calypso, a kids’ zone with Caribbean crafts, and a special “Taste the Island” cooking demo by renowned Caribbean chef Chef Mateo Rodriguez

The event is a joint venture between the City of Miami, the Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation Department, and the Food & Wine Fete’s organizing team, which has been hosting Caribbean culinary festivals in the region for over five years.

The Food & Wine Experience

The Food & Wine Fete’s menu is an island‑inspired spread that covers the spectrum from sweet to savory. Vendors are offering classic Caribbean dishes that you’ll typically find in Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, including:

For those looking to pair their meals with the perfect drink, the Fete also offers a dedicated wine and rum bar. Local vineyards in the Caribbean offer a rotating selection of dry and sweet wines, while the rum bar showcases premium Caribbean rums—including aged Jamaican and Trinidadian rums. Visitors can try a complimentary tasting flight or purchase a $25 “Rum & Dine” experience that pairs a rum flight with a full Caribbean meal.

In addition to the food and drinks, the festival features a “Taste the Island” cooking demonstration every hour led by Chef Mateo Rodriguez. The chef, who owns a popular restaurant in Miami, shares insider tips on how to make classic Caribbean sauces and marinades. Attendees can sample his “Yam & Garlic Sauce” and learn how to pair it with local produce.

Live Music & Cultural Performances

Music is a cornerstone of Caribbean culture, and the Food & Wine Fete does not disappoint. The schedule includes a variety of live acts:

• Reggae & Ska: Saturday morning at 11 am – “The Island Reggae Band” takes the stage for an upbeat set of roots reggae and ska classics.
• Calypso & Soca: Sunday afternoon at 2 pm – “Calypso Queens” perform an energetic fusion of calypso and soca rhythms that gets the crowd dancing.
• Steel Drum Quartet: Saturday evening at 5 pm – “Steel Beats” showcase the soothing and rhythmic sounds of steel drums.

In between performances, the festival hosts short dance workshops for visitors who want to learn basic Caribbean dance steps. Children and teens can join the “Little Jumbies” dance troupe, which has been a staple of the event for three years.

Family‑Friendly Activities

Families will find plenty to keep the kids entertained. The Kids’ Zone on the east side of the park offers:

• Caribbean Crafts: Kids can build paper maracas and decorate “parrot” masks using bright feathers.
• Taste Buds Corner: Little ones taste a variety of Caribbean fruit smoothies (mango, papaya, coconut water) and receive a “Caribbean Explorer” sticker for every new flavor they try.
• Interactive Storytime: A local storyteller shares tales from the Caribbean, complete with puppets and a small stage.

The kids’ area is supervised by the Miami‑Dade Parks & Recreation staff, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for all ages.

Practical Information

Getting There: Virginia Key is accessible by car, public transit, or bike. If you’re driving, there is free parking on the main parking lot adjacent to the park entrance. A shuttle will run from downtown Miami every 20 minutes during event hours.

What to Bring: Sunglasses, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and an appetite for adventure! While the food stalls cover most meals, there are vending stalls offering bottled water and tropical drinks if you need a quick pick‑up.

Tickets & Access: Admission to the main festival grounds is free. Certain specialty tastings and the “Rum & Dine” experience require pre‑purchase. Tickets can be bought online at the Food & Wine Fete website (https://www.foodwinefete.com) or on site at the registration desk. Because the festival draws a large crowd, early arrival is recommended to secure a spot at the most popular vendors and live performances.

Safety & Regulations: The event is fully COVID‑19 compliant with mask‑optional policies and hand sanitizing stations throughout the park. Vendors must follow all local health regulations. The park’s security team will ensure that all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Story Behind the Fete

The Food & Wine Fete started in 2018 as a modest gathering of Caribbean food lovers in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood. Since then, the festival has grown into a city‑wide celebration, drawing visitors from across South Florida. The organizing team’s mission is “to celebrate Caribbean culinary traditions while fostering community connection and cultural appreciation,” according to the official website.

The partnership with the City of Miami and the Miami‑Dade Parks & Recreation Department has allowed the festival to expand its reach, turning Virginia Key into a cultural hotspot for the weekend. Last year, the event attracted over 15,000 attendees, according to the city’s event report. This year, organizers anticipate a similar turnout and are preparing to accommodate the influx of food enthusiasts.

Why It’s Worth the Trip

If you’ve been craving bold flavors, rhythmic music, and a glimpse into Caribbean culture, the Food & Wine Fete at Virginia Key delivers. From the first bite of jerk chicken to the last note of steel drums, the festival offers an immersive experience that celebrates diversity and the power of food to bring people together. Whether you’re a seasoned Caribbean food aficionado or simply looking for a vibrant weekend activity, the Fete’s combination of culinary delights, cultural performances, and family‑friendly activities ensures there’s something for everyone.

Plan your trip, grab your tickets (if you’re heading to the specialty tastings), and get ready for a weekend of sunshine, spice, and soul‑stirring music on Miami’s beautiful Virginia Key. Happy feasting!