City: Coral Gables, FL

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (305) 667-1651

Address: 10901 Old Cutler Rd.

Description: In its infancy, this festival is already a local favorite that is held at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden yearly. Aside from the obvious draw, there are cooking demonstrations, tastings, and lectures that are all, unsurprisingly, chocolate-centric. A cake and cupcake contest allows amateur bakers to display their confectionary creations. There’s even chocolate yoga for fanatic gym enthusiasts and waistline watchers feeling guilty. Regular admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for children 6 to 17, and free for children under 5 and members of Fairchild.

City: Coral Gables, FL

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (305) 273-0118

Address: 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

Description: Those who can’t make it to Ireland stop by this yearly festival to celebrate the holiday with food and plenty of beverages. Music and entertainment is ample and the festival is held from noon to sunset.

City: Coral Gables, FL

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (305) 774-1883

Address: 60 Merrick Way

Description: This Bavarian joint in Coral Gables hosts an annual festival with plenty of protein. Known to have a stupendous beer selection, there will be specials, entertainment, and plenty of grub. There is no cover and hours are usually 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Check the website for schedules and details.

City: Coral Gables, FL

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (305) 774-1883

Address: 60 Merrick Way

Description: Enjoy festive German and Austrian music, pretzels, and, of course, beer for the first 2 weeks in Oct. Around 15,000 people attend this popular event throughout the duration. Other activities include yodeling and bratwurst eating contests as well as a $5 raffle (in 2010 a 7-day Royal Caribbean cruise for 2 was the prize!) benefiting a local charity. Check the website for schedules.