86nd Annual Royal Poinciana Fiesta
June 4 - June 11, 2023
FINAL SCHEDULE
Presented by the Tropical Flowering Tree Society
6:00 – 9:00 PM Poinciana Fiesta Celebration Party and Reception in the Garden House of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables.. Starting at 6 PM, display of Highwaymen paintings and display of vintage postcards featuring the Royal Poinciana and piano music by Paul Williams. Starting at 7 PM, refreshments will be served including Royal Poinciana Punch. Starting at 7:30 PM, presentations of the 2023 Royal Poinciana Fiesta Queen and Court scholarship recipients, the Larry Schokman Book Award recipient, and the Poinciana Ambassador Award recipient. Poinciana cake will be served at the end of the presentations. A limited edition 2023 Royal Poinciana Fiesta poster by one of the original Highwaymen, James Gibson, will be available for sale. This event is free and open to the public, but guests are requested to bring a dish to share or make a $10 donation. New memberships in the Tropical Flowering Tree Society are encouraged at $30. Park and enter at the Fairchild South Entrance on Old Cutler Road (the old, traditional entrance to Fairchild)
7:00-9:00 PM Painting Royal Poinciana Trees. A “cocktail party with a paintbrush”. Join in for a fun experience painting Royal Poinciana Trees at this unique event. All supplies are included. Take home a wonderful DIY painting! $45 per person. (limited seats available will sell out). Wine and light refreshments. Miami Art Club, Mall of the Americas #18, 7795 W. Flagler Street, Miami.
10:00 AM Simpson Park and South Miami Avenue Walking Tour presented by Dade Heritage Trust. View what remains of South Florida’s natural hammock and the historic Royal Poinciana tree-lined South Miami Avenue where the Fiesta started. Begin at DHT Headquarters, 190 SE 12th Terrace. Free, but donations are welcome.
1:00 PM Royal Poinciana Symposium at the Coral Gables Public Safety Building Community Room. Steve Pearson, former Director of the Gifford Arboretum and past president of the Tropical Flowering Tree Society, will present the history of the Royal Poinciana, its origins in S. Florida and its use by early settlers, as well as information on the care and horticultural aspects of the tree, and the inspiration it has provided in art, music, and poetry. Free parking during event here. Please ensure that you receive the parking information Lot #13 at 234 Navarre Ave. Coral Gables across from Mini-Target (do not park at Target). Symposium location 2151 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables Community Room. This event is FREE!
2:30-5:00 PM Royal Poincianas Trolley Tours begin at the front of the Coral Gables Public Safety Building, 2151 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables, highlighting the best trees and blossoms of the 2023 season. Narrated by two poinciana experts and past presidents of the Tropical Flowering Tree Society. This event always sells out early and is a highlight of the Fiesta. Tickets $25 per person. Seating is limited and larger groups may be divided into two separate trolleys, please purchase your tickets in advance to reserve your spot and avoid disappointment. Parking available nearby. Please ensure that you receive the parking information Lot #13 at 234 Navarre Ave. Coral Gables across from Mini-Target (do not park at Target). Free parking during event here. Please ensure that you receive the parking information.
10:00AM – 1:00PM Bike Tour. New Event! Celebrate the magnificent Flame Tree on this tour of our best Royal Poincianas in full flower. Presented with the Tropical Flowering Tree Society as part of the annual Royal Poinciana Fiesta festival. Presented in partnership with the Coral Gables Museum. Adults $10 per person Children $5 under 12. Led by Bike Walk Coral Gables, starting at the Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables. Parking in nearby garage.
2:00-3:00PM Poinciana Tree Planting. Help Plant a Tree! Bring the whole family! On June 11 at 2PM, there will be a tree planting of two royal poincianas at the New Beginnings Church at 15300 SW 288th Street, Homestead, sponsored by the Tropical Flowering Tree Society. Parking is Free.
ADVANCED EVENT FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2023 POINCIANA TREE PLANTING The Coral Gables Garden Club together with the Coral Gables Landscape Beautification Advisory Board commemorated National Arbor Day this year by planting a Yellow Royal Poinciana tree at Merrick Park across from City Hall.
All proceeds of these events will be used for scholarships for young women in horticulture or related fields and to further the mission of the Tropical Flowering Tree Society.