One Night in the Tropics

An evening of local flavor and purpose unfolds in Homestead as the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center hosts its 11th One Night in the Tropics, blending live music, vibrant cuisine and community celebration in support of South Florida’s agricultural future.

More than a festive gathering, this year’s event launches Challenge 180, a fundraising initiative to raise $180,000 by 2026 to fully fund a four-year Ph.D. student scholarship at TREC. The goal is to help ensure that the next generation of agricultural scientists can dedicate themselves to groundbreaking research in sustainability, crop resilience and ecosystem protection–issues that directly impact the state’s food security and environmental health.

Guests will enjoy local dishes, tropical-inspired drinks and dancing to live music from a seven-piece band, all surrounded by the lush beauty of TREC’s tropical grounds. The celebration also marks the opening of the new Pauline O. Lawrence Student Residence, a milestone in TREC’s commitment to student success.

Established in 1929, TREC is the nation’s only university research center dedicated to tropical and subtropical crops, serving communities from South Florida to Latin America and beyond. The event also serves as the official kickoff to Miami-Dade Farmers Month, a GMCVB initiative honoring the region’s rich agricultural heritage and farm-to-table culture.

The celebration takes place Saturday, November 1, from 6 p.m. to midnight at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center, 18905 SW 280 Street, Homestead. Tickets are available online through October 31 for a discounted rate; full-price admission is $185 at the door.

Photo credit: Tyler Jones