Floriade is one of the largest floral events in Australia, and this year the iconic event has a ‘Feast of Flowers’ theme sure to tickle the fancy of every flower enthusiast who attends.
Located in Canberra, ACT, at Commonwealth Park, this festival is all about celebrating the start of spring. And what better way to do it than surrounded by flowers? Here’s everything that’s happening at Floriade, including the iconic music line-up at NightFest.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Floriade is the biggest spring celebration of flowers in Australia, running from 12 September to 11 October in Commonwealth Park, ACT.
- The theme for Floriade this year is ‘Feast of Flowers’.
- NightFest is an evening event that will take place from 1-4 October, with headline performances from The Temper Trap, Tim Finn, Pacific Avenue, Busby Marou and Christine Anu.
- Other notable events include Dog’s Day Out and the Great Big Bulb Dig, where visitors can dig up the display flowers to take home.
Feast of Flowers: Celebrating seasonal harvest
Head to Commonwealth Park for a whole month of flowers on display. This year, the theme is ‘Feast of Flowers’, which celebrates seasonal harvests. The garden beds take inspiration from iconic Aussie food moments and gathering and sharing food. Explore rows and rows of tulips, daisies and daffodils, with food and wine, live music and market stalls to enjoy along with it.
Interactive exhibits and workshops, including cooking masterclasses run by chefs, kitchen garden tours, live podcast recordings and talks with iconic Aussie cooks, including Stephanie Alexander.
Bring a picnic rug and lots of energy to explore the huge flower displays. And, on Sunday 11 October, you can bring your favourite pooch as well.
Entry and tickets to Floriade
Floriade ‘Feast of Flowers’ is running from 12 September to 11 October.
Entry to explore Floriade is free. There may be some exhibits, workshops or events that require prior reservation or purchase of tickets. Check out the ‘What’s On’ on the Floriade website to find out more about day-time events.
Floriade’s NightFest runs from 1 – 4 October, and requires ticket purchase. Tickets start at $41.50 for adults and $31.50 for children.
Evening entertainment at NightFest
After a day of wandering through gorgeous flower displays, Floriade turns on dazzling lights.
And the star of the show? A four-night line-up of iconic Aussie artists, including ARIA-winning The Temper Trap. Tim Finn (Split Enz, Crowded House), Pacific Avenue, Busby Marou and Christine Anu will also perform on the big stage at Floriade’s NightFest.
As you explore illuminated floral displays and large-scale light installations at NightFest, you can indulge in roving entertainment, night market stalls and food and drink that pair perfectly with a night of live music.
ACT Executive Branch Manager Ross Triffitt explains that the 2026 program is “the strongest in NightFest’s history” and encourages excited patrons to secure their tickets early.
Take home your own florals
For locals, one of the most exciting parts of Floriade happens after its closing date. The Monday after Floriade ends is The Great Big Bulb Dig, where you can dig up your own bulbs to take home. Bring a shovel and a pair of gardening gloves, and you can dig into the beautiful garden displays. Collect bulbs and annuals for your own garden – it’s the perfect take-home gift after a month of spring magic!
The Great Big Bulb Dig has one condition: the ticket for entry is the 2026 Great Big Bulb Dig tote bag. During your exploration of Floriade’s flower displays throughout the month, make sure to pick up a bag at Floriade Shop or Information Tent. All proceeds from this tote bag go to YWCA Canberra, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated towards women’s issues.
Written in partnership with Events ACT.
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