Five things not to miss at Floriade
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Australia’s biggest celebration of spring is back in Canberra and trust us when we say there’s plenty to do and see.
Coming to life with beauty, colour, and vibrancy as more than one million blooms create a stunning display during the month-long festival, you can’t miss the Insta-worthy floral displays, horticultural workshops, live music, a popular market, plus the region’s best seasonal food and wine. No spring is complete without a trip to Floriade.
Enjoy free live music
Dive into this year’s theme, the Sounds of Spring, and treat yourself to a soundtrack of atmospheric instrumentals, classical and contemporary tunes, with performances set amongst the flower beds. As you explore the spectacular displays expect to see jazz ensembles, singers, or a string quartet welcoming the arrival of spring to the capital.
Check out the festival program
Browse market stalls to meet food and wine producers behind some of the region’s best products. Attend workshops and talks by leading horticulturalists, florists, and Floriade’s gardeners. Learn how to compost, save seeds, grow your own food, and more.
Other popular workshops include flow yoga, paint and sip sessions, an introduction to Ikebana, making floral crowns, and photography classes. For families, there are plenty of activities for little gardeners including gnome painting, sustainable art and craft sessions, and gardening classes.
Browse the program and plan your perfect day at Floriade.
Feast at food stalls
Food trucks and stalls will fill Floriade – why not enjoy lunch at the festival? Experience the decadent Lobster and Co confit lobster tail with a glass of Champagne. Picnic with a grazing box from Lolly and Co or grab a coffee as you find your favourite garden design. Save room for honey donut puffs and bubble waffles for dessert.
Relax in the afternoon sun with a picnic blanket and try locally crafted beers from Canberra’s award-winning Capital Brewing Co. Keep an eye out for the gin garden serving up the capital’s Underground Spirits, and the wine garden pouring drops from the Canberra wine district.
See the dark side of Floriade, NightFest
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When the sun goes down, explore Floriade’s dark side as NightFest (until 2 October) returns with a new and exciting program of music, entertainment, and horticultural illuminations. From 6.30pm – 10.30pm each evening the park will be illuminated with colour and filled with entertainers, musicians, and fantastic food.
For a relaxed atmosphere and options including massages, foodie experiences, and inspiring music head to NightFest on the Sunday night. For an electric night full of tunes, dance performances featuring amazing moves and even more amazing costumes, and more get tickets for the Friday or Saturday evening.
Buy tickets here.
Make a weekend of it
There are lots of great exhibitions on during Floriade, including Cressida Campbell (until Sunday 19 February) at the National Gallery of Australia. Floriade fans will love Connection (until Sunday 9 October), a multi-sensory experience bringing together First Nations’ art and music through large scale screens and an immersive space at the National Museum of Australia.
Stay in five-star luxury at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Fans of art deco design and 1920s glamour will love fox-trotting to the Hyatt. The heritage hotel brings together luxurious accommodation and modern facilities in a heritage-inspired setting with glamorous drinking and dining options.
Alternatively, Novotel Canberra offers an ideal base to relax and recharge while staying close to the action. Take a dip in the indoor heated pool, relax in the spa or sauna or roll out the mat for a session via the complimentary in-room yoga channel. The premium hotel provides excellent access to Canberra’s CBD and attractions.
Book your stay here.
