What not to miss at Floriade NightFest 2026

Posted on 28 September, 2026

Floriade after dark looks a little different.

From Thursday 1 October to Sunday 4 October, Commonwealth Park will light up for four nights of live music, fire performances, circus, roving entertainment, illuminated blooms and plenty of things to discover as you make your way around the site.

You might find yourself following a glowing jellyfish, stopping for a samba or wandering into a circus show you hadn’t planned on seeing.

There’s a lot on, so here are a few things you won’t want to miss at NightFest.

The big names on Stage 88

NightFest will feature an impressive line-up of Australian talent this year, serving up live music each night. The Temper Trap, Tim Finn, Pacific Avenue, Busby Marou and Christine Anu are taking to Stage 88, supported by some of Canberra’s best local musicians.

Here’s the schedule:

Thursday 1 October: Tim Finn
Friday 2 October: Busby Marou + Pacific Avenue
Sunday 4 October: The Temper Trap.

Plan accordingly!

Fire, circus and an IKEA flat-pack

There’s plenty of live entertainment happening across the Commonwealth Park precinct. Make your way to the Street Theatre Stage for a whole lot of fun.

The Fire Extravaganza by Not Another Circus Group combines fire artists, choreography, pyrotechnics and music in a 15-minute nighttime spectacular. Catch them at 7.30 pm, 8.45 pm and 10 pm each night.

Then there’s Sven from Sweden, who brings flat-pack furniture to the circus. Yes, IKEA furniture. The Swedish performer uses IKEA furniture, balancing, juggling, acrobatics and physical comedy in a show that runs from 8 pm to 8.30 pm each night.

And at 9.15 pm, you can catch Great Escape – Humphrey Cornthwaite. Cornthwaite began his career performing a straitjacket escape in London’s Covent Garden and has since worked as an escapologist across Europe.

Keep your eyes peeled as you wander

Some of NightFest’s entertainment will find you rather than the other way around.

The LED Butterflies roaming through the crowd from 7.30 pm to 10 pm each night, while Entrée Entertainers will also be on hand, with the ensemble of comic cooks serving up surprise floral hors d’oeuvres and culinary comedy.

Make a night of it at Garden House

There’s plenty happening at Garden House by Bunnings Warehouse, including Babyhope on Thursday, Krypt & Faye on Friday, Dimsim on Saturday and DRAGÖN on Sunday.

There’s also something for the beer fans on Thursday, with The History of Beer in Canberra from 7pm to 7.45pm. Rich Watkins from BentSpoke Brewing Co. and Evan from Canberra.Beer will explore the people, breweries, stories and local culture that have shaped Canberra’s beer scene.

Bring the kids

Younger NightFest visitors will have lots to keep them occupied, including the chance to make their own lantern and then take part in the evening parade.

The Glow Balloon Twisting and Glow Stick Ring Toss with Twistyfic running from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm each night. Kids can watch colourful balloons transformed into glowing creations under UV light before having a go at the glow-stick ring toss.

Come hungry

Hungry? Thirsty? NightFest has you covered.

There’ll be more than 30 food and beverage vendors serving gourmet street food, artisan treats and locally crafted drinks, showcasing the diversity of Canberra’s food scene.

Settle in for a handcrafted cocktail at the Underground Spirits Gin Garden or enjoy craft brews alongside regional snacks and a limited-edition Floriade beer over at BentSpoke Brewing Co. Down near Ferry Gate, Bar Berra is the place to head for local wines, craft beers, ciders and premium spirits in a garden setting.