Blooming wonderful! Here’s what not to miss at Floriade 2026

Posted on 2 September, 2026

Think Floriade is just about flowers? Think again. This year’s program is bringing some serious flavour to Commonwealth Park from 12 September to 11 October.

There will, of course, be flowers. Lots of them. But this year, come hungry.

Floriade 2026’s Feast of Flowers will extend beyond the flower beds and onto the plate, through food experiences, chef demonstrations and collaborations with local hospitality partners. This year, even the garden beds themselves have been designed around food – from a giant floral grazing platter to fairy bread, a backyard barbecue and a picnic rug.

The program is bursting with experiences – from garden tours, hands-on workshops, live entertainment, foodie experiences and family activities and the return of NightFest.

Here’s what not to miss at Australia’s Biggest Celebration of Spring.

FEAST-INSPIRED FLOWER BEDS

The 2026 garden beds tell the story of food from soil to shared table, with 12 designs inspired by the colours, textures and rituals of seasonal eating.

The Platter transforms a flower bed into a giant grazing board, with blooms representing cured meats, dips, cheese, crackers and fresh vegetables, the  Fairy Bread bed taps into Australian food nostalgia, while Vine & Wine transforms locally made wines, brews, botanical distillates and mixed drinks into a floral display.

Our early favourite? Garden Celebration – inspired by the iconic Aussie ‘Duck Cake’ from the Australian Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book. In honour of the Duck Cake garden bed, Floriade is hosting a Duck Cake competition at Floriade on 27 September. Your masterpiece will be proudly displayed among the flowers for visitors to admire before it’s judged by the panel –whether you’re known for baking or simply up for some fun, everyone is welcome to join in. Register here.

Want to understand the thinking behind all those elaborate designs? Book a Floriade Garden Tour. The 45-minute guided walking tours explore the inspiration behind the displays, as well as the planning, planting and care that goes into bringing them to life.

GET INSPIRED

Discover new skills, fresh ideas and inspiring conversations at Floriade’s Workshops & Talks program, which includes hands-on masterclasses and cooking demonstrations from some of Canberra’s best chefs.

On Sunday 13 September, Lunetta’s Executive Chef Tristan Rebbettes will showcase a seasonal dish inspired by spring’s finest ingredients.

Then on Tuesday 22 September and Tuesday 6 October, Head Chef Malcolm Hanslow from Such and Such and Pilot will demonstrate how seasonal flavours can be transformed into spring-inspired desserts.

French food fans should make a date for Friday 25 September, when Les Bistronomes’ Clement Chauvin will demonstrate his signature asparagus velouté with lavender foam.

And on Sunday 11 October, Lunetta Trattoria Head Chef Will Moyle will share the simple pleasures of Italian cooking, inspired by fresh produce and the relaxed spirit of neighbourhood dining.

Food lovers can also hear from one of Australia’s most influential culinary figures when Stephanie Alexander joins Canberra food writer and Fed Up author Lucy Ridge at The Garden House by Bunnings Warehouse on Thursday 17 September. The conversation will celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Cook’s Companion.

There’s more to come, too, with special guest appearances still to be announced.

THINGS TO LEARN, MAKE & DO

The experiences extend to opportunities for visitors to get hands-on.

On Friday 18 September and Saturday 10 October, Groovy Grazing will host Build & Bloom, where participants can create their own grazing boxes using seasonal produce and spring-inspired presentation.

Matcha lovers can join Teddy’s Matcha on Thursday 8 October and Saturday 10 October for beginner-friendly workshops exploring the flavour, creativity and craftsmanship behind matcha.

From Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September, Wiradjuri man Adam Shipp will lead experiences developed in partnership with the National Museum of Australia, exploring Australian native plants, traditional knowledge and the stories behind Indigenous food culture.

Meanwhile, Majura Valley Farm will be at Floriade throughout the festival, sharing insights into sustainable farming, growing and planting, alongside hands-on activities inspired by Floriade’s Kitchen Garden Beds.

Take your four-legged family member along to Dogs’ Day Out on Sunday 11 October, when dogs and their humans are invited to enjoy Commonwealth Park on the final day of Floriade. The free event will feature dog-friendly activities, live programming and vendors selling treats, accessories and other goodies for your pup.

Farewelling the festival on Monday 12 October, The Great Big Bulb Dig gives visitors the chance to dig up bulbs and annuals from the display beds and replant them at home. Proceeds from bag sales support YWCA Canberra.

SO MUCH TO EAT AND DRINK

Credit: VisitCanberra.

Hungry? Thirsty? Floriade has you covered with more than 30 food and beverage vendors serving up gourmet street food, artisan treats and locally crafted drinks showcasing the diversity of Canberra’s food scene. You’ll find everything from Donut Puff Balls (an annual must-eat, in our opinion) to Indian street food, Italian sweet treats, vegan Vietnamese fare and more!

The Floriade café offers a delightful indoor escape, serving up a variety of crowd favourites from comforting classics to fresh, seasonal treats – you can even enjoy a traditional high tea overlooking the beautiful blooms!

The Underground Spirits Gin Garden will return throughout the festival, with handcrafted cocktails, its signature Cocktail High Tea and pastries and savoury bites from L’épi Artisan Bakery. BentSpoke Brewing Co will be pouring its craft brews alongside regional snacks and a limited-edition Floriade beer, and Bar Berra will showcase the Canberra region with local wines, craft beers, ciders and premium spirits in a garden setting.

Basically, if your ideal Floriade involves flowers in one hand and a drink in the other, you’re sorted.

A CHANCE TO SEE FLORIADE’S DARK SIDE

Because apparently flowers aren’t dramatic enough during daylight hours, NightFest returns from Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 October, transforming Commonwealth Park after dark with spectacular light installations, fire performances, roaming entertainers, market stalls and plenty of food and drink to enjoy beneath the stars.

This year’s headline music lineup features The Temper Trap, Tim Finn, Pacific Avenue, Busby Marou and Christine Anu, joined by some of Canberra’s best local musicians.

CITY-WIDE CELEBRATIONS

This year, Floriade doesn’t start and finish at Commonwealth Park. Floriade About Town extends the festival across Canberra, with local restaurants, cafés, bars, hotels, retailers and attractions getting into the spring spirit with special offers and experiences.

And at Lanyon Homestead, Floriade takes over a beautiful heritage setting beneath the Brindabellas, with a program spanning high teas, garden tours, live performances, creative workshops, family activities and wellness experiences throughout the festival.

Are you ready to dig in?