Flower festivals, floral high-teas, and more: these are the spring events you’ll want to add to your calendar
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Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking. Spring has officially sprung, and with the new season comes an abundance of flower-themed events blooming across the city.
If there’s one thing Canberra does well, it’s celebrate the magic of spring. From flower festivals (that’s right – multiple) to floral-themed high teas, here is a bouquet of spring events you’ll want to add to your calendar.
Festivals
Floriade
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It’s not spring in Canberra until our flower festival hits full bloom, and with over one million flowers transforming Commonwealth Park, we have high expectations for Floriade’s 37th year.
With the theme Art in Bloom, this year will see the park come alive with art exhibitions, live entertainment, music, food and drink, workshops, and so much more. As always, there will be plenty of spring-y activities for the whole family to enjoy as you marvel at beautiful blooms and soak in the spring weather.
Saturday 14 September until Sunday 13 October, 9.30 am – 5.30 pm |
Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes | More information here.
Tulip Top Gardens
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Located just a 30 minute drive from the CBD, The Tulip Top Gardens in Sutton are a must-do spring activity.
Featuring acres of stunning world-class gardens framed by weeping willows, thousands of blossoms a million tulips, daffodils, and other flowers creatively planted, here you can escape the city for a blissful and beautiful haven.
Make sure to check out the onsite café, and the Tulip Top Gardens pancake parlour, or BYO picnic!
Wednesday 11 September until Sunday 13 October, 9 am – 5 pm | 20 Old Federal Highway, Sutton | $22 per adult, $20 for concession and children 16 and under free | More information here.
Tulip Time Festival
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Fancy a road trip one weekend? Take some time to visit the Southern Highlands this spring to experience the stunning Tulip Time Festival.
Transforming the charming Corbett Gardens in Bowral, with a breathtaking display of 80,000 hand-planted tulips, you can spend hours promenading your way through the gardens. Also featuring daily entertainment, food, and market stalls, it’s the perfect excuse to hit the road this spring.
Thursday 12 until Monday 30 September, 9.30 am – 4.30 pm | Corbett Gardens, Wingecarribee Street Bowral | More information here.
Nightfest
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You can’t talk about spring without mentioning Floriade’s dark side. Returning for another year with a new and exciting program packed with entertainment, this nighttime event is always a seasonal highlight.
From Thursday 3 until Saturday 6 October, across four nights you can see Commonwealth Park illuminated with vibrant colours, enjoy an amazing program of live music, watch cabaret in the Kazador Tent, and eat some amazing food.
Thursday 3 until Saturday 6 October, 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm |
Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes | More information here.
Food
Floriade High Tea at Hotel Kurrajong
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Who doesn’t love a traditional high tea with a floral twist? To celebrate Canberra’s festival of flowers, Hotel Kurrajong is hosting a Floriade at Chifley’s High Tea.
Running every Saturday during the festival in the Kurrajong Courtyard and art-deco dining room, you can soak in some beautiful old-world charm and lush greenery as you sip herbal teas and barista-made coffee.
Served alongside a lavish assortment of high tea treats (including, petite scones, mini quiches, finger sandwiches, and more), it wouldn’t be a Floriade High Tea without a little springtime tribute: a complimentary Floriade-themed cocktail.
Saturday 14 September until Saturday 12 October, 12 pm – 2 pm | $79 per person | 8 National Circuit, Barton | Book here.
Floriade High Tea at natural nine
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This is a spring-themed high tea with a twist! Taking place every Saturday and Sunday throughout Floriade, natural nine is celebrating the flower festival with a special menu Asian-fusion menu – and it sounds delicious.
From steamed crab sandwiches and roast duck pancakes to Nutella glutenous rice balls and custard bao, each dish is best enjoyed alongside their tea-themed cocktails. Need an example of the sips on offer? Think a Green Tea Mojito, Cherry Iced Tea, Chai Old Fashioned, and an Earl Grey Marteani.
Saturday 14 September until Sunday 13 October, 12 pm – 3 pm | $55 per person (tea cocktails are additional) | 21 Binara Street, City | Book here.
Underground Spirits Gin Garden at Floriade
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Sipping gin surrounded by the blooms of Floriade – honestly, what could be better?
Nestled amongst the vibrant blooms, the Underground Spirits Gin Garden is popping up to transport you into a world of Regency-inspired elegance. Inviting attendees to sip on their exclusive Lady Floriade Gin while immersing themselves in the breathtaking floral surroundings, you can also book the Underground Spirits Elegant Cocktail Domes to haven to savour delightful cocktails served in charming teapots.
This sounds like a garden party like no other.
Saturday 14 September until Sunday 13 October, 9.30 am – 5 pm | Commonwealth Park, Regatta Place, Parkes | More information here.
Spring Fashion High Tea with Birdsnest
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Dainty pastries, sweet treats, sparkling cocktails and a fashion runway – what else could you want?
The Hyatt is hosting a beautiful afternoon fashion and frivolities as they launch their Spring High Tea in collaboration with Birdsnest. Tickets includes a three-tiered High Tea with a welcome cocktail on arrival, asSpring fashion parade hosted by Birdsnest head stylist, Sandy Schofield and the opportunity to show the looks after the show.
Saturday 21 September, 11 am – 4 pm | The Tea Lounge at Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
Have a taste of Floriade at Midnight Bar
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Celebrate the magic of Floriade with Skipping Through the Tulips at Midnight Bar – a cocktail that captures the very essence of this year’s theme, Art in Bloom.
Featuring rose-infused Antipodes Watermelon Gin, combined with the delicate notes of lavender liqueur and a hint of lemon juice for a refreshing, zesty twist, it’s inspired by the vibrant colours and blooms of spring, this exclusive nightcap is designed to be a multi-sensory experience that transports you to a garden in full bloom.
Saturday 14 September until Sunday 13 October | 1 Elouera Street, Braddon | More information here.
Floriade High Tea at Old Parliament House
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Looking for a springtime escape? Make your way to the Members’ Dining Rooms in Old Parliament House for a one-of-a-kind spring-themed experience.
Serving Banoffee chocolate pie, yuzu matcha tiramisu, cucumber and cream cheese spread ribbons, spinach and artichoke tarts and homemade buttermilk scones amidst the historic grandeur (overlooking the iconic Parliament House), after savouring the delectable treats, take some time to stroll through the famous rose gardens to bask in wisteria and roses in full bloom.
Sunday 13 October, 2 pm – 4.30 pm | Old Parliament House, Members’ Dining Rooms, Parkes | Book here.
Meet the Makers
An exceptional three course dinner paired with fine wine? Sounds like a good time.
Meet the Makers is the second biggest event held by Ronald McDonald House Charities Canberra, raising funds that support the vital work the charity does. Hosted by award wining comedian Chris Ryan, you’ll have the opportunity to hear directly from a family that stayed at Ronald McDonald House Canberra as you enjoy the tranquility of The Glasshouse at Pialligo Estate.
Wednesday 30 October, from 6.15 pm | The Glass House, Pialligo Estate, 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | Book here.
