Floriade What's On Guide
Spring has burst into bloom in the national capital and with it comes the much-anticipated return of Floriade. This year Floriade returns bigger and better and Canberra Centre is proud to be the Major Partner.
Floriade celebrates its 37th year in 2024, and for 30 days across September and October, Commonwealth Park across the capital, comes alive with beauty, colour and vibrancy.
The theme this year is Art in Bloom, and visitors will enjoy a vibrant display of over a million blooms.· The garden bed designs will draw inspiration from major art forms and will take visitors on an artistic journey with floral displays and interpretations of painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, music, theatre, and cinema. Experience a diverse program of entertainment, cultural celebrations, food and wine, horticultural workshops, market traders, artistic displays and more as Floriade celebrates all things flowers, food and gardens. Floriade has something for everyone! With so much to see, eat and explore at this year’s festival we’ve curated a guide to make sure you don’t miss out on anything.
Floriade 2024
Get your creative side blooming in floral art masterclasses, roaming entertainment performances, enjoy acoustic notes amongst the blooms, or simply explore the beautiful garden beds.
Commonwealth Park will be open for Floriade from 14th September to 13th October. Entry to Floriade is free, non-ticketed event with gates open from 9.30am to 5.30pm daily.
Enjoy The City to Floriade Festival Shuttle Service
Operating daily from Saturday 14 September running throughout the festival, the courtesy City to Floriade Festival Shuttle will take Canberra Centre customers direct to the heart of Floriade. Allowing visitors to park at Canberra Centre and skip the parking hassles at the event. The shuttle stop is located on Petrie St, outside of Pharmacy on Petrie, with regular buses running to Floriade. For more details see HERE.
Secure Tickets To NightFest
NightFest offers attendees a unique experience to indulge the senses. See Commonwealth Park illuminated with vibrant colours, enjoy an amazing program of live music on two stages, captivating cabaret in the Kazador Tent, roving entertainment, market stalls and fantastic food and drinks at NightFest this year, on from 3 to 6 October, from 6.30 – 10.30pm.
With a full program of entertainment lined up for you to unwind & invigorate, NightFest has your weekend plans sorted. Enjoy the park illuminated with colour and filled with captivating entertainment, stalls and fantastic food. Secure your tickets HERE.
Find Floyd's Family To Win
To celebrate Floriade, all 37 of Floyd's family members have been spread across Canberra and are waiting to be found. Each time you find a member of Floyd’s family, simply scan the QR code and you’ll go into the draw to win some amazing prizes. The hunt for Floyd's family will run from August 27 until September 20. Find out more HERE.
Floriade Paint and Sip and Beginner Art Workshops
Drawing inspiration from Floriade's "Art in Bloom" theme you won’t want to miss out on creating your own stunning tulip canvas, celebrating the vibrant colors of spring at our Paint & Sip Workshops. Perfect for beginners and those with some experience, the Floriade Paint and Sip Workshops will help you unlock your inner artist. A 2-hour painting workshop where you'll learn the fundamentals of painting beautiful botanical flowers inspired by the vibrant colours of spring. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate artist, this workshop offers something for everyone. This class is for adults aged 18+ with attendees receiving a glass of sparking and a sweet treat for $40 per attendee with workshops running across 27 to 29th September at Canberra Centre. Buy Tickets to Paint and Sip Workshops HERE
Also on offer are Beginner Art Workshops, this beginner-friendly 1.5-hour workshop is designed for beginners (adults) and kids (9+) to explore their artistic side while painting a vibrant tulip canvas. Attendees will receive a free beverage and sweet treat for $30 per attendee, with workshops running on 28 to 29 September at Canberra Centre. Buy Tickets to Beginner Art Workshop HERE
For both paint workshops all materials are included, just bring your creative flare and get set to enjoy a fun crafty session.
Enjoy the City to Floriade Walking Trail
Guiding you to Floriade and back with a spring in your step! The City Walking Trail is an accessible route bringing this festival of flowers right into the heart of the City Centre, with a beautiful trail of potted blooms. The trail will take you approximately 15mins and is 1.5kms long. For the map of the trail see HERE.
Shop Floral Inspired Fashion, Beauty & Homewares
Across Canberra the landscape is bursting into bloom with gorgeous spring flowers in time for Floriade. With the change of season bringing renewal what better way to celebrate this revitalising energy of a fresh season than by embracing the latest spring fashion and homewares. We’ve rounded up our favourite floral inspired fashion, beauty and homewares purchases HERE.
Don’t Miss Dog’s Day Out
This event is for the four-legged family members! Dogs’ Day Out is Floriade’s annual highlight of the program, a special day when visitors can bring their furry friends along to Floriade and frolic amongst the flowers. Dogs’ Day Out will be held on the final day of Floriade, Sunday 13th October. Find out more HERE.
The Great Big Bulb Dig
Floriade lovers will be able to take home a little piece of the magic this year when they take part in The Great Big Bulb Dig.
The Bulb Dig will be held on Monday 14th October from 11am, the day after Floriade closes its gates for 2023.
Buy your Great Big Bulb Dig bag (or bags!) from the Floriade Shop or the CRVC shop on site at Floriade during the event. Your bag is your entry ticket to the Bulb Dig. All funds raised from the sale of the bags go to the two charities Roundabout Canberra and the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.
This year, Floriade are offering an exclusive VIP Great Big Bulb Dig bag for $30 alongside the standard option which costs $15. The VIP Navy Blue bag not only grants you early access to the event at 10am but also comes in an extra-large size, allowing you to collect more bulbs and further support the chosen charities. Don’t miss out – VIP bags are in limited supply! Regular bag entry will be available from 11am.
Find Out More HERE.
Visiting from outside Canberra
Don’t live in Canberra? Floriade is the perfect time to plan a visit, whether it’s for a day trip or a weekend away. To plan your trip to Canberra and experience Floriade CLICK HERE
