Think you know Floriade? Sure, there are flowers. A lot of flowers. But Canberra’s favourite spring festival has more going on this year than you might realise.
With Floriade 2026 returning to Commonwealth Park from Saturday 12 September to Sunday 11 October, here are five facts, features and festival moments worth knowing before you go.
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There are more than one million blooms
Floriade 2026 will bring more than one million blooms to Commonwealth Park, with tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, pansies, violas and poppies transforming the park into a sea of colour.
So, when you’re wandering through the flowerbeds, just remember that you’re looking at one seriously ambitious gardening effort.
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This year’s flowers are inspired by food
Flowers and food might not be the most obvious pairing, but Floriade is bringing them together this year with its Feast of Flowers theme.
The 2026 garden beds take inspiration from iconic Australian food moments, including fairy bread, backyard barbecues, picnic rugs, shared platters and even the iconic Duck Birthday Cake.
A feast for the eyes, before you even get near the food stalls.
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Floriade doesn’t end when the sun goes down
For four nights from 1 to 4 October, Commonwealth Park transforms for NightFest, with illuminated flowerbeds, light installations, roving performers, food and live music.
The 2026 line-up includes Tim Finn, Busby Marou, Christine Anu, Pacific Avenue and The Temper Trap across the four nights, so if you’re more night owl than morning person, this is the one to book.
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You can do high tea among the flowers
At Lanyon Homestead, the Feast of Flowers High Tea pairs a guided tour of the historic homestead with sweet and savoury treats, tea or coffee, and time to explore the spring gardens.
There is also an Underground Spirits Cocktail High Tea in the Gin Garden at Commonwealth Park, featuring gin cocktails, French pastries and savoury treats from L’épi Artisan Bakery.
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You can take some of Floriade home with you
Ever wished you could take a little piece of Floriade home with you? Well, you can.
The Great Big Bulb Dig returns the day after Floriade closes, giving visitors the chance to dig up bulbs from the display beds and replant them at home.
Bags are $20 each, and 100 percent of proceeds go to YWCA Canberra YHomes Housing, which supports housing for women who are survivors of domestic violence or experiencing homelessness.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Location: Commonwealth Park, Parkes
Dates/Times: 12 September – 11 October 2026. NightFest runs 1–4 October, 6:30pm – 10:30pm.
Ticketing/Booking: Daytime entry is free.
NightFest and High Tea events are ticketed and book out early.
Find out more HERE
