Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson are set to star alongside the likes of Grug and Where’s Wally as this year’s Floriade takes visitors on a trip down memory lane through the theme of Pop Culture.

Featuring a jam-packed program drawing inspiration from this year’s theme, festival-goers will be treated to an exciting array of retro-inspired flowerbeds showcasing some of the 20th Century’s most iconic figures in music, film, literature and social media.

With something for everyone, people can expect Marilyn Monroe and Ken Done inspired creations alongside beds dedicated to Grug, the Rubik’s Cube and what’s sure to be a crowd favourite, Where’s Wally.

Floriade’s focus on delivering an exciting, diverse, innovative program has ensured this year’s line-up is nothing short of blooming wonderful!

Visitors can tantalise their tastebuds and sample the best produce from Canberra and the surrounding region, keep the kids entertained throughout the school holiday period for free at KidzKlub or spend Sunday afternoons picnicking at Jazz in the Park with some very special guests including the uber-talented Emma Pask.

Back due to popular demand, NightFest, Floriade’s ticketed after-dark experience, returns for five nights, from Wednesday 26 September until Sunday 30 September. Commonwealth Park will come to life after dark with illuminated flowerbeds, a line-up of local and drink food stalls, nightly entertainment and dazzling lighting installations making NightFest an absolute must in 2018.

On the Wednesday night, grab some popcorn and a blanket as Stage 88 transforms into an open-air cinema, while Thursday and Friday nights see musicians hit the stage as the music flows through the flowerbeds including Caiti Baker, Bowie Unzipped featuring Jeff Duff and Kate Miller-Heidke.

Then, get your dance moves ready for Saturday’s Party NightFest, as the Park switches to party mode with Cell Block 69. Cap off the weekend with a night of laughs as MA15+ Comedy NightFest returns with Arj Barker, Akmal Saleh, The Stevenson Experience, Chris Ryan and Matt Okine.

Australia’s premier flower festival takes over Commonwealth Park in Canberra from 15 September to 14 October.