Floriade is usually all about the blooms, but this year, there’s plenty happening beyond the garden beds.  

As Commonwealth Park fills with colour, the 2026 program is also bringing Canberra’s food and drink scene into the spotlight through chef demonstrations, local drink pop-ups, and interactive workshops and experiences.  

So, if you want to watch the pros at work, learn how to blend your own matcha, or just sit back with a cold local brew in the sun, there’s plenty to get excited about.   

 

Canberra Chefs Take the Stage 

Some of Canberra’s best-known chefs will step out of their kitchens and into Commonwealth Park for a series of live cooking demonstrations. 

  • Lunetta (Sunday 13 September): Red Hill’s elegant dining room heads lakeside, with Executive Chef Tristan Rebbettes creating a refined spring dish inspired by the season. 
  • Such and Such (Tuesday 22 September and Tuesday 6 October): One of the city’s favourite funky dining spots, Such and Such will be represented by Head Chef Malcolm Hanslow, who’ll show how seasonal ingredients can be turned into seriously impressive desserts. 
  • Les Bistronomes (Friday 25 September): Chef Clement Chauvin brings his signature French flair to the park with a demo of asparagus velouté topped with lavender foam. 
  • Lunetta Trattoria (Sunday 11 October): Head Chef Will Moyle keeps things relaxed with a masterclass in simple, produce-driven Italian cooking. 

 

Local Drinks and Produce 

If you’re more interested in what’s being poured, grown or made locally, there’s plenty to work through: 

  • Underground Spirits Gin Garden: The floral bar returns with handcrafted cocktails, Cocktail High Tea and gin pairings with fresh pastries from L’épi Artisan Bakery. 
  • BentSpoke Brewing Co: BentSpoke will be pouring its usual craft favourites, alongside a limited-edition Floriade beer made for the festival. 
  • Bar Berra: A relaxed garden bar showcasing the region’s drinks scene, with local wines, craft beers, ciders and spirits on offer. 
  • Majura Valley Farm: The team will bring a taste of the farm to Floriade, sharing sustainable growing tips through hands-on activities around the Kitchen Garden Beds. 

 

Get Hands-On 

If you want to do more than eat and drink, the ‘Feast of Flowers’ program also includes a few hands-on experiences: 

  • Groovy Grazing (Friday 18 September and Saturday 10 October): Learn the art of the perfect platter at the Build & Bloom workshop, where you’ll create your own grazing box using seasonal local produce. 
  • Teddy’s Matcha (Thursday 8 October and Saturday 10 October): The Civic matcha favourite is hosting beginner-friendly workshops covering the art, history and craft behind a perfect bowl of matcha. 
  • Adam Shipp (weekend of 26–27 September): Join Wiradjuri man Adam Shipp, in partnership with the National Museum of Australia, for a guided walk exploring native Australian plants, traditional knowledge and Indigenous food culture. 

 

Make a Day of It 

Alongside the main program, Floriade will have more than 30 food and drink vendors throughout the park, serving everything from festival favourites to artisan treats. 

And if you want to see Commonwealth Park after dark, ‘NightFest’ runs from 1 to 4 October, with glowing installations, entertainment and plenty of food and drink to enjoy along the way. 

Come for the flowers. Stay for the food. 

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 

Location: Commonwealth Park, Parkes  

Dates/Times: 12 September to 11 October 2026  

Ticketing/Booking: General entry to Floriade is free, but specific ‘Feast of Flowers’ workshops and ‘NightFest’ sessions require tickets.  

Find out more HERE