Floriade Spring Festival 2026

Spring is blooming in the nation's capital, and that can only mean one thing — Floriade is back! Canberra's stunning Commonwealth Park will once again transform into a kaleidoscope of colour for this month-long floral festival, now in its 39th year.

More than one million blooms will transform the park into a sprawling celebration of colour, with live entertainment, creative workshops, garden tours, food experiences and activities for children unfolding throughout the month. Entry to the daytime festival is free, although some special events and workshops require tickets.

In our book, it's the perfect spring weekender and well worth the trip down from Sydney!

What's On at the 2026 Floriade Festival

The 2026 theme, Feast of Flowers, brings nature, food and community together through garden beds inspired by edible landscapes, seasonal produce and the pleasure of gathering around a shared table. Visitors will be invited to experience spring through every sense, with floral displays, food-focused events and collaborations with local growers, producers and Canberra businesses appearing across the program.

The flowers remain the main course at Floriade, with Commonwealth Park covered in intricately designed beds overflowing with tulips, daffodils and spring annuals. The displays will reflect the Feast of Flowers theme, using colour, shape and planting patterns to evoke fresh produce, flourishing gardens and generous seasonal feasts. Floriade is open daily from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, giving visitors plenty of time to wander, photograph the flowers and settle in for a picnic.

Other highlights of the 2026 program include:

Floriade Sprouts

Little gardeners can get their hands dirty at Floriade Sprouts, the festival's dedicated children's activity space. Free Kids Potting Up Workshops will run on Fridays and Saturdays, while weekend craft sessions include DIY Floral Bookmarks and Flower Feast Paper Creations. Children can make something colourful to take home while learning about plants, flowers and the natural world.

Where: Floriade Sprouts, Commonwealth Park
When:  12 September - 11 October
Cost:    FREE entry

Rides and Family Entertainment

The flowers may be beautiful, but the giant Ferris wheel usually wins the race for the kids' attention! Families can take in sweeping views across the gardens or add a little extra excitement with dodgem cars, teacups, a nostalgic carousel, a super slide and a trackless train. Rides are individually priced and paid for by card at the festival.

Stages around Commonwealth Park will also host live music, school and community performances, roving entertainment and family shows throughout the event. The program changes from day to day, so it is worth checking the schedule before visiting.

Where: Commonwealth Park
When:  12 September - 11 October
Cost:    FREE entry

Floriade Workshops and Talks

The 2026 Workshops and Talks program digs into food, flowers, creativity and community through hands-on sessions and special presentations. Highlights include Tasting Australia: Feast of Flowers with Adam Shipp, cooking with award-winning chef Clement Chauvin, a matcha masterclass, a grazing-box workshop and the Futuresteading Huddle hosted by author and farmer Jade Miles. Some sessions are free with bookings required, while others are ticketed.

Where: Commonwealth Park
When:  12 September - 11 October
Cost:    FREE and ticketed sessions

Floriade Garden Tours

Curious gardeners can join an expert guide for a closer look at the ideas, plants and planning behind the enormous floral displays. The 45-minute Floriade Garden Tours run at 10 am on weekdays from 14 September to 9 October, excluding weekends and public holidays. Places must be booked, making this a handy addition for visitors who would like to see more than a very impressive sea of tulips.

Where: Commonwealth Park
When:  14 September - 9 October
Cost:    Ticketed events; bookings required

NightFest

From 1 to 4 October, Floriade stays awake after dark for four evenings of illuminated gardens, immersive installations, food stalls and live entertainment. NightFest runs from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm and transforms Commonwealth Park into a glowing floral playground.

Each evening will feature a different headline performance, with Tim Finn appearing on Thursday, Busby Marou and Christine Anu on Friday, Pacific Avenue on Saturday and The Temper Trap closing the program on Sunday. NightFest is ticketed, with family passes priced at $114.40, child tickets at $31.50 and free entry for children aged four and under. Booking fees apply.

Where: Commonwealth Park
When:  1-4 October | 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm
Cost:    Ticketed event bookings required

Floriade at Lanyon Homestead

Floriade will spread beyond Commonwealth Park in 2026, with Lanyon Homestead returning as a satellite site against the beautiful backdrop of the Brindabella Ranges. Visitors can explore seasonal plantings and heritage gardens while joining workshops, tours and special events.

The Lanyon program includes Feast of Flowers High Tea, guided garden tours, Lunch at Lanyon with the National Opera, a wearable weaving workshop and Botanical Play sessions for children during the school holidays. A relaxing Sunset Sound Bath will close the program on 11 October. Some experiences require advance bookings and separate tickets.

Where: Lanyon Homestead
When:  12 September - 11 October
Cost:    FREE and ticketed sessions

Dogs' Day Out

Four-legged flower lovers finally get their turn on Sunday, 11 October, when Dogs' Day Out takes over the final day of Floriade. Dogs and their humans can stroll the designated garden paths, browse pet-focused stalls and enjoy dog-friendly activities and stage programming from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. Entry is free, but dogs must remain on a leash and owners need to bring their own waste bags.

Pets are not permitted at Floriade on other dates, apart from registered assistance animals.

Where: Commonwealth Park
When:  Sunday, 11 October | 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Cost:    FREE 

The Great Big Bulb Dig

Floriade closes its gates on 11 October, but the flower frenzy continues for one final day. The Great Big Bulb Dig returns from 11 am to 3 pm on Monday 12 October, inviting visitors to dig up bulbs and annuals from the garden beds and replant a little piece of Floriade at home.

Entry requires the purchase of an official $20 Bulb Dig Bag, which can be bought during Floriade or at the gate on the day, subject to availability. Participants may collect as many plants and bulbs as they can fit inside their bag.

Where: Commonwealth Park
When:  Sunday, 11 October | 11 am to 3 pm
Cost:    $20 entry

Sensory Hour at Floriade

A quieter Sensory Hour will run from 9.30 am to 10.30 am on weekdays, excluding public holidays. Amplified sound and stage performances will be limited during this time to create a calmer environment for visitors with sensory processing challenges. Commonwealth Park is also accessible to wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams, with accessible toilets, parking and mobility equipment hire available.

Where: Commonwealth Park
When:  Daily throughout the festival | 9.30-10.30 am
Cost:   FREE

For more information and to book your tickets, visit Floriade. 

Where: Commonwealth Park, Regatta Place, Parkes, Canberra
When:  Saturday 12 September to Sunday 11 October 2026 | 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Cost:    FREE entry; charges apply for NightFest, selected workshops, rides and special events

More Spring Events in Sydney

REAL Festival
Fringe Kids at Sydney Fringe Festival
Orange Blossom Festival

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!