Spring has arrived in Canberra, and with it the return of Floriade, as Commonwealth Park opens its gates for a month-long celebration of flowers, food and the rituals that bring communities together.
For 2026, Floriade embraces the theme Feast of Flowers, drawing a connection between the natural abundance of spring and the pleasures of the table. It is a theme that gives this year’s festival a particularly Australian character, with the garden beds looking beyond flowers alone to explore the colours, textures and traditions associated with growing, harvesting, gathering and feasting.
More than one million tulips, daffodils, pansies and violas provide the centrepiece, arranged across an expansive series of garden beds that tell a story from soil to shared table. Inspired by seasonal produce and the rituals of eating, the designs range from Canberra’s cool-climate food bowl to familiar Australian food moments, including the backyard barbecue, the picnic rug and even fairy bread.
The result is a festival that encourages visitors to slow down and look more closely. Rather than simply presenting a spectacular display of spring colour, Floriade 2026 uses its gardens to explore our relationship with food, landscape and one another.
That sense of gathering extends throughout the broader program, with food and wine workshops, live music, cultural performances, markets and family-friendly activities taking place among the gardens. Among the highlights is a book talk with celebrated cook, author and educator Stephanie Alexander, alongside demonstrations and appearances from chefs Karen Martini, Mindy Woods, Justine Schofield and Simon Bryant.
For something altogether more whimsical, Gnome Knoll returns, offering visitors the opportunity to paint and personalise their own garden gnome. From Basil and Sage to the ever-popular Truffle the pig and larger feature gnomes, the activity has become one of Floriade’s more enduring community traditions. Finished creations can be taken home or entered into the Gnome Knoll competition.
After dark, Floriade takes on a very different character with the return of NightFest from 1 to 4 October. Commonwealth Park will be transformed through illuminated gardens, live music and after-hours entertainment, with The Temper Trap, Tim Finn, Pacific Avenue, Busby Marou and Christine Anu among the headline acts.
The festival’s popular closing traditions also return, with Dogs’ Day Out bringing four-legged visitors to Commonwealth Park on the final day, followed by the Great Big Bulb Dig after the gates close. The annual event offers visitors the chance to take home some of Floriade’s spring bounty while raising funds to support the local community through charity.
And for those wanting to take in the festival from a different perspective, the Star of the Show Ferris Wheel provides an elevated view across the expansive garden beds, offering a reminder of quite how ambitious Floriade has become.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Floriade remained one of Canberra’s most loved events and an important drawcard for visitors to the capital. “This year’s theme brings together two of the best things about spring in Canberra, beautiful gardens and great local food,” the Chief Minister said.
“Floriade is much more than a flower festival. It brings people together, supports local businesses, attracts visitors to Canberra and helps showcase our city to Australia and the world.”
“More than half a million people visited Floriade last year, making it the biggest festival in the event’s history, and we’re looking forward to welcoming another great crowd this spring.
“Whether you’re coming for the flowers, the food, NightFest or a day out with family and friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” the Chief Minister added.
With large crowds expected and construction continuing across Canberra’s city centre, visitors are encouraged to plan their journey to Commonwealth Park in advance.
Floriade 2026 runs from 12 September to 11 October at Commonwealth Park, Canberra. Entry is free. For more information and full program, visit: www.floriadeaustralia.com for details.
Images: Floriade Mural – photo by Chris Chia (courtesy of Events ACT) | Floriade Vista – courtesy of Events ACT | Illuminated Blooms at NightFest – courtesy of Events ACT | Floriade Ferris Wheel – courtesy of Events ACT