Art in Bloom is the theme of this year’s Floriade, Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, which will be held in Commonwealth Park from Saturday, 14 September to Sunday, 13 October.

Over 30 days, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said, Canberra will transform into a canvas of colour and creativity from the one million blooms in Commonwealth Park, to the 300,000 bulbs and annuals in community flower beds around the city.

The flowerbed designs in Commonwealth Park will draw inspiration from major art forms, inviting visitors to wander through artistic floral displays, sculptures and representations of architecture, literature, music, cinema, and theatre.

Live entertainment, workshops, and activities will bring art to life. Visitors can immerse themselves in different genres of art and create their own art.

The festival will offer entertainment, music, cultural celebrations, market traders, and food and beverages.

NightFest will provide exciting after-dark entertainment, illuminating the horticultural displays at Commonwealth Park from 6.30pm to 10.30pm each evening over four nights from 3 to 6 October.

An annual family favourite, Dogs’ Day Out will be held on the final day of Floriade, Sunday 13 October: visitors can bring their pets for a fun walk among the flowers.

Floriade officially closes with the traditional Great Big Bulb Dig, on Monday 14 October: visitors can take a piece of Floriade home with them while supporting local charities.

Floriade attract visitors both locally and from across the country, Mr Barr said: close to half a million people visit the ACT each year, providing jobs in the tourism industry, boosting Canberra’s visitor economy, and building the city’s reputation as a global destination. In 2023, the festival had an economic impact of $51.1 million.

Entry to Floriade is free, and the gates are open from 9.30am to 5.30pm daily.

For more information, visit floriadeaustralia.com.