Floriade, Australia’s Biggest Celebration of Spring, opens at Commonwealth Park this weekend, and runs until mid-October.

This year’s theme is “Art in Bloom”. Commonwealth Park will be transformed into a colourful canvas, with flowerbed designs inspired by art forms. Visitors can wander through artistic floral displays, sculptures, and representations of architecture, literature, music, cinema, and theatre. Live entertainment, workshops, and activities will bring the arts to life.

Now in its 37^th year, the event attracts nearly half a million visitors annually, benefiting small businesses and the economy.

Special events include:

• Tuesday 17 September: welcoming home Olympians and Paralympians on Stage 88 from 12.30pm to 1pm – the public can meet athletes for photos and autographs.
• Saturday 28 September: a gardening session with Costa Georgiadis, host of the ABC’s Gardening Australia
• Wednesday 6 October: the Opening Ceremony for Australia’s Transplant Games – 300 athletes participating in the Games will proceed through the park to Stage 88.

Family-friendly shows at the Kazador tent will offer more entertainment:

• Saturday 14 to Tuesday 17 September: Dr Hubble’s Bubble show – hilarity for youngsters
• Wednesday 18 September to Sunday 13 October: Some Kind of Magic’s Kiki and Pascal – a magical blend of comedy and illusion
• Saturday 28 September to Sunday 13 October: Circus Extravaganza – acrobatics, juggling, unicycling, and comedy

Local and interstate vendors, wineries and breweries will sell food and drink.

NightFest 2024 will feature after-dark entertainment and horticultural illuminations from 6.30pm to 10.30pm each evening from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 October.

The Kazador tent will offer adults-only entertainment during NightFest. Kiss Bang Cabaret combines risqué comedy, circus, burlesque and cabaret. You can purchase a combined ticket for entry with your NightFest tickets online.

The festival wraps up with Dogs’ Day Out on Sunday 13 October, and the Great Big Bulb Dig Monday 14 October.

300,000 bulbs and annuals will be planted in community flower beds across the city. Lanyon Homestead will have a flower bed inspired by the work of artist Sidney Nolan.

Entry is free. Floriade is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm from Saturday 14 September to Sunday 13 October.  For more information, visit floriadeaustralia.com.