Floriade’s Feast of Flowers 2026, which celebrates the connection between garden, table, and community, opens tomorrow, Saturday 12 September and runs until 12 October.
Across the festival, visitors will experience more than one million blooms alongside a packed program of entertainment, workshops, markets, food experiences and family-friendly activities.
Highlights include a book talk with renowned cook, author and educator Stephanie Alexander, as well as demonstrations and appearances from celebrated chefs Karen Martini, Mindy Woods, Justine Schofield and Simon Bryant.
Across four weeks, visitors will enjoy demonstrations, conversations, workshops and meet-and-greet opportunities with some of the personalities who have helped shape the nation’s food culture.
Opening weekend will feature renowned chef, author and television personality Karen Martini alongside chef, restaurateur and MasterChef Australia finalist Mindy Woods, with live demonstrations, conversations and audience meet-and-greet opportunities.
Karen Martini said Feast of Flowers captures the beauty of seasonal produce and the joy of cooking with what’s in season.
“There is something magical about cooking with the season right in front of you.
“Floriade’s Feast of Flowers is the perfect backdrop for celebrating what spring puts on our plates,” Ms Martini said.
Today, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said, “Every year it brings something bigger than just the flowers.”
“Yes, the flowers bring people through the gate, but it’s the community that keeps them coming back.”
NightFest also returns from 1 to 4 October, transforming Commonwealth Park with illuminated gardens, live music and after-dark entertainment.
The Temper Trap, Tim Finn, Pacific Avenue, Busby Marou and Christine Anu will headline this year’s event.
“NightFest provides useful evidence that Canberrans do in fact leave the house after dark and offers annual proof that our nightlife extends well beyond parliamentary sitting weeks,” said Mr Barr.
“Despite a body of commentary sometimes suggesting otherwise.”
Other key events include Dogs’ Day Out Sunday on 11 October, which is the final day closing event, and The Great Big Bulb Dig on Monday 12 October.
And of course, visitors to Floriade can once again purchase tickets to experience the spectacular views on board the Star of the Show Ferris Wheel – 35m high with 360-degree views!
For those concerned about how to navigate transport or parking, public transport is recommended, with free daily Floriade Shuttle Buses, operated by CDC Canberra, running within the City and National Triangle.
There are also weekend Floriade Express buses from Tuggeranong, Woden and Belconnen bus interchanges.
If you prefer to drive, planning is recommended and it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with nearby parking options.
A comprehensive transport guide is also available on the Floriade website here.
“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,” said Mr Barr.
“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.”
Festival Details
Dates: September 12 – October 11, 2026
Location: Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra ACT
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 5:30pm daily (last entry at 5pm)
Cost: Free general entry
Floriade is free to enter and does not require registration. There are some paid events included in the Floriade program. Look out for ‘Book Tickets’ specified on the applicable event pages and linked to ticketing websites for purchase.
NightFest is also a ticketed event.
