Floriade is back with a bang; the bang of a drum, that is, as the festival’s 35th installment praises the ‘Sounds of Spring’. For the first time since 2019, the month-long festivities return to Commonwealth Park from 17 September to 16 October.

Pandemic restrictions in 2020 and 2021 saw Australia’s biggest festival of spring take to garden beds and wheelbarrows across the ACT. Now it has returned to its home ground where it can provide an extra boost for the local economy. In 2019, over 500,000 people walked through the festival’s gates, around half of whom were from interstate or overseas.

The festival is pulling out all the stops to attract crowds this year with special guest Gardening Australia host and much-loved celebrity green thumb, Costa Georgiadis sharing his joy of nature at Stage 88 on Sunday 25 September. Guests will be able to attend meet and greets with Costa before and after his stage appearance.

After dark from 29 September to 2 October, Floriade is serious about you having a good time when NightFest returns with two flavours to choose from – Relax or Invigorate. On Thursday and Sunday, guests are invited to sit back, take it easy, enjoy the soothing sounds of the performers, sip on a glass of wine, and grab a massage; while on Friday and Saturday, an electric party vibe invites guests to groove to the tunes or get the party started with jaw-dropping performances. (NightFest is a paid ticketed event.)

Floriade first appeared on the Canberra scene back in 1988, celebrating a theme of ‘multiculturalism’. The theme changes each year, with some previous highlights exploring ‘insects’, ‘the wonder of water’ and ‘Carnivale – the world on show’. 

Returning for the first time since their formative appearance to celebrate Floriade’s 2005 ‘Rock’n’ Roll in Bloom’ theme is the Fool Factory Rockabillies – a rockin’, stilt walking, jive talking 1950s duo. Another pair to bring the entertainment with smooth sounds and sultry tunes is the Ice Tea Duo. There will acts for all ages, styles, and interests throughout the month-long festival; performer details and times can be found on the Floriade website.

With workshops and activities for children and adults, no one will be left wondering how to spend their time at the festival. Children are invited to discover care for bugs and birds in the garden with hotels and feeders, while adults can have an adult beverage and practise their painting skills. Learn how to make the best bee-friendly garden, grow your own vegetables, or create a flower crown.

If you’re on the hunt for some new garden equipment or boutique goods, the sought-after market stalls make a return. Botanic beauty products, artisan crafts, gourmet spices and snacks are sure to lighten the wallet of any happy shopper.

Plentiful dining experiences are on offer with some of Canberra’s finest food and drink options bringing their goods. Capital Brewing Co. host brews in their Beer Garden, Underground Spirits keep it classy in the Clink! Gin Garden and local wineries show off the fruits of their labor in the Wine Garden.

With such a great line-up, Floyd – the festival’s bright pink gnome – has invited all his family to celebrate. They packed their bags and 35 pink gnomes travelled to the Capital but have got lost on the way. Floyd has called on everyone to help him find them, with hints that they are probably hiding out at venues around Canberra. The ‘Find Floyd’s Family’ competition is a first for the festival and encourages guests to scan QR codes to go in the running for prizes, such as a two-night stay at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, NightFest tickets, and more.

In another first for Floriade, guests are invited to take a piece of the magic home with them in the Great Big Bulb Dig. After the festival wraps up, 5,000 people will be allowed back into the flower beds to dig up some bulbs. Bags for the dig will be sold for $15 at Floriade, with all profits going to local charities, SEE-Change and Raw Potential. Don’t miss out on your chance to score a doggy bag of floral delights.

Speaking of dogs, grab the leash and bring your pooch down to give their nose a workout amongst the flowers. The beloved Dog’s Day Out marks the final day of festivities on Sunday 16 October.  

Entry to Floriade is free during the day, while NightFest and some events are ticketed.

Visit Floriade at Commonwealth Park, 17 September-16 October;  floriadeaustralia.com

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