Floriade itinerary

Wander through Craft + Design Canberra to discover locally made, spring-inspired creations. At Scott Leggo Gallery, admire a Floriade-inspired window display that captures the beauty of Canberra in spring. Wrap up your gallery tour at the National Portrait Gallery, where In Bloom explores the symbolism of flowers in portraiture—telling stories of identity, memory and transformation.

Unique galleries

As the sun sets, Floriade transforms into a glowing wonderland. NightFest (2–5 October) lights up Commonwealth Park with live music, cabaret, street theatre, and glowing lantern workshops. Catch performances over the weekend by Josh Pyke, Ella Hooper, and more, while enjoying food stalls and illuminated garden beds. It’s a magical way to kick off your Floriade weekend.

NightFest

Rise early and head to the Capital Region Farmers Market (7–11:30am) at Exhibition Park in Canberra for a taste of spring with a twist. From moon rocks to mushrooms, this market offers cosmic treats and seasonal produce.

Precincts + Markets

Spend your afternoon immersed in Australia’s biggest celebration of spring at Floriade inCommonwealth Park. This year, the intersection of  science meeting nature is on full display with over a million blooms and a program bursting with entertainment. Hear from Australia’s favourite science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki  (4 October) as he shares his infectious enthusiasm for the wonders of the universe. Immerse yourself in a floral workshop in NatureArt Lab or explore global cultures at Windows to the World. (11 October), with traditional performances, authentic food, and vibrant exhibits.

There’s plenty of entertainment for the kids where they can  laugh out loud at Children are Stinky,  get their hands-on with real insects at Wildlife Reimagined: Bugs Alive and paint their own gnome at Gnome Knoll.

Floriade

Celebrate spring with a floral twist at Canberra’s best bars and restaurants such as Atrium Restaurant and Bar serving up a trio of floral-inspired cocktails. Sip the season with Badger & Co.’s signature Floriadini or pop into Midnight Bar’s The Springtime Gin Garden, a collaboration with local distillery, Underground Spirits. Complete your night with sweeping city views and cocktails at The Howling Moon.

Unique foodie experiences

Get creative with spring-themed workshops across the city at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House offering free craft and nature-inspired activities. Canberra Glassworks hosts Floriade-inspired glass art workshops for all ages and Canberra Museum and Gallery invites you to make a Scrambled Eggs flower collage in their Spring Makerspace. Indulge at award winning restaurant Such and Such and Gracias Flower studio, offering floral arranging workshops with sweets and local wine.

Cultural attractions

Take a leisurely country drive to Lanyon Homestead and settle in for a long lunch serenaded by the National Opera (20 September). Or head north to Lerida Estate, where a Floriade-inspired menu and sparkling hibiscus cocktails await among the vines. In the city, elevate your afternoon at QT Canberra’s Petals and Pours Sky High Tea (Saturdays), featuring a garden-themed menu and tulip-infused cocktails. For something uniquely Canberra, explore the Royal Australian Mint’s Florals in Coin Design tour, then treat yourself to flower cupcakes and lavender tea at the Mint Café.