HomeArticles > Top things not to miss at Floriade 2025
Bright flowers in lots of different colours with a Ferris wheel shown in the distance

Top things not to miss at Floriade

Updated 29 Jul 2025

Australia’s Biggest Celebration of Spring returns to Canberra

Commonwealth Park will come to life with more than one million blooms creating a stunning display during the month-long festival. Featuring Insta-worthy floral displays, horticultural workshops, live music, a popular market, plus the region’s best food and wine, no spring is complete without a trip to Floriade (13 September-12 October).

Rows of flower beds with a Ferris wheel in the background
Image: Chris Chia

Let Your Curiosity Bloom with Floriade: Science and Nature

Dive into nature’s laboratory with this year’s theme, Science and Nature, as Commonwealth Park transforms into a dynamic space of discovery and learning. The garden bed designs and program will draw inspiration from the most recognised scientific fields of physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology and botany, and this year we’re inviting visitors to swap their gardening gloves for lab coats as they engage with exhibits and activities designed to ignite curiosity.

Pro tip: for the best view of the uniquely designed garden beds, take a ride on the Ferris Wheel to see them from above.

A mum and two sons posing for a photo amongst a sea of red tulips.

Check out the festival program

 Dr Karl Kruszelnicki

Visit Floriade on 4 October for a special appearance by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, the man with the answers when it comes to science and technology. Catch him at Floriade for one day only as he shares his enthusiasm for the wonder of science.

Live performances

Immerse yourself in a variety of live performances throughout Floriade, celebrating amongst the blooming flowers. As you explore the spectacular displays, expect to see jazz ensembles, choirs, community dance groups, and even a show on crawly critters with Wildlife Reimagined: Bugs Alive, all welcoming the arrival of spring to the capital.

A grandmother and a grandson posing near flowers

For the kids

Join us at the Kazador tent in the school holidays for a family fun show ‘Children are Stinky’. Jump online from 8 August 2025 to secure your seats for this ticketed show!

And get your hands dirty in the Floriade Sprouts kids’ area, with potting workshops and craft activities on throughout Floriade, or head to Gnome Knoll for gnome painting.

Unique market stalls

Browse market stalls to meet food and wine producers behind some of the region’s best products.

Workshops

Attend workshops and talks by leading horticulturalists, science organisations, and Floriade’s gardeners.

Browse the full program for more and plan your perfect day at Floriade.

Outdoor stallholder serving drinks to customers.

Feast at food stalls and quench on local drinks

Take a culinary journey through Floriade, with an impressive array of food trucks and stalls on offer. The Floriade café offers a delightful indoor escape, serving up a variety of crowd favourites from comforting classics to fresh, seasonal treats. Sit and relax in the BentSpoke Brewing Beer Garden and enjoy a locally brewed cold beer. Experience bespoke wine tastings with curated pairings at Contentious Character Urban Winery, and Step into the Underground Spirits Gin Garden where cocktails bloom, teapots pour gin delights, and every sip is an invitation to discover something unexpected.

Looking for more? See this list for the full range of food and drink options. 

Experience NightFest

Discover Floriade’s nighttime allure at NightFest (2-5 October). From 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm, the park will be illuminated with vibrant colours, offering a captivating blend of live music, ticketed shows and roving entertainment. Tickets go on sale on 8 August, don’t miss out!

NightFest
A small white fluffy dog sitting on a bed of yellow flowers

Join Dogs' Day Out

On Sunday 12 October, bring your furry friends to Dogs' Day Out. With dog-friendly programming, retail vendors, and activities, this special day welcomes dogs of all sizes to enjoy the floral festivities.

    Dogs' Day Out
    A man and woman walks alongside a hotel exterior.

    Get great accommodation deals

    Plan your stay with exclusive offers from Floriade’s accommodation partner, Accor. With 12 participating hotels, you can find convenient and comfortable lodging for your visit. Book now to take advantage of these special deals.

    Book your stay
    One of the many accessible features at the QT Canberra.

    Accessibility and inclusivity

    Floriade is committed to being accessible and inclusive. The event is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with services such as accessible parking, drop-off zones, and a Mobility Marquee for equipment rentals. A Sensory Hour, held on weekdays from 9:30 am to 10:30 am (excluding ACT public holidays), provides a sensory-friendly experience for visitors with sensory processing challenges.

    For more information on accessibility and to plan your visit, check out Floriade’s Accessibility Page.

    Accessibility information

    Keeping planning your trip

    mum and daughter talking to ceramic seller

    10 must visit shopping precincts and markets

    A family enjoying the lakeside and cycling along a path in autumn.

    Top ways to explore Lake Burley Griffin

    A young girl wearing a pointed witches' hat and harry potter robes.

    72 hours of family fun

    10 must-do outdoor adventures

    Two women sit outside and a man stands and high fives a young boy at the National Museum of Australia.

    Top 10 things to do in Canberra

    Sunset view of Lake Burley Griffin and a GoBoat full of humans enjoying the view of Black Mountain Tower in the background.

    How to enjoy a sustainable holiday in Canberra

    Keep in touch

    Be among the first to discover the latest and greatest things to see and do, taste and try, explore and experience in Canberra by signing up to our newsletter.

    All fields marked with * are required

    Featured

    Accommodation deals

    Special Offer
    $308

    Dine and Dream Package - King Room with Balcony @ Canberra Rex Hotel

    Braddon
    From $308 (inc. GST)
    Book Now
    Special Offer
    $337

    Dine and Dream Package - Crown Suite @ Canberra Rex Hotel

    Braddon
    From $337 (inc. GST)
    Book Now
    Special Offer
    $337

    Dine and Dream Package - King Suite @ Canberra Rex Hotel

    Braddon
    From $337 (inc. GST)
    Book Now
    Special Offer
    $337

    Dine and Dream Package - Studio Suite @ Canberra Rex Hotel

    Braddon
    From $337 (inc. GST)
    Book Now
    Special Offer
    $376.35

    Chandon Celebration @ Pavilion on Northbourne

    Dickson
    From $376.35 (inc. GST)
    Book Now
    Special Offer
    $399

    VIP Kids Package - Two Bedroom Apartment @ Burbury Hotel

    Barton
    From $399 (inc. GST)
    Book Now