Floriade is not just a festival but a celebration of spring and a vibrant showcase of stunning displays of floral arrangements in Canberra, the capital city of Australia.
Floriade is held over a month from 16 September to 15 October 2023. It has free entry from 9.30 am and closes at 5.30 pm each day.
NightFest, is on from 28 September to 1 October. Tickets are required for Night-Fest.
Held annually, this iconic event is the largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts visitors from all over the country.
Floriade is known for its extensive and artistic displays of tulips, daffodils, and other flowers, creating a breathtaking sight that captivates both locals and tourists alike. In addition to the exquisite floral exhibitions, the festival also features a range of cultural celebrations, entertainment, gourmet food, and a variety of events for all ages.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, enjoy classical music performances, explore integrated sculptures, and indulge in the vibrant city centre of Canberra.
Floriade offers a spectacular experience that truly welcomes the arrival of spring.
Where is it held?
Venue: Commonwealth Park
Located in the heart of Canberra, Commonwealth Park serves as the picturesque setting for the iconic Floriade festival.
This expansive parkland provides the perfect backdrop for the stunning displays of floral beauty and artistic creativity that take centre stage during the event. With its scenic water views, manicured gardens, and ample space for entertainment and events, Commonwealth Park creates a captivating atmosphere for visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant celebration of spring.
Accessible by public transport and conveniently situated near other popular attractions such as Parliament House and the Canberra Centre, the park’s central location makes it easily accessible for locals and tourists alike. Whether strolling along Alinga Street, admiring the massed tulips, or enjoying the entertainment festival, Commonwealth Park offers a truly enchanting experience for all who attend Floriade.
Parking Facilities
Floriade offers convenient parking facilities for visitors who choose to drive to the festival. Located in the heart of Canberra, the festival provides easy access to parking options. Visitors can find parking spots in the city centre or along Alinga Street, ensuring they are within close proximity to the event.
While parking at Floriade is convenient, it is important to note that there are be fee associated with the parking facilities. Visitors are advised to check for any parking fees or restrictions beforehand to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Alternatively, for those who prefer to use public transportation, there are also various options available. With buses and trams operating in the area, visitors can easily access Commonwealth Park, where Floriade is held. This provides a convenient and environmentally friendly way to reach the festival without the concern of finding parking.
Entertainment & Activities:
Floriade, Canberra’s largest flower festival, is not just about beautiful blooms and stunning displays.
It is also a vibrant celebration of spring that offers a range of entertainment and activities for visitors of all ages. From live music performances to cultural celebrations, there are many activities for everyone at this annual event to enjoy.
The festival features a lineup of talented artists who perform across various stages throughout Commonwealth Park, providing a delightful backdrop to the floral festivities.
In addition to music, visitors can also enjoy performances by dancers, magicians, and other entertainers. Beyond the live entertainment, there are interactive workshops, interesting talks, and demonstrations that cater to different interests and hobbies. Whether you want to learn about gardening, get creative with arts and crafts, or simply enjoy some delicious gourmet food, Floriade has it all covered. With its extensive range of entertainment and activities, Floriade promises to be a must-see event that brings joy and excitement to all who attend.
Music & Live Entertainment
At Floriade, the Music & Live Entertainment section offers a vibrant fusion of musical displays, live performances, and cultural celebrations, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for visitors. The festival will have a diverse range of musical talents that cater to various tastes.
In addition to the musical and cultural offerings, Floriade is a haven for art enthusiasts. The festival showcases artistic displays and public art commissions, integrating sculptures and installations within the floral landscapes. These pieces add an interactive and visually stunning element to the event, further enhancing the overall ambiance.
Attractions & Rides
Floriade is not just about stunning flower displays and cultural events; it also offers a wide range of attractions and rides that provide visitors with unique experiences and entertainment. One of the must-try rides at Floriade is the iconic Ferris wheel, which not only provides breathtaking views of the extensive floral landscapes but also lets visitors see the festival from a whole new perspective.
In addition to the Ferris wheel, there are several other attractions and rides that are popular among visitors. For those seeking a thrilling experience, there are exciting amusement park rides that offer adrenaline-pumping fun. Families with children can enjoy kid-friendly rides, such as carousels and mini-trains, that are sure to bring smiles to their faces.
Arts & Crafts Booths
Floriade also offers an array of arts and crafts booths that add a unique touch to the festival experience. These booths provide visitors with an opportunity to explore and support local artists and businesses while immersing themselves in the creative atmosphere.
At the arts and crafts booths, visitors can find an impressive range of products and creations. From beautifully crafted Floriade souvenirs to handcrafted clothing, there is something for everyone. These booths also highlight the talents of local artists, showcasing their unique artwork and designs.
Dog Day
The 15th of October is Dog’s Day Out when you can bring your furry besties along for a sniff.
NightFest Celebrations
In addition to the daytime festivities, Floriade also hosts the highly anticipated NightFest Celebrations, transforming the flower festival into a mesmerizing light-filled wonderland. This enchanting event takes place on selected dates during the Floriade festival, offering visitors the opportunity to experience an entirely different side of the floral displays.
NightFest is a spectacular light festival that illuminates the stunning displays of flowers with a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns. As the sun sets, the festive atmosphere comes alive with performances by popular bands and side-splitting comedians. The combination of vibrant lights and live entertainment creates a truly magical ambiance that is not to be missed.
Tickets for NightFest need to be purchased separately and provide access to the unique nighttime experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Floriade under the starry sky and enjoy world-class performances by renowned artists.
Accommodation for Floriade
When visiting Floriade, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs. For those who prefer staying close to the festival grounds, there are centrally located hotels near Commonwealth Park that offer convenience and comfort.
Origin of Floriade
Floriade, the iconic flower festival held in Canberra, has a fascinating origin story. Conceived by landscape architect Christiaan Slotemaker de Bruine and bureaucrat Peter Sutton, Floriade was initially planned as a one-off celebration for Canberra’s 75th birthday and Australia’s Bicentenary in 1988. However, its overwhelming success and the love it garnered from the locals and tourists alike compelled the organizers to make it an annual event.
The festival’s name, Floriade, is derived from the Latin word “floreo,” meaning “to be covered with flowers.” And true to its name, Floriade lives up to its reputation as the largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere. Every year, it attracts more than 400,000 visitors who flock to Commonwealth Park to witness the stunning and extensive displays of floral artistry.
What started as a one-time celebration has now become a beloved annual tradition in Canberra. Floriade showcases a range of flowers, integrated sculptures, artistic displays, and even lighting installations. It is much more than just a celebration of spring and flowers; it has evolved into a cultural extravaganza that includes entertainment, gourmet food, and a wide range of events for people of all ages.
Floriade’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural celebrations, and the vibrant atmosphere it creates in the heart of the city. It has become a must-see event on the calendar, attracting visitors from all over Australia and beyond. Floriade’s journey from a one-off celebration to an annual event speaks volumes of its popularity and has cemented its status as one of Australia’s most iconic flower festivals.