If you, like us, dream of frolicking through flower fields, you need to pack your Polaroid and head to Floriade. This free, month-long flower festival – which is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere – sees more than one million bulbs bursting into bloom at Canberra’s Commonwealth Park. For its 38th year, Floriade is trading its gardening gloves for lab coats, with a science and nature theme that brings hands-on experimental workshops, how-to sessions and expert-led gardening masterclasses.
By day, you can watch the parklands burst into a kaleidoscope of colour. Then visit at dusk to see the flowers glow under the stars during NightFest – an after-dark festival filled with concerts, dance parties and market stalls. Here’s everything you need to know about Floriade 2025.
When is Floriade in Canberra?
The month-long spring flower festival will return for its 38th year from Saturday, September 13 to Sunday, October 12, 2025. Entry is free from 9.30am to 5.30pm daily.
NightFest will also return from Thursday, October 2 to Sunday, October 5, with gates opening from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
Where is Floriade held in Canberra?
As always, Floriade will bloom to life in the heart of Canberra at the beautiful Commonwealth Park on Regatta Place. It’s just a 15-minute walk from the Light Rail stop via City Walk and Allara Street, or a 20 to 30-minute walk from the National Triangle.
Is Floriade free?
Yes – general entry to Floriade is completely free and there’s no need to register. However, some workshops and special events, like NightFest, are ticketed.
What to do at Floriade?
Stop and smell the roses, of course! You could easily spend an hour or two roaming around the perfectly manicured garden beds, which in 2025, will be themed around science and nature. This year’s program will draw inspiration from the fascinating fields of physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology and botany. Expect everything from a one-off chat with science legend Dr Karl Kruszelnicki to orchestral and dance performances, cultural celebrations, kids’ shows and more.
Green thumbs can get hands-on in horticultural workshops where you’ll experiment with plant biology, uncover the secrets of sustainable gardening and pick up expert tips for gardening in Canberra’s challenging climate.
After exploring the gardens, you can also stroll through the market stalls and chat with the region’s best food and wine producers. Then refuel at one of the global food trucks and stalls (more on those below).
Popular dates to mark in your calendar are Dogs’ Day Out, happening on Sunday, October 12, and The Great Big Bulb Dig on Monday, October 13, where you can dig up bulbs from the display beds to take home. You can explore the full program here.
What is Floriade Nightfest?
From October 2 to 5, Commonwealth Park stays up late for NightFest – the evening component of Floriade that transforms the floral displays into an after-dark wonderland with vibrant illuminations, live entertainment and delicious food stalls. Gates open from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, and you can check out the program here.
Where to eat at Floriade?
While you can BYO food and drink to Floriade for a DIY picnic, there are plenty of food and drink stalls on site. Expect everything from gozleme and vegan shawarma to bento boxes, dumplings, curries, pizza and gnocchi.
After something a lil’ fancier? Enjoy a high tea overlooking the beautiful blooms at The Floriade Café, relax with a cold beer at the BentSpoke Brewing Beer Garden, sip on cocktails served out of a teapot at the Underground Spirits Gin Garden, or experience a bespoke wine tasting at Contentious Character Urban Winery.