Floriade

Floriade, Canberra's great spring festival

Floriade is an annual festival held in Canberra (Australia) and is considered the country's biggest celebration of spring. Its main attraction is the display of more than one million flowers that transform Commonwealth Park into a mosaic of colour and natural beauty. The free event runs throughout September and October and attracts more than 480,000 local, national and international visitors each year.

The 2026 edition is scheduled from 12 September to 11 October and its theme is "Feast of Flowers", a concept that intertwines nature, food and community. The garden bed designs are inspired by edible landscapes, flowers that evoke fresh produce and the pleasure of outdoor dining. The program includes activities for all audiences: entertainment, workshops, talks, food and cultural experiences.

Program and highlights

The festival structures its offering around a series of recurring dates and special events. Among the confirmed offerings for 2026 are:

• NightFest: Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 October, a nighttime version of the festival.
• Dogs' Day Out: Sunday 11 October, a day when dogs are allowed entry.
• The Great Big Bulb Dig: Monday 12 October, a bulb collection activity.
• Floriade Workshops: on various dates throughout the event.
• Floriade Garden Tours: on weekdays, excluding weekends and public holidays.
• Gnome Knoll: weekends throughout Floriade.
• The Garden House by Bunnings Warehouse: on various dates.
• Majura Valley Farm Kitchen Gardens: Saturday 12 September to Sunday 11 October.

In addition, the festival extends across the city through community planting initiatives and partnerships with local businesses, schools and organisations, within the "Floriade About Town" program.

History and origins of the festival

The first edition of Floriade was held in Canberra in 1988 as a one-off commemoration of the city's 75th anniversary and the Bicentenary of European settlement. The idea came from landscape designer Christiaan Slotemaker De Bruine, inspired by the gardens of Keukenhof in the Netherlands. Together with horticulturist Peter Sutton and City Parks staff, he transformed Commonwealth Park into a floral display under the motto "Multiculturalism of the Nation", with Dutch and Aboriginal floral designs. The support of the Embassy of the Netherlands and the Bicentennial Authority made that first event possible, and over time it became an annual tradition.

Since then, Floriade has grown to become a major national event. Over its nearly four decades, each edition has introduced a new theme and refreshed programming, which has encouraged repeat visitation. The festival is held beside Lake Burley Griffin, in the heart of the Australian capital.

Recognition and value for Canberra

The organisation highlights the event's economic and tourism impact, which reinforces Canberra's reputation as a spring destination. In 2025, Floriade won Gold in the Major Festivals and Events category at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. The festival is supported by partners, producers, volunteers and the community, and is presented as one of Australia's most iconic seasonal events.

Founders and legacy

Peter Sutton and Chris Slotemaker De Bruine were the driving forces behind the project. Sutton brought his passion for plants and people, while Slotemaker De Bruine contributed his vision of design and landscaping. Their joint work shaped an event that continues to be inspired by their collaborative approach. Sutton also left a legacy in other spaces in Canberra, such as City Hill, Aspen Island and the English Garden, and promoted an apprenticeship program that has trained many of the festival's gardeners. The word "Floriade" derives from the Latin floreo, meaning "to bloom" or "to flourish".

Practical information and contact

The festival is held in Commonwealth Park, Canberra. Visitor enquiries are handled through the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, by phone on 1300 554 114 and by email at events@act.gov.au. For press, interview or photography matters, the contact is eventsmarketing@act.gov.au. The organisation also provides a feedback form to gather public opinion.

Location and contact

Phone: 1300 554 114 · Email: events@act.gov.au