Floriade’s 37th edition opens in Canberra with ‘Art in Bloom’ theme

September 14, 2024

Environment / Events / Parks / Recreation / Tourism /

Floriade, Australia’s largest celebration of Spring, officially opens in Canberra’s Commonwealth Park this weekend - running from Saturday 14th September to Sunday 13th October 2024.

Floriade attracts close to half a million local, national and international visitors each year. A key feature on Canberra’s tourism events calendar, Floriade provides a boost to small businesses and the economy overall.

In its 37th year, Floriade’s theme this year is ‘Art in Bloom’, transforming Commonwealth Park into a colourful canvas with flowerbed designs drawing inspiration from art forms. Visitors can wander through artistic floral displays, sculptures and representations of architecture, literature, music, cinema, and theatre. The Floriade experience brings the arts to life through live entertainment, workshops, and activities.

Floriade community flower beds are also spreading colour across the city with over 300,000 bulbs and annuals. Visitors can head to the satellite site at Lanyon Homestead where they can stroll through the garden’s floral displays and including a flower bed inspired by the work of artist Sidney Nolan in keeping with this year’s theme.

There will be many special events during Floriade. On Tuesday 17th September, Floriade will welcome home Australia’s Olympians and Paralympians on Stage 88 from 12.30pm to 1pm giving the public the opportunity to meet athletes for photos and autographs.

On Saturday 28th September, garden lovers can catch Australia’s favourite gardener, Costa Georgiadis, who will share his love of nature and gardening.

Floriade will host the Opening Ceremony for Australia’s Transplant Games on Wednesday 6th October with a procession of 300 athletes participating in the Games through the park to Stage 88, come along and show your support.

There is always plenty of fun for the whole family. The Kazador tent will host several shows across the month. Enjoy acrobatics, juggling, unicycling and comedy at Circus Extravaganza from Saturday 28th September to Sunday 13th October. The hilarious Dr Hubble’s Bubble show is a must for young visitors from Saturday 14th to Tuesday 17th September. Some Kind of Magic’s Kiki and Pascal will perform a magical blend of comedy and illusion from Wednesday 18th September through to Sunday 13th October.

Floriade offers delicious food and beverage options available from a range of local and interstate vendors, wineries and breweries for visitors to enjoy.

From Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th October 2024 NightFest 2024 will feature an exciting program of after dark entertainment and horticultural illuminations from 6.30pm to 10.30pm each evening.

The Kazador tent will offer adults-only entertainment during NightFest, with Kiss Bang Cabaret combining risqué comedy, circus, burlesque and cabaret. You can purchase a combined ticket for entry with your NightFest tickets online.

Bring your pups to the park on the last day of Floriade, Sunday 13th October, for Dogs’ Day Out, an annual family favourite.

Then on Monday, 14th October the Great Big Bulb Dig invites visitors to take a piece of Floriade home while supporting local charities.

Entry to Floriade is free, and the gates are open from 9.30am to 5.30pm on Saturday, 14th September and then daily till 13 October. For more information visit floriadeaustralia.com

24th August 2023 - NightFest to illuminate Canberra’s Floriade festival

19th September 2022 - Floriade celebrates its 35th anniversary

27th April 2021 - Canberra welcomes the return of Floriade

26th August 2020 - Floriade 2020 offers mix of virtual and in-person experiences to support local tourism

18th September 2017 - Canberra Floriade marks arrival of spring in Australia’s capital

11th September 2015 - Floriade reflects as ANZACS honoured with one million blooms

23rd April 2015 - Floriade 2015 to reflect on ANZAC centenary

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