There’s more to Floriade than flowers in 2026. Photos: Michelle Kroll.
More vegetables will be gracing the garden beds at Floriade this year as the annual festival embraces the Feast of Flowers theme.
Celebrated chefs, farmers and foodies will be showing off the best of spring produce at Commonwealth Park with a series of free workshops, demonstrations and events.
Events ACT executive branch manager Ross Triffitt said that the program is designed to encourage visitors to explore more of the city.
“Floriade has always been a celebration of spring, and food is one of the ways people experience the season,” he said.
“People come for the flowers, but Feast of Flowers gives them another reason to discover Canberra. It’s a chance to enjoy the food, beverages and local experiences that are such an important part of a visit to the capital.”
Majura Valley Farm will encourage visitors to get hands-on with the exhibits in the Kitchen Garden display. They’ll inspire gardeners with a range of spring vegetables, and participants in their workshop days will take home a tomato seedling to plant in their own gardens.
Stephanie Alexander will also be speaking at Floriade to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of The Cook’s Companion. Photo: Supplied.
On 13 September, chef Tristan Rebbettes from Red Hill’s Lunetta restaurant will demonstrate how to bring out the best in spring produce with a little fire. And his downstairs colleague, chef Will Moyle from Lunetta Trattoria, will demonstrate convivial Italian trattoria dishes on 11 October.
Award-winning chef Malcolm Hanslow from Pilot and Such and Such will provide a unique opportunity to learn from one of Canberra’s finest chefs as he whips up seasonal desserts.
Other events include talks from notable Australian foodies.
Author Jade Miles will host a long-table session based on the ideas in her books Futuresteading and Huddle, guiding participants to reflect on what they are cultivating in their own lives, what deserves to flourish, what needs pruning, and the future they hope to grow.
And Australian culinary icon Stephanie Alexander will be in conversation with local food writer and author Lucy Ridge (wait a minute … that’s me!) about the 30th anniversary of food bible The Cook’s Companion.
Chef Clement Chauvin is participating in the Floriade Feast of Flowers at his restaurant Les Bistronomes and during demonstrations at the festival. Photo: Supplied.
Meanwhile, in the city, venues are celebrating the Feast of Flowers theme with one-off dinners, special menu items and plenty of excuses for Floriade visitors to explore the best of Canberra’s hospitality scene.
One such venue is the celebrated local restaurant Les Bistronomes, which will host a 6-course menu with matched cocktails and wines centred on herbs and flowers in September. The dinner will be part of their regular monthly Thursday night events, but this dinner is squarely themed for Floriade.
Chef and owner Clement Chauvin will also be demonstrating his asparagus velouté dish at the festival.
“Spring in Canberra is when everything comes to life,” he said.
“Floriade puts all of that on a national stage. To cook for visitors surrounded by a million flowers, using what’s in season right now, is a special opportunity for any chef.”
Foodie Floriade visitors will also enjoy the collaboration between Underground Spirits and L’Epi Artisan Bakery for their cocktail high tea, flower-fuelled flavours and curated drinks experiences.
Tickets to many on-site demonstrations and talks are free, but registration is required in advance. Floriade About Town events should be booked through participating venues. Find out more about what’s on at Floriade.
Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Region Canberra.
