19 September 2024

Floriade returns for another colourful year and it's bloomin' awesome

| Jacqueline Lyons
Spring flowers

With so much colour across the capital, it must be Floriade! Photo: Michelle Kroll.

It’s that time of year again! The sun is shining and the flowers are in full bloom – welcome to Floriade 2024!

The festival kicked off on 14 September and runs until 13 October at Commonwealth Park. This year, the festival is focusing on all things art with the theme ‘Art in Bloom’ and all flowerbed designs inspired by art forms.

With the list of things to see and do over the four-week festival changing every year, here is what to expect from 2024.

A person taking a photo of a kid posing with their head inside a hole painting of a gnome

Go on a gnome hunt to win some fabulous prizes this year at Floriade. Photo: The Property Collective.

Go on a gnome hunt and win a big prize

Go on a hunt to find ‘mumma gnome’ as she keeps an eye on her little sprouts playing in the flowers (and make sure you check out gnome Doug, who is bound to be found hanging out with his friends by the BMWs).

Grab a selfie with these happy gnomes, post it to social media and tag @the.propertycollective, @nationalzoo and @floriade_australia to go in the draw to win some diamond family passes to the Canberra Zoo.

To be eligible for the exciting prize, you must follow @the.propertycollective, @nationalzoo, and @floriade_australia on Instagram.

For even more chances to win, share your post to your story. Check the terms and conditions for more information.

Man juggling to an audience

Keep the kids entertained with a magic show this year at Floriade. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Be entertained with endless performances

Floriade is a thrill for the eyes and the ears! Be entertained by Indian music, Western jazz, Bollywood, orchestras, local pop and indie artists, children’s and adult choirs, and plenty more, running for the duration of the festival.

You’re guaranteed to be entertained even before you walk in the gates. Grab some food, settle down in front of Stage 88 and delight your senses thanks to the talent of the countless musical acts running all hours of the day.

Lit up ferris wheel.

See Floriade after dark at Nightfest. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.

See the sights in a new light at Nightfest

While daytime activities are a great way to soak up the sun, Nightfest brings another dimension to Floriade.

Running from 3 to 6 October, there will be plenty to see and do, from comedy to music and stunning light shows.

Floriade 2024 will also see the addition of ‘Kiss Bang Cabaret’, an exciting show just for adults. The cabaret combines comedy, circus and burlesque in a unique performance you will be sure to remember.

To purchase your tickets for the events, visit Nightfest.

Floriade 2023

Rides are just the start of kids entertainment at the festival this year. Photo: James Coleman.

Keep the kids occupied all-day

Get the kids to draw their reflection on a large canvas on display in the park, have their minds blown at Dr Hubble’s Bubble show, paint a gnome, see a magic show, watch them learn how to build with clay, watch circus performers and dancers inspired by the Wiggles. No matter what your kids are into, they are sure to be kept busy every day of the festival.

Floriade 2023

Learn some new skills this year. Photo: James Coleman.

Expand your mind at workshops

From yoga to learning about the work done in the Canberra community by multiple organisations, to talks on how to take better care of your plants, there is something to be learnt in every corner of the park this year. Embrace your creative side with several workshops on how to take the perfect photo and create a visual art diary.

Haig Park markets.

Check out the stores and entertainment at the Haig Park Markets. Photo: Haig Park Village Markets.

Grab a bargain at the Haig Park Village Markets

Learn flower arranging, learn how to incorporate them into your artwork, enjoy themed stalls, and take advantage of the flower and plant vendors. Treat your taste buds to fresh produce and artisan breads, all while listening to music by local artists and enjoying the surroundings of Haig Park.

Want to make the most of what’s on offer this year at Floriade? Visit Floriade and get planning!

Original Article published by Jacqueline Lyons on Riotact.

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