Your Floriade 2018 Bucketlist

Posted on 14 September, 2018

For more than 30 years, Floriade has transformed Commonwealth Park into a riot of colour each spring. In 2018, it’s still a not-to-be-missed experience.

Here are 10 things to see or do at Floriade before 14 October.

1. SEE THE POP CULTURE-INSPIRED FLOWERBEDS

This year’s theme is Pop Culture—festival-goers will be treated to an exciting array of retro-inspired flowerbeds showcasing some of the 20th Century’s most iconic figures in music, film, literature and social media.

Expect Marilyn Monroe and Ken Done-inspired creations alongside beds dedicated to Grug, the Rubik’s Cube and Where’s Wally.

2. GET INTO NIGHTFEST

Credit: Martin Ollman

NightFest, Floriade’s ticketed after-dark experience, returns for five nights, from Wednesday 26 September until Sunday 30 September. Marvel at illuminated flowerbeds, enjoy a line-up of local and drink food stalls, nightly entertainment and dazzling lighting installations.

Grab some popcorn and a blanket on Wednesday nights as Stage 88 transforms into an open-air cinema, while Thursday and Friday nights see musicians hit the stage. Then, get your dance moves ready for Saturday’s Party NightFest, as the Park switches to party mode with Cell Block 69. Cap off the weekend with a night of laughs as MA15+ Comedy NightFest returns with Arj Barker, Akmal Saleh, The Stevenson Experience, Chris Ryan and Matt Okine

3. FIND THE SECRET GARDEN PARTY

Imagine a beautiful garden setting, the fragrance of spring blossoms, musical notes drifting gently in the air, all while sipping on a glass of sparkling wine and eating delectable morsels of locally produced fare. Welcome to the CanTeen Secret Garden Party at Floriade.

An exclusive event to enjoy a modern twist on the traditional high tea, join the party at 3 pm, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September. Tickets from Ticketek.

4. EAT AND DRINK ALL THE THINGS

There is SO MUCH FOOD at this year’s Floriade.

Pialligo Estate’s Pialligo Urban Café will be serving up a breakfast menu, lunch mains, sandwiches, snacks, salads and scones. They will also be doing high tea on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

If you feel like pulling up a patch of grass, Schmicnics is bringing their delicious gourmet hampers to Floriade on select dates. Full of delicious treats, and with an option to include a picnic blanket (that you get to keep), you can enjoy a perfect picnic without packing a thing! Book your Schmicnic here!

Those with a sweet tooth will delight in De Wafel’s freshly baked Belgium waffles, Le Petit Breton crêpes and Streets Ice Creams, which will be available during NightFest. There will also be the amazing Funnel Cakes and the return of Clayridge Honey’s delicious donuts available for the entire month of festivities.

For something a bit more savoury, visitors will be able to enjoy Twistto—a Korean twist potato, Jackos Pizza, marinated Tikka chicken from the wonderful Tikka Stand and bao, yum cha and loaded fries from Bun Intended. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a Dapto Dog or calamari and chips from Italian Traveller at NightFest. And last but not least Krave Juice Bar will be serving up fresh juice and lemonade on the weekends! See the full list of food stalls here.

Love a glass or two of local wine? You’re in luck. You can enjoy a tipple of local cool-climate winery Contentious Character’s drops in any of the event’s licenced venues, as well as pick up a bottle to take home from their stall onsite.

If beer is more your style, Capital Brewing Co. have their own pop-up bar on-site which will boast an extensive range of locally-produced beers.

But wait, there’s more. Underground Spirits will be bringing their refreshing gins and vodkas to Floriade with their uber cool pop-up bar, Underground Cocktails and Dreams, onsite in the Stage 88 precinct for each night of NightFest.

5. GROOVE ALONG

From Sunday afternoons picnicking at Jazz in the Park with artists including the uber-talented Emma Pask—to NightFest talent like Caiti Baker, Bowie Unzipped featuring Jeff Duff and Kate Miller-Heidke—Floriade is a music-lover’s paradise.

6. HAVE FUN WITH THE KIDS

Keep the kids entertained throughout the school holiday period for free at KidzKlub with great activities such as a kids floral crown workshop, crafting sessions, and even a chance to meet Dirt Girl!

7. TAKE YOUR DOGGO TO DOGS’ DAY OUT

Floriade wraps up on Sunday 14 October with the always popular Dogs’ Day Out, featuring a superhero dress up Pop Culture theme.

All pups, big and small, are invited to soak up the sunshine and explore Floriade with special pup-friendly activities and entertainment throughout the day. Dress up with your pup to go in the draw to win the Best Dressed Award.

8. GET HANDS-ON AT A WORKSHOP

For aspiring or avid green thumbs or crafters, one of the many workshops on offer at The Greenhouse interactive venue—everything from flower arranging with Moxom + Whitney to photography workshops—is sure to please.

9. MOVE YOUR BODY

Spring is the perfect time to get your body moving. Whether it’s an Early Morning Walk hosted by The Heart Foundation, or yoga in the park, there are few more beautiful places to get active.

10. WALKING TOURS

Enhance your Floriade 2018 experience with a Floriade Walking Tour. Enjoy a guided tour of Commonwealth Park, chaperoned by a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. Sharing interesting tidbits and local insider information, your guide will take you on a historical and current journey through the park, allowing you to explore, ask questions and learn about Floriade.

The hour-long walks commence at 10 am every day. Book online at Ticketek.

the essentials

What: Floriade
When: Until 15 October 2018
Where: Commonwealth Park
How much: Free entry. Some events are ticketed.
Web: floriadeaustralia.com.