Your NightFest bucket list is here

Posted on 26 September, 2019

Immerse yourself in an after dark experience at Floriade NightFest and celebrate this year’s theme, World in Bloom, in a whole new light.

Take a walk through the magical installations, catch the rib-tickling comedy performances, groove out to The Veronicas and be sure not to miss out on the countless food stalls and bars.

NightFest runs from Thursday 3 October to Sunday 6 October, 6.30pm – 10.30pm each night.

MUSIC 

Prepare yourself for the most entertaining NightFest in Floriade history! Performers from countries and cultures all over the world are coming together to give Canberra the ultimate multicultural musical experience.

The Veronicas have returned to Australia to headline Friday night; however, there are many more spectacular acts taking place over the four nights of NightFest. Absorb the traditional Australian experience and hear Mitch Tambo play the digeridoo, or vibe out to Electric Fields’ traditional language of the Anangu people.

BUSBY MAROU is guaranteed to create a unique atmosphere with their playful storytelling and guitar combination, dance the night away with The Baker Boys classics or get your dancing shoes on for eight-piece urban Latin band Los Chavos.

Every act is sure to be unique so be sure to grab tickets now from floriadeaustralia.com!

COMEDY 

In good need of a belly laugh? NightFest 2019’s comedy program invites you to sit back and giggle at some of the world’s best stand-up and improv comedians.

Aussie television and radio presenter Dave Hughes is guaranteed to bring the laughs, along with Becky Lucas as seen on Just For Laughs and Conan. Crowned Australia’s “funniest new comedians”, The Stevenson Experience will definitely be a highlight of the night, as will shows from renowned comedians Nina Oyama, Urzila Carson, Anthony Tomic and Sam Taunton.

NightFest is also hosting comedians from New Zealand; the vivacious Urzila Carlson and improv classic, Guy Montgomery.

Get your tickets from floriadeaustralia.com.

INSTALLATIONS

NightFest 2019 includes two breathtaking installations created by lighting design experts Mandylights who have worked to bring vivid and captivating light displays all over the world.

The light installation Spheric is unquestionably going to be a win with the insta-gurus, making for a perfect photoshoot backdrop. Seemingly-suspended above Kangaroo Pond, the dome with almost 3,000 lights and its accompanying soundtrack will immerse you in light and sound.

To accompany the installation is Framed, a sixty-metre walkway through Rhododendron Garden lit with twenty neon towering LED picture frames, and set to an entirely floral-themed soundtrack.

Read more about the installations here.

LIGHTS

Floriade NightFest. Credit: Martin Ollman.

Commonwealth Park comes to life at NightFest as the flowerbeds and displays are lit up in vibrant hues.

Create a lantern at the Lantern Decorating Workshop to be a part of the magical Lantern parade each night at 7:30pm. Workshop bookings are essential, as there are limited spaces each session.

Follow the parade as it snakes through all the phenomenal flowers bathed in moonlight.

FOOD + DRINK

Indulge in sweet, savoury and all things yummy at the endless multicultural food and drink stalls on offer.

Load up on waffles, doughnuts, fairy floss and Gelato Messina or head to the food stalls with foods from over the world. You can munch on gozleme, burgers from Grease Monkey, gyros from Sacred Seed, momos from Taste of Tibet, chicken tikka from Tikka Stand, and much more.

Need a drink? These pop-up bars have got you covered.

Sip on a glass of red with Contentious Character or a pint at the outdoor beer garden and try some of the locally-produced beers from Capital Brewing. Want something a little stronger? Underground Spirits has teamed up with Floriade for a limited edition Underground Spirits x Floriade gin: Lakeside Gin. To taste their vodka, gin and specialty cocktails, keep your eyes peeled for the Ginternational pop-up bar at Stage 88.

Find out more about the food of Floriade here.

NightFest runs from Thursday 3 October to Sunday 6 October, 6.30pm – 10.30pm each night. Tickets from Ticketek. 

This article is brought to you in partnership with Visit Canberra. You can read our Sponsored Post Policy here.