Toowoomba bursts into bloom for Carnival of Flowers
Queensland's most colourful spring celebration will return when the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers transforms the Garden City into a sea of colour from 18 September to 5 October 2026.
The festival, now in its 77th year, will feature more than 80 events across three floral-filled weekends, alongside spectacular garden displays throughout the city.
One of the most anticipated traditions, Floral Friday, marks the opening day of the carnival on 18 September.
The community-wide celebration encourages residents, businesses, schools and visitors to dress head-to-toe in floral-themed outfits, from colourful shirts and dresses to elaborate handmade creations.
Toowoomba Region Council Tourism portfolio spokesperson Councillor James O'Shea said Floral Friday had become a symbol of the region's passion for the carnival.
"Floral Friday is one of those moments where the whole region leans in together," Cr O'Shea said.
"It's creative, it's colourful and it sets the tone for everything that follows across the first weekend of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers."
Queen's Park ablaze with colour during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
Local business owner and Jilly's Cafe proprietor Lisa Bentley said Floral Friday was a highlight of the carnival.
"Floral Friday is pure joy. It's creative, it's community-driven and it showcases Toowoomba at its absolute best," Ms Bentley said.
"We're proud to support an event that encourages people of all ages to get involved."
The opening weekend also features some of the carnival's signature attractions, including the Grand Central Floral Parade, floral displays in Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park, and a range of food, entertainment and family-friendly experiences.
Visitors can expect more than just flowers.
This year's program includes food-focused events such as FEASTival, tasting tours, #trEATS experiences and the popular Weekend Table dining series, alongside guided tours, live entertainment and community events.
For Brisbane and South East Queensland travellers, the carnival offers the perfect spring road trip, with Toowoomba located about a two-hour drive from Brisbane.
Visitors can spend a day wandering through millions of blooms, discovering local cafes and eateries, and enjoying the vibrant festival atmosphere.
The event attracts thousands of visitors each year and showcases the region's gardens, food, wine and hospitality.
Floral Friday will also include community activations and family-friendly activities designed to encourage participation by visitors of all ages, helping to kick off 18 days of festivities in style.
Carnival of flowers highlights
1. Grand Central Floral Parade
The carnival's signature event, featuring decorated floral floats, marching bands, performers, community groups, and plenty of colour through the city streets. The 2026 parade takes place on 19 September and follows the theme"Spring Adventures."
2. Queens Park & Laurel Bank Park Floral Displays
Millions of blooms transform Toowoomba's iconic parks into vibrant garden showcases. Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park are the festival's centrepieces and attract visitors from across Australia.
3. FEASTival
A major food and produce festival held over 26-27 September, featuring celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, artisan markets, local producers, live entertainment, and regional food experiences.
4. Weekend Table
A series of curated dining experiences held at picturesque venues across the Darling Downs, showcasing local produce, wines, and chefs. Scheduled for 2-5 October.
5. Paw Parade
One of the cutest events on the calendar, where dogs and their owners parade through the festival. Held on 4 October, it has become a crowd favourite for families and pet lovers.
6. Behind the Blooms Tours
Exclusive guided tours that take visitors behind the scenes to learn how the festival's famous gardens are designed, planted, and maintained. Held every Monday to Friday during the carnival betwen 8am and 9am.
7. Twilight Tours
Evening garden tours that showcase the floral displays in a different light, offering a relaxed and scenic experience. Held every Tuesday to Saturday during the carnival from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
8. Tasting Tours, Sip & Stroll, Cork & Walk, and Pint Pursuit
Perfect for foodies, these guided experiences combine local food, craft beer, wine, and garden attractions throughout the region.
9. Ferris Wheel
The giatn ferris wheel in Queens Park offers views offers views of the colourgul gardens from above.
10. #trEATS
A month-long food trail featuring special menus, desserts, drinks, and offers from dozens of Toowoomba cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and pubs.
Top tips for first-time visitors
If you only have one day, don't miss:
- Queens Park floral displays
- Laurel Bank Park
- Grand Central Floral Parade
- A garden or tasting tour
- The Ferris wheel at sunset
- FEASTival (if visiting on the middle weekend).
Find out more about Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers events
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