Blooms, bites and big country vibes: Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2025

EVENT

Couple exploring flower displays at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

By Danielle Reckless

Published 2 days ago

When: 12 September – 6 October 2025

Spring’s biggest celebration is back, and it’s looking bloomin’ brilliant.

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers returns for its 76th year with four glorious weekends of flowers, food, and fresh country air. Australia’s longest-running floral festival is packing in more petals than ever (40 million, if you’re counting) and adding four new signature events to the lineup.

Ready for twilight garden parties, music under the stars, and more flavours than a country bake-off? Let’s dig in.

Four weekends, four ways to bloom

Couple looking at flowers in Queens Park Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers — Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Queensland Country

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has levelled up this year, serving something new and exciting every weekend. Whether you’re in it for the parades, petals, or plates of delicious local fare, there’s never been a better time to escape to the Garden City. Along with the floral displays at Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park, enjoy:

Weekend 1 (12–14 Sept): Kick things off with a twilight garden tour, lawn party and local Floral Friday vibes.
Weekend 2 (19–21 Sept): Don’t miss the Grand Central Floral Parade, the adorable Paw Parade, and a nostalgic trip down Sideshow Alley.
Weekend 3 (26–28 Sept): It’s time to FEASTival! Food trucks, pop-ups and picnic rugs galore.
Weekend 4 (3–6 Oct): Pull up a chair for Weekend Table, where long lunches, lakeside yoga, and starlit dinners are on the menu.

Kick-off in style at the Lawn Party

Think garden glamour meets sunset sessions. The Lawn Party is the official launch event of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, held on Saturday 13 September in the iconic Queens Park.

Start the afternoon with a floral cocktail in hand, nibble your way through seasonal canapés, and soak in the golden hour glow with ambient tunes and roving performers. After dark? The garden turns party, with a five-hour drinks package, curated food stations by Graze & Co, and live sets from electric violinists, saxophonists and the incredible 42Band.

Tickets are essential: grab yours via the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers website.

Foodies, get your forks ready

Four friends together at a food festival during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers — Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Queensland Country

FEASTival (27–28 September)

Set under the leafy canopy of Queens Park, FEASTival is a two-day food-fest starring local produce, boutique drinks and live music. Special celebrity chef guest Miguel Maestre brings the flavour, while stalls dish up everything from sweet treats to savoury snacks. Family-friendly, picnic-perfect, and totally delicious.

Get tickets here.

Weekend Table (3–6 October)

This long-weekend event is all about connection through food. Expect brunches, high teas, and dreamy dinners in equally dreamy locations. There’s 12 unique events across the weekend, here are a few favourites:

Reflections Lake Cooby: Lakeside yoga + serene breakfast in a marquee.
Fitzy’s Bottomless Brunch: Gather the crew, the mimosas are calling.
Vintage Cow Café: Dine under the stars with with Wagyu, five courses, live music and barn-style vibes.

Explore the events and buy tickets here.

Bonus bites

Farmers markets every weekend
Food and drink tours across town (sign up quick!)
Spring specials at participating local cafés and restaurants throughout the festival

It’s kid-friendly (and then some)

Kids watching fireworks at night at Sideshow Alley, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers — Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Queensland Country

Flowers, rides, magic and hands-on adventures await – the little ones won’t know where to look. Here’s what’s on for families during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers:

Ferris Wheel at Queens Park Botanic Gardens (19 Sept – 6 Oct)
Vintage Carousel at Laurel Bank Park (20 Sept – 5 Oct)
Sideshow Alley with rides, games, food stalls and fireworks (19–21 Sept)
Historic train rides to Spring Bluff gardens (20–28 Sept)
Earthly Explorers at Toowoomba City Library – nature, creatures, and scavenger hunts!
School of Magic Workshops at Empire Theatre – spellbinding fun for mini magicians

The Parade? Iconic.

Colourful performers march down street during Grand Central Floral Parade, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers — Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Queensland Country

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers isn’t complete without the fan-favourite Grand Central Floral Parade, rolling through town on Saturday 20 September (10am–12pm).

Expect dancing petals, bold floats, and a whole lot of community pride as the city bursts into full floral fanfare. Bring a chair or roll out the picnic rug, Queens Park is right near the finish line.

Good to know: there's a mobility viewing area on Ruthven Street to keep things inclusive for all.

Bring your best mate (yes, the furry one)

Woman holds her small dog while sitting among rows of colourful flowers during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers — Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Queensland Country

Dogs are welcome at many spaces during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, including the public parks. Just keep them on a lead and they’re good to go.

Even better? There’s a Paw Parade on Sunday 21 September, where pups take centre stage. Think gourmet dog treats, pet-friendly market stalls, and prizes for best-dressed pets and waggiest tails. Small dogs can even hitch a ride on the Ferris Wheel!

Planning a pup-friendly day out? Check the Petals & Pups itineraries on the Carnival website for dog parks, cafés and must-sniff spots.

Plan your Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers adventure

Group of friends having a photo taken by street art in Toowoomba — Toowoomba, Queensland Country.

Where to stay during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Quest Toowoomba – Walk to Queens Park in minutes
Oaks Toowoomba Hotel – Right in the heart of it all
BIG4 Toowoomba Garden City – Family-friendly holiday park with cottages, cabins and sites, swimming pools and plenty of fun for kids
Ravensbourne Escape – A peaceful, luxury stay just 40 mins from town

Explore more Toowoomba accommodation here.