Spring is calling and Toowoomba is ready to answer with a spectacular celebration of blooms, bites and brilliant vibes. The 76TH Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is back from 12 September to 6 October 2025, transforming the Garden City into a technicolour dream of more than 40 million petals and over 80 events.
This flower-powered festival has been going strong since 1949 and is proudly presented by Toowoomba Regional Council and Grand Central. With four petal-filled weekends to enjoy, it is the perfect excuse for a scenic two-hour drive from Brisbane. Whether you are in it for the garden trails, a foodie fix, a romantic date or a day out with the family (furry friends included), this festival is blooming with fun for everyone.
To help you plan, we have picked nine must-do moments. So put down your phone and start planning your flowery weekend!The
Grand Central Floral Parade
Grand Central Floral Parade is Toowoomba’s ultimate springtime spectacle. Dazzling floats dripping in colour, cheeky carnival characters, roving performers, and toe-tapping tunes winding their way through the city and straight into your heart? Sounds like a Hallmark Movie. From the first flower petal at 10am to the final flourish at Queens Park, the whole CBD comes alive with joy, petals, and pure parade magic. Hot tip? Arrive early, bring a chair, and pack your sunhat… or tune into the livestream for the best seat in the (digital) house.
FEASTival
Foodies, this one’s for you. On 27 and 28 September, Queens Park becomes a flavour haven. Celebrity chef Miguel Maestre joins local producers, gourmet stalls and boutique drinks for a weekend of delicious discovery. Grab a picnic rug (leave the booze at home) and enjoy Miguel’s live cooking sessions at the Flavour Lab stage from 11.30am to 5.00pm each day. There’s pizza making fun for kids and grown-up masterclasses too. Come hungry and leave happy.
Cake Date
Love baking? Obsessed with cake? On 6 October, bring your floral-themed creation to share at this sweet little gathering. You will fill your cake box with everyone else’s treats, then kick back for a picnic and a cuppa. With only 100 spots available, it is one of the cosiest and tastiest ways to celebrate spring. Book in early to claim your slice of the fun.
Lawn Party
Queens Park is going glam for one very special night and you are on the guest list. The brand new Lawn Party event is all about sipping, dancing and soaking up those garden vibes. Picture floral installations, dreamy lighting, flowing cocktails, chef-led food stations and a soundtrack to set the mood. With surprise entertainment, photo moments and five hours of good times, this is your time to shine. Dress to impress and grab your tickets early.
Paw Parade
Prepare for peak cuteness. The Paw Parade is rolling out the green carpet for dogs of all shapes and sizes on 21 September. Think fashion show, pup-a-cinos, and prizes for everything from best dressed fluff to most charming senior. It is a celebration of our furry companions and the perfect family day out, complete with coffee vans for humans and tail wags for days.
Weekend Table
Toowoomba’s food scene is stepping up with The Weekend Table series from 3 to 6 October. Eleven venues across the region, from vineyards to historic halls, are hosting shared feasts, candlelit dinners and local menus packed with flavour. Whether you are after brunch with mates or a romantic dinner, this is regional dining at its finest. Book your seat and bring your appetite.
Floral Friday
Kick off the carnival in style with Floral Friday on 12 September. Dress head to toe in blooming fabulous outfits and join the city in celebrating the start of spring. Local schools, shops and businesses will be out in full force, and you can even join flower-making workshops using sustainable materials to craft your own floral masterpiece.
#trEATS
From 12 September to 6 October, Toowoomba’s cafes, bakeries and pubs are offering limited-edition dishes for just $10 to $20 as part of the #trEATS trail. This is your chance to discover the local food scene, support small businesses and indulge in something special. The menu drops in August, so keep an eye on carnival socials and prepare your taste buds.
Sip and Stroll
Raise a glass to spring with this fabulous floral cocktail crawl. Sip and Stroll takes you to three of Toowoomba’s most stylish venues for drinks, nibbles and photo-worthy moments. With beautifully themed cocktails and the perfect setting for good chats and great company, this is the ideal way to unwind in the garden city. Spaces are limited so grab your tickets while you can.
We are counting down the days until we can frolic through the flowers, feast on local goodness and cheer on the pooches in their party best. From grand parades to garden picnics, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is bursting with magic. So gather your crew, hit the road and make your own carnival story. See you in the blooms!
