Lawn parties to food festivals – here are the must-do events at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is back in full bloom from September 12 to October 6, and this year’s program is bursting with reasons to make a weekend (or four) of it. With exciting new events, returning favourites and plenty of ways to soak up the colour and creativity of spring, here are the must-do moments, flavours and festivities that will have the Garden City buzzing.
The Lawn Party, Saturday September 13
Making its sparkling debut this year, Lawn Party is Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers’ most refined new addition – an exclusive twilight affair set within a lush private enclave of Queens Park. Guests will be treated to a progressive menu of gourmet canapes and chef-led food stations, paired with a generous five-hour premium beverage package featuring fine wines, sparkling and handcrafted cocktails. From ambient lighting and lavish floral installations to pop-up performances, floral gifting and styled photo moments, every detail has been carefully curated to deliver an elevated spring experience like no other. Tickets can be purchased here.
FEASTival, September 27–28
FEASTival is the ultimate weekend for food lovers – a two-day celebration of flavour set in the leafy surrounds of Queens Park. The park will come alive with local producers serving up sweet and savoury treats, boutique wines, craft spirits and artisan goods in a lively open-air market perfect where you can gather, graze and unwind in the sunshine. Catch live cooking demos at the Flavour Lab with celebrity chef Miguel Maestre and local talent, or add-on ticketed masterclass experiences held at The Mixing Bowl precinct, covering cheesemaking, charcuterie, pastry, pizza and whisky tastings. The little ones can get hands-on at Little Pizza Chefs, while the Kids Zone keeps them entertained with free activities across the two days. FEASTival is a vibrant celebration of the region’s flavours, makers and seasonal produce – perfect for sipping, snacking and learning something new. Be quick to secure your tickets here.
Weekend Table, October 3–6
The Weekend Table series invites guests to slow down and savour a series of 12 unique dining experiences across the Darling Downs. Each event is thoughtfully hosted in charming regional venues – from heritage halls and lakeside lawns to vineyards and historic homesteads – offering one-off dining experiences that celebrate local produce, people and places. From a long-table champagne lunch at Myrtille in Crows Nest to an exclusive feast at the newly opened Preston Manor and a mouth-watering five-course wagyu lunch at Vintage Cow Cafe, there’s a table to suit every taste bud. The series concludes with Cake Date, where baking enthusiasts bring a floral-inspired cake to share, swap slices with fellow bakers and enjoy a sugar-sprinkled spring picnic on the lawn.
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Twilight Tours, various dates
As evening arrives, Twilight Tours offer a rare chance to experience Toowoomba’s flourishing Laurel Bank Park beyond daylight hours. Guided by the dedicated gardeners who tend to the park year-round, these one-hour ticketed walks reveal the quiet charm and rich character of this historic green space once the crowds have gone. The tour winds through groves of majestic, ancient trees, while sharing the stories behind their origins and the role they play in the park’s landscape. Along the way, guests will uncover hidden details and surprising botanical facts that often go unnoticed during the day. The Twilight Tours run Tuesday to Saturday during the carnival, departing at 5:30 pm. Online bookings are essential.
Paw Parade, Sunday September 21
Pups and their people will take the spotlight at Paw Parade, a joyful new addition to the carnival that celebrates four-legged companions in all their glory. Set in Queens Park, this free, family-friendly event promises a morning of relaxed fun with local market stalls, coffee, puppuccinos and plenty of personality on display. The highlight of the day is the parade itself, where dogs and their humans will compete in playful categories including Best Flower-Inspired Outfit, Owner Lookalike, Waggiest Tail, Little Paws (for kids 12 and under with their pets) and Senior Sweetheart (for dogs aged nine and over). General admission is free, or you can register your pup in the parade here.
Visit the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers website to view the full program of free and ticketed events.
This article was written in partnership with our friends at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.