Group of women sitting on grass chatting next to blooming flower beds.

The Ultimate Guide to the Three Floral Filled Weekends of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is back bigger than ever from Friday, 18 September to Monday, 5 October 2026 for its 77th year. Each of the three floral filled weeks is packed with bunches of different exciting events, making it hard to know when to visit. To assist with this decision we’ve created the ultimate guide to the three floral filled weekends of Carnival.

Weekend 1: Fri 18 September - Sun 20 September

Grand Central Floral Parade

Welcome the season of blooms with the iconic Grand Central Floral Parade, one of Toowoomba's most anticipated events each year. Starting at 10 am the parade departs from the corner of Herries and Hume Street, winding its way around the CBD to finish at Godsall Street Oval. With a stunning range of floral floats, street performers and carnival characters, the Grant Central Floral Parade is an absolute must do!

Tasting Tours

Gather your favourite foodies and discover the unique local flavours of Toowoomba on a guided tasting tour over the first weekend of the festival. Choose from three deliciously different experiences, Sip & Stroll, Cork & Walk, or Pint Pursuit each showcasing the region’s best bites, sips, and hidden gems.

Downsteam Steam Train Rides

Step aboard and travel back in time with DownsSteam’s heritage steam train rides! Departing from Toowoomba Station, enjoy a nostalgic journey to DownsSteam’s beautiful flower gardens at Drayton Station, where historic steam locomotives, restored carriages and gorgeous springtime blooms create a truly special atmosphere. Running across the first weekend of the carnival on Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th, as well as a selection of dates throughout the festival.

#trEATS

Starting on 18 September and running all Carnival-long, this is a foodie’s paradise! Participating Toowoomba Region eateries are offering Carnival exclusive springtime dishes - all priced from $10 - $25! Don’t miss out on the one-of-a kind #trEATS!

The Chronicle Garden Competition

Discover these stunning gardens, curated by passionate home gardeners who work year-round transforming their private gardens into stunning floral showpieces. Gardens open from 18 September to 27 September. The guide listing the garden locations and opening times will be available at official Carnival hubs or the Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre on Friday the 18th.

Behind the Blooms Tours

Starting Friday the 18th September and running every weekday of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. The Behind the Blooms Tours takes you through the gardens of Queens Park with a dedicated Toowoomba Regional Council Gardener, where they will chare their knowledge of Toowoomba's transformation to the Garden Capital of Queensland. From the choices and sections made, to the stories and insights into the craftsmanship, expertise and hard work that goes into the large scale floral displays. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or simply a lover of beautiful spaces, this is your chance to see Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers from the inside out.

Sideshow Alley

Thrill seeking rides, fairy floss, show bags and your favourite carnival food are back this year at the Sideshow Alley. For a full 10 days from the 18th September to the 27th September, the lower Queens Park is transformed into the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Sideshow Alley! Plus, two brilliant weekends of fireworks 18-21 Sep & 25-27 Sep!

Twilight Tours

When the sun goes down, it is time to enjoy these floral displays in a new light. Starting 18 September, experience the magic of Laurel Bank Park after dark with enchanting twilight tours, running every Tuesday to Saturday during Carnival. Enjoy the cooler evenings, skip the crowds, and see Toowoomba’s iconic floral displays in a beautifully lit, after-hours glow.

Floral themed floats in street with spectators on the side.

Grand Central Floral Parade, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Weekend 2: Fri 25 September - Sun 27 September

FEASTival

Welcome to FEASTival! This culinary celebration is a foodies's heaven. Bring the family (and empty stomachs) for 2 days of food and floral filled fun.

Ferris Wheel (Queens Park)

Take in breathtaking views of the Botanic Gardens from above on the must-do Ferris Wheel experience during Toowoomba's flower season. Perfect for all ages (and even well-behaved dogs!), this family-friendly attraction offers a unique way to see the floral beauty of spring from a whole new perspective.

Toowoomba Exhibition Gardens

Take a stroll through eight of Toowoomba’s most beautiful home gardens! A must-see for garden enthusiasts. Toowoomba’s finest gardens will be on display 9am - 5pm daily, 18 September - 27 September 2026.

FEASTival, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Weekend 3: Fri 2 October - Mon 5 October

Paw Parade

Get your pooches ready! It's their time to shine in the Paw Parade! Bring along your four legged fashionistas to join the parade of wagging tales, gourmet pet treats, and insta-worthy photo ops.

Weekend Table

Surround yourself with flowers and friends this Carnival season! From breakfast to dinner, discover charming Toowoomba venues serving up mouthwatering curated menus.

Tasting Tours

Missed the first weekend of tasting tours? Don't worry! Discover the city’s culinary scene through one of three available tours. Sip & Stroll, Cork & Walk, or go on a Pint Pursuit with knowledgeable guides and tasty bites along the way.

Ferris Wheel (Queens Park)

Final call for the Ferris Wheel! Catch the flowers one last time from a birds-eye view on the Queens Park Ferris Wheel.

Paw Parade, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning Your Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Visit

What are the three weekends of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers?

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is a three weeklong spring celebration running from the 18th of September to the 5th of October. Visitors can enjoy a mix of garden displays, live entertainment, food and drink experiences, community events and family-friendly activities throughout the festival.

What happens during each weekend of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers?

Each weekend of the festival has its own unique program of events and experiences. From the opening celebrations and floral displays to live music, garden tours, food events like FEASTival, and the iconic floral parade, each weekend offers visitors a different reason to explore Toowoomba and the surrounding region.

Which events should I not miss during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers?

Some of the most popular events include exploring Toowoomba's famous spring gardens, attending the Grand Central Floral Parade on Saturday the 19th, enjoying live music and discovering local food and wine experiences. With events spread across three weekends, visitors can choose activities that best suit their interests, whether they love gardening, entertainment, dining or family activities.

Which gardens should I see at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers?

Popular gardens open throughout the festival are Queens Park, Laurel Bank Park and Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland. There are also several privately owned exhibition gardens open at regular hours throughout the festival. For more information about the gardens you can read our garden guide Bloomin' Beautiful: Where to see flowers during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

What is the best way to plan a visit to Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers?

The best way to plan your visit is to check the festival program ahead of time, choose which weekend events you would like to attend and allow time to explore Toowoomba's gardens, attractions, restaurants and local experiences. Booking accommodation early is recommended, as the festival is one of Queensland's most popular spring events.