What’s on this week for Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers 2024

The 75th year celebrations are not over yet, with plenty of family fun still to be had. See what’s on this week at the Carnival of Flowers.

The Empire will host their Thrive on Arts Festival from Thursday September 26 with activities and performances for children aged zero to 12. Picture: Supplied/The Empire

The floral festivities at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers are heating up as school holidays draw to an end.

With a whimsical arts festival, greenhouse gurus and more than 95 private gardens to peruse, families will have no trouble keeping their kids entertained before school picks up next week.

Here’s a few of the events to keep your kids energised and enthused this week.

1. Lights, camera, thrive

The Empire will host their Thrive on Arts festival for children aged zero to 12 this week from Thursday September 26 to Sunday September 29. Picture: Supplied/ The Empire

The Empire’s Thrive on Arts festival will kick off on Thursday with a bundle of free and ticketed shows and activities for children of every age.

This year’s events will focus on the wonders of the natural world, from a circus performance by somersaulting bees to theatrical displays of wild animals in need of help, magic gardens and face paint.

“This year’s program is a celebration of conservation, the environment and nature featuring a diverse program of performances, displays and interactive experiences,” The Empire general manager Giuliana Bonel said.

“(It) has something to bring out the artist in every member of the family.”

Events will run from Thursday, September 26, to Sunday, September 29, with ticketed events ranging from $5 to $38 per person.

2. Become a gardening guru

Khalaf Omar and Jamal Murad at the Grand Central Floral Parade of the Carnival of Flowers, Saturday, September 21, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Learn from the best at Grand Central’s Greenhouse interactive gardening workshops running everyday this week.

Horticultural experts will be buzzing in to share their knowledge with children and parents alike.

“With the opportunity to learn how to plant a bee garden, make a mini worm farm or a bird feeder there really is something for everyone’s garden,” Grand Central marketing executive Sara Kenealy said.

To join in on the fun, head to Grand Central centre court on level 1, near Smiggle from 10am to 2pm, no booking is required.

3. Count the stars at the twilight theatre

Wesam, Mariam and Malak Al-Shawaweh at the 2020 Cinema Under the Stars Aladdin at Walton Stores.

A crowd favourite in years past, the Toowoomba Regional Council’s Cinema Under the Stars is back again – this year in a brand new arena.

Patrons are advised to bring a blanket and jacket and settle in for a cozy night among the stars at the Peacehaven Botanic Garden.

In keeping with the spirit of the Carnival of Flowers, the council will screen the animated delight Sherlock Gnomes from 6.30pm on Saturday with food trucks operating from 5.30pm onwards.

Entry to the event is free but make sure to secure your seat early.

4. Tour Toowoomba’s best private gardens

Sisters Gia (left) and Sophie Dang in The Chronicle Garden Competition City Reserve Grand Champion garden of Cheryl Ganzer during the Carnival of Flowers, Saturday, September 21, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

After months and months of dedicated work, Toowoomba’s green thumbs have opened their gates and invited the public to take a look inside their magical gardens.

More than 95 private gardens from the Chronicle Garden Competition will remain open over the week, with a select few only available to the public from Friday to Sunday.

Each garden is distinctive in charm and imagination with plenty of hidden features for young ones to discover.

For a full list of addresses pick up a Chronicle Garden Competition guide at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers info hubs or the Toowoomba Visitor Centre, or view our online map.

5. Indulge in some #trEATS

An extraordinary 65 restaurants, eateries and cafes across the city are taking part in this year’s #trEATs foodie trail as part of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, with each participating venue creating a special dish that encapsulates the festival’s spirit.

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers' #trEATS food trail for 2024. Highlands Cafe: Raspberry cake with coffee syrup, raspberry mousse, white chocolate cream, and coffee-infused meringue shards. Pair it perfectly with a 12oz Raspberry Candy specialty coffee, featuring notes of sweet raspberries and creamy white chocolate.

First introduced in 2020, the program, showcases the region’s culinary skills by featuring springtime dishes valued at $10-$20 from cafes, restaurants and bars evoking Toowoomba’s premier tourism event.

Councillor James O’Shea said the unveiling of the menu was the perfect way to signal the impending start of the carnival, which is celebrating its 75 anniversary this year.

To view our online map of the foodie trail locations, visit our website.