The wait is almost over for the Darling Downs high country this Spring, for the Toowoomba Carnival Of Flowers. This incredible September event will entertain with something exciting for the whole family to experience for 30 straight days. We have listed below all the events that you can enjoy, so hurry and start planning your visit, this September.
FOOD & WINE
Foodie Dinners
Discover more of Toowoomba's flavours on this Foodie Dinner. Dine with three locally loved restaurants and sit back and ensure some very tasty moments. Tour includes coach bus transfers between venues, a drink at each location and entrée, main and dessert.
Sideshow Alley
Head over to lower Queens Park, for thrill seeking rides, fairy floss, dagwood dogs and shows bags! Have a shot at winning a top shelf prize at one of the sideshow games or take in the bird’s- eye view upside down from the heart stopping 360 degree ride.
The Toowoomba Region is overflowing with fantastic foodie moments – our cafes, pubs, cocktail bars and everything in between serve up mouth-watering meals and breathtaking beverages on the regular.
Talking Pubs
Join our Talking Pubs Tour to four character-filled Toowoomba pubs. Start with appetizers at Toowoomba’s new brewery The Brewhouse, followed by entree at Tatt’s Hotel, main at the new Proof BBQ & Booze and finish the day with dessert at The Rock. Tour includes all meals and a drink at each pub.
Festival Of Food & Wine
For three mouth-watering days you can sample the world-famous produce of Southern Queensland Country, all in one location. Treat yourself to incredible flavours, produce and wine fresh from the bountiful pastures, orchards and wine vineyards of the region.
Wine Show & Mediterranean Challenge
Indulge in up to 200 premium local and national wines at the RASQ Wine Show, with a special focus on the finest offerings from Queensland. Discover new and exciting flavours from rich reds to refreshing whites, all expertly judged and curated for your pleasure.
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Grand Central Floral Parade
The iconic Grand Central Floral Parade is one of Toowoomba’s favourite events of the year! Come along to watch street performers, carnival characters and roving entertainment escort the stunning floral floats on their journey through the heart of the city to Queens Park.
Heritage Bank Parklands Entertainment – Botanic Gardens
Every weekend is blooming with Parkland Entertainment! Pack a picnic and bring the family along to musical delights and activities amongst the flower beds. Throughout September Queens Park will come alive with music, entertainment and blooms.
Heritage Bank Parklands Entertainment – Laurel bank Park
Every weekend is blooming with Parkland Entertainment! Pack a picnic and bring the family along to musical delights and activities amongst the flower beds. Throughout September Laurel Bank Park will come alive with music, entertainment and blooms.
St Lukes Flower Art & Music Festival
This Carnival-time icon is back with another spectacular floral display created by the St Luke's Floral Group! In addition, local artists will be exhibiting their artwork, there will be music concerts every weekday at 12:30pm, and the Toowoomba Spinners, Weavers and Dyers group will be showcasing their arts and crafts.
Cinema Under The Stars
Pack your picnic blanket (and a jacket), gather your family and friends, and enjoy an evening under the stars. As the sun sets over Middle Ridge Park, the joys of the film experience will be brought to life during the park’s first twilight movie screening.
JB’s Cabaret Rock & Roll Music by Chapter III
Get ready to rock, roll and reminisce as the classic sounds of Chapter III fill the air – the iconic Toowoomba band are back for one night only! Join Col Zeller, Kerry Wright, Ron Smith and Ray Moore at Rumours International for a night of their greatest hits from the sixties and seventies. All funds raised will go to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation.
Big Band at The Bluff
Get transported to another era with the Jim Miller Big Band at Spring Bluff railway station. Soak in the beautiful gardens while the band plays the tunes of yesteryear. Don't forget your picnic blanket and get ready for an amazing time!
Spring Into Jazz
Enjoy three hours of lively jazz as you listen to many well known and loved jazz numbers from the 1940s onwards. The Caxton Street Jazz Band will play traditional jazz, swing and Latin numbers great for dancing or listening. Bookings are essential.
ACTIVITIES & WORKSHOPS
Teddy Bears Picnic
Picnic Point is the perfect place for the first Teddy Bears’ Picnic and along with other local Tambo Teddies we will be putting on a day to remember. There will be interactive games all day, colouring-in and roving kids entertainment and food stalls.
Colliers Toowoomba Run With Dad
Celebrate the men in your life and help raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer and men’s health. Enjoy a delicious, cooked breakfast, fresh fruit, hot drinks and juice, all while taking part in this morning of family-friendly, pet-friendly fun.
Flourish Community Garden & Kids Activities
Join us every Tuesday from 9-11am for our community garden mornings. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Come and explore the garden, chat, or get your hands dirty! During the school holidays (19 and 26 of Sept), we're hosting kids' activities. They can plant flowers, learn about growing fruits and vegetables, and enjoy the outdoors.
Workshop Sustainable Food Production & Waste
Uncover the secrets of sustainable food production and waste management at Reflections, Lake Cooby! Join our resident Biologist, Michael McKeon, for a 3 hour workshop to explore the symbiotic produce and waste management system we have developed and implemented onsite.
Windy Acres Creative Classes
Join us for a fun day of art and creativity at our farm! Our talented group of artists will guide you through watercolour, clay, floristry, and aromatherapy classes, each designed to unleash your inner artist and let your creativity flow.
Festival Of The Big Cow
Join us from 15 - 29 Sept at Highfields Pioneer Village for a celebration of All Things Cow! Experience the history of the Australian dairy industry with hands-on activities like milking a cow and churning butter.
Ride the Ferris Wheel
For a blooming marvellous view over the Botanic Gardens get on board the Ferris Wheel! The Ferris Wheel is a truly wonderful way of seeing the floral-filled Botanic Gardens from above. You’ll find the Ferris Wheel adjacent to the Botanic Gardens
Weetwood Breakfast With The Stars
Come join us for a free community breakfast event with loads of fun activities for the kids in the lead up to Toowoomba's biggest and brightest racing event - The Weetwood! There will be rides, face painting, and much more to keep the kids entertained while you watch amazing equine athletes in action. Parents, this is the perfect way to get the kids out of the house during the school holidays.
ARTS, EXHIBITIONS & DISPLAYS
Botanicals at the Royal Bull’s Head Inn
Discover the beauty of local art at our upcoming event, Local Artists in Residence. This exhibition features an array of stunning botanical art and sand art floral displays created by talented students from Drayton Primary School.
The Secret Life Of Seed Pods at The Lighthouse
Discover the beauty of nature with Hello Chelsart. Toowoomba local Chelsea Baker showcases her passion for discovering overlooked Australian flora, namely seedpods, and transcending nature's architectural miniatures into original artworks.
Rosalie Gallery Art Exhibition
On the road to Acland – Sky & Earth is an exhibition of paintings that draws its inspiration from the remnant gardens in Acland. Artist David LeMay, having spent some years out painting and sketching in the township itself, gives expression to the vital spirit that animates their forms and his own creative process.
Toowoomba Arts Society Exhibition
The Toowoomba Art Society Spring Exhibition is a curated exhibition of members work
Toowoomba Quilters Exhibition
Experience the intricate artistry and stunning designs of the Toowoomba Quilters Club's Annual Quilt Exhibition. From traditional to modern styles, this exhibition features a vast collection of first-time exhibited quilts and showcases the textile art of local artisans.
Toowoomba Studio Art Trail
Experience the dynamic and vibrant art scene of Toowoomba during Carnival with the Toowoomba Studio Art Trail. This exciting initiative, led by a passionate group of local artists, invites you to visit their studios and discover their creative process. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of art.
Botanical Infusions Plants, Art & Gin
Experience the beauty of impermanence with 'Botanical Infusions: A Celebration of Art, Gin, and Plants' at The Mills Production Plant Shop during Carnival.
Carnival Of Trains
Come along and see the world of model railways where the grass is green and the flowers bright and colourful. See a variety of layouts where the trains run through the beautiful scenery.
St Matthews In Bloom
Visit this historic church and browse the craft and plant stalls in and around the Community Centre! Enjoy a Devonshire tea and be awed by the traditional floral arrangements decorating the church.
Cobb & Co Hanging Basket Display
Surround yourself with a spectacular display of 50+ beautiful hanging baskets as part of the annual Hanging Basket Display, proudly supported by Yates. Each basket has been lovingly created by community members from the Toowoomba Region as part of a design competition.
Heritage Bank Photographic Awards Exhibition
One for the photographic lovers! Into its 35th year, the Heritage Bank Photographic Awards are open to all professional and amateur photographers.
QLD CWA Vase Extravaganza
Discover an impressive collection of unique and interesting vases, including a variety of Chinese cups, saucers, and tea sets. While you browse, enjoy delicious Devonshire teas and check out a selection of craft and cake stalls. Don't miss the chance to create your own floral wristband!
Toowoomba’s Finest Craft Show
Check out our special craft exhibitions, including Flaunt the Flower, and daily fashion parades.
Downlands Art Exhibition
Discover a world of artistic wonder at the region's most comprehensive annual exhibition, boasting over 1,000 pieces priced from just $10. From up-and-coming talents to some of Australia's most renowned artists, the Downlands Art Exhibition has something to captivate every art lover.
The Empire Theatre Explorer
Discover Empire Theatres' illustrious history, marvel at the stunning, architectural features and venture backstage in this comprehensive tour. The tour takes about 90 minutes and concludes with a complimentary morning tea provided by the Friends of the Empire Theatre.
Crows Nest Regional Art Gallery
An exhibition by four artists with a passion for both mosaic art and nature. Tani Bates, Catherine Conaty, Yvonne Ragonesi and Margaret Shaw have used unique and diverse media to showcase the variety of mosaic styles encompassing the beauty of nature.
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
Sit back and take a tour with one of Toowoomba's experienced tour companies. You can ride by cab, van or coach or go at your own pace with self drive or walking tours.
PARKS & GARDENS
Toowoomba Regional Council have a dedicated team of staff who design and plant beautiful mass floral displays with areas of the Toowoomba city parks and CBD gardens. Each year over 150,000 seeds, bulbs and seedlings are planted at key times to ensure that there is a wonderful display each Spring.
MARKETS
Toowoomba Farmers Markets
Buy direct from farmers and local artisans with an ever-changing array of stalls that sell anything from handmade soaps, beauty products, leather goods, steel work and jewellery. Savour a coffee or cold drink, or some delicious food from all the varied options available, while listening to local entertainers.
Queens Park Twilight Market
Discover the best of local craftsmanship at our Twilight Market! Our event showcases talented artisans with a wide variety of handmade goods, including toys, macrame, homewares, skincare, food, gin, wines and more. Come and support our local community while finding unique treasures to take home.
Queens Park Market
Discover the best of local craftsmanship at our Queens Park Market! Our event showcases talented artisans with a wide variety of handmade goods, including toys, macrame, homewares, skincare, food, Gin, Wines and more.