Thousands of visitors will soon flock to the heritage-listed Carlton Gardens and stunning Royal Exhibition Building for the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. In this splendid display of nature and creativity, you’ll feel amazed by enchanting floral and landscape designs. Stay busy with workshops, and stick around for glowing gardens and roving entertainers on select nights. This festival for all ages will run from Wednesday March 25 to Sunday March 29.
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2026
Over five days, plant parents and flower lovers across Melbourne will be able to explore a wide range of installations, stalls, talks and more at this gorgeous annual event. Marvel at the creative works of living art, and learn more tips to help you with your gardening at home. The theme for this year is Kaleidoscope, inviting guests to look a little deeper into shifting perspectives in floral artistry, landscape design and sustainability.
What can you expect inside the Royal Exhibition Building?
During the festival, the Royal Exhibition Building will be transformed into the Great Hall of Flowers. See the work of Victoria’s leading florists and flower designers, with interactive and artistic floral installations.
Don’t miss Growers Avenue, which will bring a thriving urban flower farm to life. Celebrate Australian grown flowers from regenerative micro farms to large-scale producers.
Then, check out the Retail Flower Market and find some beautiful blooms to take home. You’ll also find works on display from floral competitions, such as the Hanging Installation Competition, the Floral Design Competition and the new Petal Project, where participants will showcase a single flower or floral family through magnificent installations.
In the building, check out the Main Stage, which will host an extensive line-up of floral artists, gardening experts and celebrity landscapers.
Have fun or learn something new with plenty of workshops and demonstrations. Take part in flower arranging workshops, get creative with watercolour botanicals, try pot painting and more!
Once you’ve seen enough, take a break with high tea. Surrounded by the spectacular floral displays, you’ll nibble on sweet and savoury bites, and sip on a glass of sparkling wine. You will need to book a ticket to attend the high tea.
In the gardens
Take a stroll around Carlton Gardens and admire different designs in the Show Gardens competition. Vote for your favourite, and the winner will receive a People’s Choice Award. Then, find inspiration with other competition displays, like the Balcony Garden or Border Garden.
Fall in love with the Love Blooms Here wedding garden, where one lucky couple will actually get married on the Friday of the Show.
Browse through the Retail Precinct and find plenty of décor, plants, tools, garden furniture from over 150 stallholders. Amble through the Sculpture Precinct and admire some cool pieces.
There will also be activities and educational experiences for the little ones, so the whole family can have fun. New to the festival this year is the Wildplace Children’s Garden, an immersive play space that will encourage young visitors to climb, explore, learn and appreciate the outdoors.
Gardens by Twilight
The show will transform into a magical place for two nights. Explore the twilight wonderland and enjoy added evening entertainment like stilt walkers, fire artists and LED hoop artists. Then, indulge in gourmet food and botanical beverages. Gardens by Twilight will take place on Friday March 27 and Saturday March 28. It will stay open until 9:30pm each night.
More details:
📅Wednesday March 25 to Sunday March 29
🎫From $28, kids under 16 are free
📍Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, Carlton VIC 3053
For information about the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, click here.