NightFest 2015

By Niall Roeder

Floriade is Canberra’s annual floral extravaganza that combines over one million buds to create a blossoming month-long carnival… And NightFest is its nocturnal, party-loving cousin. It’s where the tulips, daffodils and daisies go to eat, rave and laugh.

The splendour of this flower congregation can definitely be seen during the day; the sun sweetly dancing off the carefully prepared petal arrangements, temperate spring breezes twirling through the bulbs, buds and blossoms, causing them to sway like they’ve had 4 too many beers (please excuse me while I wax poetic)… BUT at night, it all comes to life in a different way.

As the sun sets on Floriade, the lights of NightFest are turned on and the six entertainment hubs are put into full swing:

The Comedy Cave: Live, al fresco stand-up comedy surrounded by a million flowers. Is this what heaven is?

The Inspiration Hub: With installations from the Royal Australian Mint to the Questacon and the National Dinosaur Museum, guests can get ‘a taste of Canberra’s cultural institutions’, whilst walking amongst the flowers.

The Kitchen Company Tasting Plate: Everyone loves a night food and wine market, especially when it’s local producers and winemakers.

The Moonlight Lounge: For those looking to enjoy a drink and some smooth tunes.

The Little Palais: Made up of No Lights No Lycra (Nightfest’s silent garden disco) and Rave CBR’s UV Dance Party (for those who prefer their beats blasting).

Le Petite Grande: A ‘spiegel-esque’ performance tent, full of acrobatics, comedy, juggling, hula hopping and other craziness.

NightFest returns in 2015 for its eighth appearance and runs for five remarkable nights. You’ll need to recharge after your floral gallivanting, why not collapse on cloud-like bed in a luxury room at QT Canberra.

Floriade: September 23 – 27