10 top things to do at carnival
Plenty to do on opening weekend
FROM tasty treats and epic sounds to beautiful gardens and flowers, the opening weekend of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers will be a flavour-filled colour blast.
Make the most of the weekend with the top 10 experiences to enjoy during opening weekend of the festival.
1. Qantas-Link Gala Dinner
Thursday, September 14 at Laurel Bank Park
For a five-star food experience, look no further than the Gala Dinner.
Join Australian Chef Anna Gare for a four-course degustation meal made with local produce and matched with wines.
2. The Chronicle Garden Competition gardens
Friday, September 15 Sunday, September 24
The Chronicle Garden Competition offers visitors the opportunity to see the beautiful gardens around Toowoomba.
With more than 40 categories, gardeners of all types are able to show off their creations.
There are so many amazing private gardens to explore you’ll need The Chronicle Garden Competition Guide and map issued in the newspaper on Friday, September 15.
3. Ergon Energy Food and Wine Festival
Friday September 15 – Sunday September 17at Upper Queens Park
This mouth-watering, world-class festival includes incredible food and wine, made with produce grown fresh in Southern Queensland Country.
4. Heritage Bank Live Concert Series
Friday September 15 – Sunday September 17 at Upper Queens Park
Party into the night with some of the country’s best and brightest music acts.
Let loose and enjoy the fabulous line-up including The Temper Trap, Daryl Braithwaite, The Paper Kites, The Angels, The Voices, The Diamonds, Boys in the Band and Alex Lahey.
5. Grand Central Floral Parade
Saturday, September 16 from 3pm at the CBD
Giant floral floats and entertainers will cruise down Toowoomba’s city streets against a backdrop of more than 100,000 people.
6. Sophie Thomson workshops
Friday September 15 – Sunday September 17at Upper Queens Park
Aspiring green thumbs are in for a treat with presentations and talks from Sophie Thomson, one of Australia’s most experienced garden presenters.
7. Talking Pubs Tour Sunday, September 17
A four-hour progressive flavour tour to four of Toowoomba’s most historic pubs is a foodie’s paradise. The four pubs include Fitzy’s Toowoomba, the rooftop bar at Muller Bros, the Spotted Cow Hotel and the Irish Club Hotel.
8. Sideshow Alley Friday ,September 15 – Sunday, September 17 at Lower Queens Park
Enjoy the thrills and spills in Sideshow Alley and brave the rides, including the hair raising 360 degrees, or try your luck on a top shelf prize at a sideshow game. 9. Tour Toowoomba parks
An must during the carnival is a visit to Toowoomba’s spectacular parks, all alive with colour.
10. Swing to the Big Band at Spring Bluff
Sunday, September 17 at Spring Bluff
Head to Spring Bluff on opening weekend to relax over a picnic and dust of your dancing shoes to the Jim Miller Big Band.