Festival runs from 11 September to 5 October 2026

Tulip Time will return to Bowral from 11 September to 5 October 2026, with 80,000 tulips and spring annuals planted for the festival’s 66th year.

The event follows a record 2025, when more than 85,000 people attended Tulip Time. Corbett Gardens will again sit at the centre of the display.

An expanded 2026 program will run across four Bloomin’ Weekends. Visitors will be able to book yoga and mindfulness sessions among the flowers, local honey experiences, floral workshops, art events, tastings and guided walks through historic Bowral and nearby villages.

Four Bloomin’ Weekends add new events

Families will have Bloom & Play during the school holidays. Meanwhile, Paws Among the Petals, Dogs Day Out will welcome dogs to the festival.

Hospitality marquees will feature local operators, producers and stockists. According to Destination Southern Highlands, those spaces will add Southern Highlands food and drink to the flower program.

Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick said Tulip Time was “about much more than flowers”.

He pointed to the 2025 crowd of more than 85,000 people, with many visitors staying for a weekend or taking a mid-week break. He also urged people to look beyond Corbett Gardens to the district’s villages, waterfalls, shopping, art, food and wine.

Behind the scenes, an unusually warm autumn changed the planting schedule. Wingecarribee Shire Council’s horticultural team waited until soil temperatures reached 13 degrees Celsius or below before planting.

As a result, the council expects Corbett Gardens to be on track for a full spring display despite the warmer conditions.

Tulip Time arrives as Bowral gains wider national attention. Australian Traveller ranked Bowral Australia’s number one country town and number five town overall in its 100 Best Aussie Towns for 2026.

Destination Southern Highlands is also using the festival to promote the wider region. Spring in the Southern Highlands highlights gardens, walking trails and other outdoor attractions across the district.

The organisation did not disclose ticket prices in the information provided. It directed visitors to tuliptime.com.au for the full 2026 program and visitor details.