A SHOUT out to Toowoomba's huge number of expected visitors this weekend - these are the things you simply cannot miss this Carnival of Flowers. 

This is a list of the must-dos and the insider recommendations that will be make your trip to the Garden City as colourful as you hoped.

No doubt, every corner you turn there will be flowers and, of course, you want to check out the pristine parks and gardens. But where do you start? 

So much happens during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers - the whole town comes alive in music, entertainment, food, wine and arts.

So while you're checking out the famous parks and gardens - why don't you uncover the hidden laneway culture, the exceptional produce and the quirky art too.

Here are 15 things you HAVE to check out this Carnival of Flowers: 

1. The Ergon Energy Flower, Food and Wine Festival

STARTING tonight and for two more mouth-watering days, you can sample the world-famous produce of our region,  all in one place.

From the bountiful pastures, orchards and vineyards to the cellar doors, this festival is laden with the best of the region. Treat yourself to incredible flavours, produce and wine.

The festival is on from 10am-10pm today, tomorrow and Sunday. Get your tickets here. 

2. Heritage Bank Live Concert Series 2016

WHEN the music is this good you just have to go with it.

Let your hair down and enjoy another sublime line-up that's part of the Ergon Energy Flower, Food and Wine Festival. 

Check out the lineup here. 

3. Talking pubs tour

JOIN a four-hour progressive dinner tour to four historic pubs.

First stop is Fitzy's Toowoomba to sample shared canapé platters, then the historic Mort Estate Hotel for more tasty morsels.

Mains will be at the quirky Spotted Cow Hotel and dessert at the Irish Club Hotel, for a warm finish to the tour.

The ticket price includes all meals and a drink at each pub. Sign up here. 

4. Arts and Tails Trails Exhibition  

TAKE the time to visit an exhibition of fine arts in a country courtyard garden.

There's also the lantern parade and markets or take a 30-minute drive through picturesque countryside to see artists working.

For details click here.

5. Laurel Bank Park

JUST to the west of the city centre on Herries St is the magnificent Laurel Bank Park.

Kids love the giant caterpillar and train shapes which have been topiary clipped into the hedges.

Keep a nose out for the garden the Downs Association for the Blind helped create - it's bursting with strongly scented blooms you can enjoy with your eyes closed.

6. Queens Park 

QUEENS Park is THE place to be during the Carnival of Flowers with one of the most impressive park displays. 

Revel in the colours, hit up sideshow alley, check out the polo or join in other festivities - like the Ergon Engery Flower, Food and Wine Festival or Heritage Bank Live Concert Series.

Just get there at some point - it's the heart of the carnival. 

7. Grand Central Floral Parade

THE Grand Central Floral Parade remains firmly at the heart of this world-class celebration and once again will bring the city to a brilliant standstill tomorrow at 3pm when more than 100,000 people line the streets.

The parade starts on Herries St. 

8. The Chronicle Exhibition Gardens 

CELEBRATE the pure love of flowers, gardening and all things horticultural. The specially-selected exhibition gardens are chosen because they are so unique and creative that they deserve a special show all of their own.

Be inspired, and perhaps learn a tip or two, at the four private gardens selected as Toowoomba's finest for 2016.

9. The Chronicle Garden Competition 

The Chronicle Garden Competition also offers visitors the opportunity to visit the beautiful gardens that have been entered. 

With more than 40 categories, gardeners of all types have the opportunity to show off their creations.

There are so many amazing gardens to explore you'll need The Chronicle's souvenir guide and map.

10. Empire Theatre

TOOWOOMBA Carnival of Flowers festivities are more than just the flowers - crazy right? Entertainment is blossoming everywhere, especially at the Empire Theatre which is ramping up its entertainment through the spring celebration.

Australian tenor David Hobson takes to the stage tomorrow night. Next up will be the Toowoomba Philharmonic Society digging out its leather jackets and poodle skirts for Grease from September 23-25 while the Queensland Ballet chasses into town for Tutus on Tour from September 24-25.  

Grab your tickets here. 

11. Eat at a local cafe

THE carnival spirit is infectious, you just have to walk down a Toowoomba street to see, hear and smell it. 

If you get the chance, go beyond the carnival festivities and into the town. 

Our local tip is to eat at one of our swanky cafes and restaurants. From floral decorations in the the decor to even in your food - every business does their part at carnival time!

Head down an alleyway to find a cafe or restaurant and be part of our game-changing food revolution. 

12.  Diesel Train Rides to Spring Bluff 

TRAINS leave Toowoomba twice daily for the beautifully scenic journey down to the glorious prize-winning gardens of Spring Bluff.

You'll receive a warm welcome by the Acting Station Master and it'll likely be in song and dance. 

Pack a picnic, grab an espresso coffee and enjoy a great day.

TIckets are $20 for adults, $10 child (4-15yrs) and children under four not occupying a seat are free. 

Rides start Sunday. 

13. Country gardens

GOT some time to take in some spectacular views? These are well worth the short drives. 

See 400 rhododendrons in full flower and 2500 divinely perfumed roses in one stunning country garden setting.

Brindabella Country Gardens is set on four acres of beautiful English-style gardens on the corner if Quinlan Rd and New England Hwy in Highfields.

Also The Chronicle Garden Competition country grand champions Paul and Noela Rubb live at 194 Schultz-Haden Rd in Haden. You must check out their award-winning garden. 

14. Vino lovers  

LEARN how to taste and describe wine like an expert at free sessions in the Wine Bar of the Ergon Energy Flower, Food and Wine Festival then wander through the pop-up cellar doors and put your new-found knowledge to the test.

Sessions will be tomorrow at 12.30pm, 2.30pm and Sun 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

Book tickets here. 

15. Picnic Point

PERCHED on top the crest of the Great Dividing Range is the heritage-listed Picnic Point.

The panoramic 180 degree views will take your breath away stretching out over the valley to surrounding mountains, the deep gorges below and the world heritage listed area of The Scenic Rim.

On a clear day you can see all the way to Brisbane. Picnic Point is 160 precious acres of priceless landscape.