Floriade Go-Together Morning (closing weekend)

Sideways Social is a low-pressure way to get out and do something, alongside other neurodivergent folks. No pressure to talk - you can arrive a little late, walk or sit a bit apart, and leave whenever you need.

This time we're doing Floriade together one more time, on its closing weekend - strolling the flower displays at Commonwealth Park at an easy, unhurried pace. It's a big, colourful event, and going as a group can make it easier to show up.

Look around as much or as little as you like, and peel off whenever you need to.

When: Saturday 10 October, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Finding us and arriving late: We'll follow the purple route on the Sideways Social Floriade route map, starting and finishing at Regatta Point Gate. Meet at 10:30 am; we'll leave at 10:40 am. Regroup point 1 is near the accessible toilets from 11:10 am to 11:20 am. Regroup point 2 is near the bench by map marker 6 from 11:45 am to 11:55 am. Arriving late is okay - follow the marked route to our next scheduled regroup point.

Cost: $10 - Floriade entry is free; this covers me organising and being there on the day

Bring: comfy shoes, hat, sunscreen, water, and any sensory supports (headphones or earplugs, sunglasses) - it can get loud and busy

Optional extra: there's a little photo side-quest if you'd like a gentle something-to-do - grab a card from me on the day, or skip it entirely.

Good to know: it's Floriade's final weekend, so it may be a little busier - we'll still take it gently. Step away to a quieter edge or leave anytime, no need to chat. Paths are open and mostly flat.

I'll be there the whole time as someone to go with.

Totally optional. Something gentle to do on your own if you'd like - no need to share, no winners, and fine to ignore completely if you'd rather just take the flowers in.

Snap a photo of:

• a colour that matches your mood today

• the smallest flower you can find

• something that isn't a flower (a bee, a bench, a cloud)

• a pattern, or something repeating

• your favourite single bloom

• something you almost walked past

• a view you'd want to remember

Keep them to yourself, or share later if you feel like it.