Portland Rose Festival

Name: Portland Rose Festival
Start: 2025-05-22
End: 2025-06-07
Location: Portland

A Dazzling Early Summer Celebration of Roses, Parades, and City Pride

2026/05/23 - 2026/06/07

As early summer arrives, the city of Portland, Oregon is transformed into a festive wonderland of flowers, music, and tradition during the Portland Rose Festival. For over a century, this beloved festival has brought together locals and visitors alike to enjoy spectacular parades, breathtaking floral displays, and the sweet fragrance of millions of roses. Whether you love parades, are looking for family fun, or want to experience Portland’s unique culture, this iconic “City of Roses” festival is a feast for all five senses.

The festival is held every year from late May to mid-June, centered around downtown and the waterfront. More than 500,000 people line the streets for the Grand Floral Parade, and the energy, color, and community pride are truly unforgettable once you experience them.

Main Attractions

Grand Floral Parade

The highlight of the festival is the Grand Floral Parade, the second largest all-floral parade in the United States. With over 500,000 spectators, floats covered in thousands of fresh flowers, marching bands, equestrian teams, and performers in unique costumes parade through the city. The scent of roses, the music, and the cheers fill the streets, making it Oregon’s largest single-day event, loved by people of all ages.

Key Events

In addition to the Grand Floral Parade, the festival features the illuminated Starlight Parade, the Junior Parade for children, dragon boat races on the Willamette River, and fireworks that light up the night sky. At the CityFair along the waterfront, you’ll find carnivals, concerts, food stalls, and games across three weekends. The crowning of the Rose Festival Queen, a tradition since 1914, is another source of local pride.

Costumes and Decorations

Participants appear in colorful costumes—marching band uniforms, floral dresses, and mascot outfits. The floats are lavishly decorated with thousands of roses, lilies, and other flowers, while the city itself is adorned with banners and rose-themed decorations. Wherever you go, the scent of fresh flowers fills the air, adding to the festive mood.

Traditional Food & Drink

Along the CityFair and parade routes, you’ll find a wide variety of foods, from classic American carnival treats like corn dogs, funnel cakes, and lemonade to craft beer, local berry desserts, and artisan ice cream. The sweet and savory aromas of snacks mingle with the scent of flowers, making every stroll exciting.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of the Portland Rose Festival date back to 1888, when Georgiana Pittock hosted a rose show at her home. With the founding of the Rose Society in 1889 and a call from the mayor in 1905 for a “festival of roses,” the first official festival and flower parade was held in 1907. Since then, it has grown into a world-class event symbolizing Portland’s identity as the “City of Roses” and its spirit of volunteerism and community pride.

This festival is more than just a flower celebration—it’s a living tradition that connects generations, embodies local history and creativity, and is the very essence of Portland. For many, it’s also a special time that marks the true beginning of summer.

Participant Voices

"I’ve watched the Grand Floral Parade with my family every year since I was a child. Now, seeing my own kids’ eyes light up at the floats and marching bands is the greatest joy. This is the colorful, friendly, energetic Portland at its best." — Megan (local resident)

"I visited from California and was amazed by the scale of the Rose Festival. We enjoyed local food at CityFair, cheered for the dragon boat races, and talked to a float designer who told us they use thousands of fresh flowers. I’ve never experienced a festival like this!" — Daniel (tourist)

"Being chosen as Rose Festival Queen was like a dream come true. It’s not just about the crown—it's about representing Portland and giving back to the community. I met so many wonderful people and made memories to last a lifetime." — Alexis (Rose Festival Queen)