The Portland Rose Festival is held annually in Portland, Oregon, in late May or early June. It features three flower parades and some other activities. During the festival, a City Fair entertainment zone is set on the waterfront with thrilling amusement rides and delicious foods. Various entertainment and activities are concentrated at Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, in downtown Portland. However, the greatest highlight of the festival is the Grand Floral Parade. It has been a beloved annual tradition for over 100 years. About 500,000 people line up along a 4-mi (6.4-km) route that winds through Portland's downtown and over the river.
The Grand Floral Parade (June 8, 2024)
The Grand Floral Parade begins at 10 a.m. with lots of visual entertainment and live music. Every year, the parade features over a dozen full-size floral floats, a dozen floral mini-floats, marching bands, equestrian units, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, dancers, llamas, and so much more.
Where to watch the Grand Floral Parade
Viwers are offered a reserved indoor and outdoor seating at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum for those who want to watch the beginning of the great event with comfort. Tickets cost $15-$30. Onsite parking is available at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum for a fee. From Coliseum, the parade proceeds downtown to be welcomed by hundreds of thousands. The procession marches on Broadway, along Weidler to MLK Jr. Blvd, turns right, and goes down MLK Jr. Blvd to Lloyd Blvd. The parade finishes at noon at 16th Avenue and Multnomah Street, near the Lloyd Center.
Starlight Parade (June 1, 2024)
The Starlight Parade is another highlight of the Rose Festival. Parade participants illuminate the night with about 100 sparkling entries, like marching bands and flood-lit floats, glow-in-the-dark umbrellas, and various creative one-of-a-kind entries. The parade starts at Naito Parkway & Morrison St, goes along 4th Ave, Burnside, and Broadway, finishing at Taylor & I-405. One of Portland's cherished annual traditions from the early 1900th, the Starlight Parade attracts thousands of people to downtown Portland.
Fleet Week (June 5-9, 2024)
The Portland Rose Festival has also included Fleet Week, which is especially popular with families. During Fleet Week, visitors can meet sailors and tour US Navy, US Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Navy, and other vessels on a first-come, first-served basis. Tour times vary for each ship. Don't forget to bring your non-expired government-issued ID and wear appropriate shoes if you want to get aboard.
Rose Festival History
The Rose Festival took place for the first time in 1907 to promote Portland and attract visitors to the area. In addition to a flower parade, there was also an "electric parade" featuring illuminated floats. This part of the festival has evolved into Starlight Parade—a major fireworks display, and carnival rides taking place by Portland waterfront. A Junior Rose Festival, with a focus on children, started in 1921. It now attracts about 10,000 children, making the world's largest children parade. The event is held in the Hollywood District on June 5, 2024.
