Texas Rose Festival 2024
Visit competitions and parades in the rose capital of America
Dates: October 17–20, 2024
The rose industry is a hallmark of Tyler, Texas. The renowned Tyler Rose Garden and the Tyler Rose Museum highlight the history of the local flower-growing business and the celebrated Texas Rose Festival. This three-day annual event, held on the third weekend of October, honors the roses and draws thousands of visitors to Tyler.
Schedule
The Texas Rose Festival schedule is as follows: Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm, and Sunday from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The museum is closed on Sunday and Monday from November to mid-March. During the Texas Rose Festival, the museum will remain open until 5 pm.
Events
Many festival events are centered around The Rose Queen, who the President of the Texas Rose Festival Association selects. The Queen's Court includes the Duchess of the Rose Growers, Ladies in waiting, train bearers, scepter bearers, and attendants to the queen. Rich in heritage and tradition, the Festival offers enchanting ceremonial events – the Queen's Coronation, Ribbon Cutting and Rose Presentation, the Queen's Tea, and the Rose Parade – all amidst a backdrop of brilliant roses as vibrant and colorful as the community they represent. Other events of the festival include concerts in the park, a rose gardening show, the festival of arts and crafts at Tyler's Rose Garden, a car show, and doll, bear, and toy shows.
The Rose Festival Parade
The major highlight of the celebration is The Rose Festival Parade with many lavishly decorated floats, school bands, and community groups. The parade usually takes place on a Saturday morning. Its route goes along Fifth St., then down Erwin to the Rose Stadium. Visitors can line the streets to watch the parade or get tickets for the seating area at the stadium.
Tickets
Tickets for the Texas Rose Festival are $3.50 for adults and $2.00 for children aged 2-11.
History of Texas Rose Festival
Local rose growers organized the Tyler Rose Festival for the first time in 1933.