Portland, OR. The Portland Rose Festival has inspired the public to gather and celebrate against a backdrop of historic external forces for 118 years, demonstrating how the community can carry on traditions and celebrate unity.
The Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade is the crown jewel of the annual Rose Festival, anticipated annually by both locals and festival guests. Al Reser Sweepstakes Award (Most outstanding float in the Parade)
Reser’s Fine Foods
2025 Portland Rose Festival Events
Enjoy Portland’s largest annual festival with these upcoming events.
Editor’s Pick
May 1–31, 2025
Director Park
Free
The Bloom Tour is part walking tour and part floral show focusing on supporting some of Portland’s unique shops, restaurants and hotels. Participating retailers are also hosting a wide range of Bloom Tour Specials, so follow the tour map and explore them all.
Art & Design
Portland Rose Festival
Shopping
Editor’s Pick
May 23–June 8, 2025
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
TBA
Considered the “hub” of the annual Portland Rose Festival, At Rose Festival CityFair, you’ll find your favorite fair features — carnival rides, fair foods, interactive exhibits, and constant entertainment — all nestled between the urban energy of the city and the natural beauty of the Willamette River.
Festival
Outdoors
Portland Rose Festival
Editor’s Pick
Friday, May 23, 2025
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Nothing says celebration quite like fireworks — and the Portland Rose Festival will blast off with an impressive fireworks display choreographed to music. Opening day of the Rose Festival is Friday, May 23, at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, starting at 5:00 p.m. You are invited to enjoy the carnival rides, food, and activities, with opening…
Festival
Portland Rose Festival
Editor’s Pick
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
$25
Portland’s most popular fun run, the Starlight Run, is the wacky warm-up act for the CareOregon Starlight Parade is starting and finishing on Naito Parkway at Rose Festival CityFair. The 47th Annual Starlight Run will start at 6:30 p.m. The traditional costume contest will be held at 5:30 p.m. The route will follow the path…
Outdoors
Portland Rose Festival
Sports
Editor’s Pick
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
The CareOregon Starlight Parade is one of the Rose Festival’s most popular events, offering electrified, funky fun for everyone. From traditional marching bands and flood-lit floats to glow-in-the-dark umbrellas and unique hand-built entries, you’ll see representation from Portland’s diverse community groups (and the surrounding Pacific Northwest region), creating a vibe like no other on Portland’s…
Festival
Portland Rose Festival
Editor’s Pick
June 4–8, 2025
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Free
Since 1907, visiting ships have made their way to Portland’s waterfront. The City of Roses is known to be a favorite port of call for military (and non-military) visitors, as Portland’s citizens thank them and make them feel welcome. The Portland Rose Festival is extremely fortunate to be one of a few U.S. Ports of…
Festival
Portland Rose Festival
Editor’s Pick
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Hollywood Theatre
Fun reigns at the Fred Meyer Junior Parade from the moment the lovable Fred Bear cuts the ribbon to the last float that goes down the street. Children from all parts of Portland participate by dressing in costume, transforming wagons into floats, decorating bikes with colorful flowers, or just by parading with friends and family. Elementary and Middle School marching bands fill…
Festival
For Kids
Portland Rose Festival
Editor’s Pick
June 5–6, 2025
Lloyd Center
Free
The Portland Rose Society Annual Spring Rose Show is the nation’s largest and longest-running rose show. This yearly show’s exquisite beauty and fragrances emanate from more than 4,000 blooms. Entry is open to anyone, and all entrants are encouraged. Rose growers from across the Pacific Northwest participate, and some 6,000 spectators from across the country…
Festival
Portland Rose Festival
Editor’s Pick
Friday, June 6, 2025
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Who will become the next Queen of Rosaria? One of Portland’s most time-honored traditions continues as the Rose Festival Court is presented, and the new reigning Queen is named during this special investiture ceremony. The Queen represents Portland and the Rose Festival for one year at appearances throughout the country and abroad. When choosing a…
Festival
Portland Rose Festival
Editor’s Pick
June 7–8, 2025
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Free
The Rose Festival is proud to host the Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races, an event that has been bringing an exciting Chinese tradition to Portland for more than two decades, beginning in 1989. Held on the Willamette River near the Hawthorne Bridge, the races feature exciting four-team heats held every nine minutes. More than…
Outdoors
Portland Rose Festival
Sports
Editor’s Pick
June 7–8, 2025
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Free
Take a closer look at this year’s Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade floats at the Grand Floral Float Showcase presented by OMSI on Southwest Naito Parkway, adjacent to CityFair. These unique floats are meticulously decorated with natural materials like seeds and coconut flakes in addition to live flowers.
Art & Design
Portland Rose Festival
Editor’s Pick
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Pioneer Place
A cherished highlight of the Portland Rose Festival, this popular procession is more than just a spectacular floral-filled parade — it’s a beloved annual tradition. For more than 115 years, Portland families, visitors and community groups have been making memories at the Grand Floral Parade. A colorful reflection of local, regional and international communities, the…
Art & Design
Festival
Portland Rose Festival
Editor’s Pick
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Westmoreland Park Casting Pond
A classic Rose Festival event and family-friendly community tradition dating back to 1973, the Milk Carton Boat Race is a spectacle you won’t want to miss. Children and adults race and show off their handmade, human-powered boats that float only employing recycled milk cartons and jugs. Creatively constructed watercraft will compete in nine categories, with…
