Portland Rose Festival brings celebration downtown
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The Grand Floral Parade will return to downtown this year after a three-year absence. Photo: Courtesy of Portland Rose Festival Foundation
Portland Rose Festival kicks off Friday with a fireworks display at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Why it matters: Equal parts parade, city fair and concert series, the annual celebration is renewing its focus on downtown by bringing the Grand Floral Parade back to the west side after three years across the river.
The big picture: The main festival runs for more than two weeks through Sunday, June 8, but some events go later, such as the Rose Garden Awards Ceremony and Milk Carton Boat Race.
Here's what's ahead.
CityFair
Held over three weekends on the waterfront, CityFair features carnival rides (like the ferris wheel and tiger rollercoaster), food truck and craft vendors, and live performances.
- Headliners include local acts Reb & the Good News, Silvertongue and Haley Johnsen. Single-day tickets start at $12.
- The opening night fireworks show starts at 9:45pm Friday.
Parades
The 5k Starlight Run sets the energy for the popular parade that follows on May 31, which illuminates downtown with glowing floats, marching bands and participants decked out in costume.
- Fun fact: About 250,000 people were downtown for the event last year, according to Placer.ai data.
Plus: The Junior Parade procession takes place in the Hollywood District on June 4. All kids are encouraged to participate by dressing up, decorating their bike or simply walking with the crowd.
- After three years on the east side, the Grand Floral Parade makes its triumphant return downtown on June 7, showcasing everything we love about the city — including roses, llamas and tricked-out vintage cars.
- One of 15 young women selected from local high schools will be crowned queen of the Rose Festival Court before the parade.
- The city is still looking for volunteers to man the barricades.
Boat races and tours
More than 60 teams will compete in the Dragon Boat Race on the Willamette, June 7-8.
- The Milk Carton Boat Race on June 22 is like Mount Tabor's Soapbox Derby, but on water.
- You can also tour visiting Navy ships for free during Fleet Week, June 4-8.
Flowers
The Spring Rose Show is June 5-6 at Lloyd Center. There will be 4,000 top blooms in one place.
- Entries to the Rose Garden contest are due May 23. You have to live within 20 miles of downtown, and the judges will come to you.
Visit the festival site for more events, history and opportunities to volunteer.