The Portland Rose Festival is ready to kick off again this year on May 26, promising a season of celebration for all. Looking ahead, this year's festival is all about enjoying the moment, slowing down, and making time to focus on fun.

Floral-filled fun and floats

The Rose City will be graced with floral delight as all three parades take place around the city, each showcasing a different aspect of Portland.

The first parade, the CareOregon Starlight Parade, will light up Downtown Portland with an array of creative illuminated floats, marching bands, and precision drill teams on Saturday, June 3. Attendees will be enchanted as the parade winds its way through the streets, creating a magical and unforgettable experience.

In the Hollywood District, the Fred Meyer Junior Parade will provide an opportunity for Portland youth to shine on Wednesday, June 7. Participants will march, dance, and play musical instruments, while the community comes together to support the next generation of leaders and performers.

The 'crown jewel' of the Rose Festival, the Grand Floral Parade, will take place on Saturday, June 10, spanning from Veterans Memorial Coliseum to the Lloyd Center. This spectacle will feature spectacular all-floral floats, marching bands, equestrian units, special entries, and community groups. Attendees will be awed by the vibrant colors and beautiful displays, creating a magnificent experience for all.

Representing Portland and the Rose Festival in all three parades and across the state, the exceptional young women of the 2023 Rose Festival Court presented by Unitus Community Credit Union will make Rose Festival history. With dreams of nurturing their native homelands, inspiring other young women, and pursuing careers as actors, lawyers, and nurses, these court members bring a wealth of unique personalities and accomplishments to a beloved Portland tradition.

In a historic first, the annual American Rosie the Riveter Association Convention will be held in Portland during the Rose Festival season. The World War II Rosies, who played a vital role in supporting the war effort, will be featured in the Grand Floral Parade alongside modern-day “Rosies,” members of IBEW Local 48. This special addition to the Rose Festival promises to be a nostalgic tribute to the courageous women who left an indelible mark in history.

Brews, boats, and fireworks on the Waterfont

Each weekend of CityFair promises something new and exhilarating, launching forward with Opening Night Fireworks presented by Xfinity on Friday, May 26. With three consecutive weekends - May 26-29, June 2-4, and June 9-11 - there's never a dull moment at CityFair. For those looking to make the most of the action, be sure to grab a CityFair Season Pass for just $20, which will provide daily admission for all ten days of CityFair (only available online at RoseFestival.org through May 29).

Adding to the excitement, the Rose Festival and the Oregon Brewers Festival are joining forces for a tap takeover curated by OBF founder Art Larrance at CityFair from June 2 to June 4. This collaboration between two legendary Portland institutions promises to be a highlight of the festival, with craft beer lovers and festival-goers alike enjoying the festivities. Access to the Oregon Brewers Festival activities is included with CityFair admission. Attendees will be able to buy the 2023 Rose Festival edition Oregon Brewers Festival Mug and purchase a 12-ounce pour from a selection of OBF-curated beers on tap.

CityFair will once again offer a smorgasbord of fair food favorites like corndogs and other fried delicacies, alongside food carts showcasing Portland’s iconic cuisine. Live entertainment and family-friendly activities will also be available at the Kids Zone. Moreover, over 70 local artists will perform on three stages throughout the three weekends, and fifteen local artisans and makers will showcase their creations in the Makers Market.

Two exciting activities happening in the Willamette River adjacent to CityFair are part of the Rose Festival action: Rose Festival Fleet Week, and the Dragon Boat Race. From June 7-11, witness the grandeur of magnificent ships from the U. S. Navy, U. S. Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Navy as they dock at the waterfront seawall for one of the festival's most anticipated events. On June 10 and 11, experience the excitement and energy of the Dragon Boat Race, a cherished Chinese tradition brought to the heart of Portland. This event has been a festival highlight for over two decades, drawing local, national, and international teams to compete.

The Rose Festival contributes to the vibrancy of Downtown Portland and is part of the city's continuing comeback story. Events are essential for community spirit and healing, making it more important than ever to come together and celebrate what we cherish most about this amazing city. "Focus on Fun" serves as a reminder to create cherished memories with loved ones.

We are excited to continue hosting events in the City of Roses and contribute to making Portland a great place to live, work, and visit. Mark your calendars and prepare for a blooming good time at the Portland Rose Festival.

For more information, visit the official Rose Festival website at www.rosefestival.org.