These Rose Festival Events Can’t Be Missed!
For over 100 years, the Portland Rose Festival has welcomed people of all generations and from all walks of life to celebrate the best our city has to offer. The Rose Festival is a truly special way to immerse yourself in the unique culture of Portland, while making memories that stand the test of time. Every year, there are exciting events that take place.
Don’t miss this year’s event lineup:
Happening May 22nd from 5-10 pm, visitors can experience live music, vendors, thrilling carnival rides, mouthwatering food and drinks, and breathtaking fireworks! Choreographed to its own soundtrack, watch the skies light up with a magical firework show. Want to watch the fireworks from the comfort of your own home? New this year, you can tune into KUNP or katu.com to watch the show live.
Spanning three full weekends, guests can enjoy live entertainment, food, and carnival rides at beautiful Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park. At Rose Festival CityFair, you'll discover your favorite fair features – rides, traditional fair foods and global cuisine, interactive exhibits, and constant entertainment. For visitors 21+, be sure to stop by Sokol Blosser Winery’s mobile wine bar for a refreshing sip of their frosé!
Buy tickets ahead of time to save money. Kids age six and under are admitted for free at the gate courtesy of NW Natural, and military and veterans are admitted free at the gate thanks to the U.S. Army. On May 30th, be sure to plan for a special Family Fun Day presented by Clear Choice Windows & Doors for $100, get four admission tickets and 80 Funtastic ride tickets.
Discover downtown in full bloom! The Bloom Tour returns May 22nd through June 8th, where you can see one-of-a-kind floral and art installations by local florists and artists in collaboration with downtown retailers. You’ll find distinct storefront displays, interactive floral creations, and immersive art.
From June 3rd to June 7th, Portland welcomes ships and members of the United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Navy. Their arrival commemorates a relationship with the Navy that has lasted more than 100 years, and over 80 years of visiting Portland during the Rose Festival. Starting on June 4th from 10 am to 4 pm, visitors can step aboard Navy ships for tours.
Held in the Oregon Square, come celebrate the crowning of this year’s newest Rose Festival Queen! The Portland Rose Festival Court Program and Queen’s Coronation Ceremony is one of Portland’s most time-honored traditions. The Queen represents Portland and the Rose Festival, with special appearances throughout the year. Each Court Member also receives a $5,000 scholarship from The Randell Group.
Royal Rosarian Milk Carton Boat Race:
Ready, set, race! This is a great way to get involved and make a splash! Happening on Sunday, June 28, at the Casting Pond in Portland’s Westmoreland Park, the Royal Rosarians and Portland Parks & Recreation invite participants of all ages to construct and race boats made entirely from recycled milk cartons. Registration is now open, with teams encouraged to submit a single application for their entire crew. Waxed milk cartons can be picked up at designated locations.
Don’t miss the annual Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race, presented by the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association. The events will take place on June 6 and 7 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Featuring traditional Taiwanese-style boats, each adorned with ornate dragon heads and tails. Teams from around the world participate in 500-meter sprints, with races culminating in a dramatic flag-catching finish.
Come join us for one – or all – of these fun events! It’s the best way to kick off summer. Learn more about how you can join in all the fun here.