The Portland Rose Festival stands as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most cherished traditions, captivating visitors since its inception in 1907. What began as a small community celebration has blossomed into a weeks-long extravaganza, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Originally conceived to position Portland as a summer tourist destination and showcase the city’s abundant rose gardens, the festival earned Portland its enduring nickname as the “City of Roses.”
The Portland Rose Festival holds a distinguished position as a premier cultural celebration and in Oregon. What sets this festival apart from other regional celebrations is its unique blend of historical traditions and modern entertainment. The festival’s commitment to community involvement, military appreciation through Fleet Week, and its status as one of the few remaining authentic rose festivals in America make it truly special. The festival has garnered international recognition, earning multiple awards from the International Festivals & Events Association.
The 2025 edition promises to be particularly memorable, highlighted by the introduction of the festival’s official rose, “Time to Shine.” This stunning grandiflora variety features yellow-gold petals with vibrant magenta highlights, a strong fruity fragrance, and excellent disease resistance. “Time to Shine” reflects the spirit of the festival’s enduring beauty and can be purchased exclusively at Portland Nursery, with proceeds supporting the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. This year’s festival also introduces enhanced interactive elements at CityFair, including an expanded local artisan marketplace and innovative technology displays. Traditional events have been reimagined with modern touches while maintaining their historic charm.
Festival attendees can immerse themselves in a variety of sophisticated events catering to discerning tastes. The Grand Floral Parade, the festival’s crown jewel, features meticulously crafted floats adorned with thousands of roses. The Royal Rosarian Honorary Knighting Ceremony offers a glimpse into Portland’s unique traditions, while the Spring Rose Show showcases the region’s finest blooms. For maritime enthusiasts, Fleet Week provides tours of naval vessels and interactions with military personnel. CityFair transforms the downtown waterfront into a vibrant festival space, featuring classic fair attractions, artisan vendors, food and beverage gardens, and live entertainment.
Exclusive VIP experiences include reserved seating at the Grand Floral Parade and upgraded viewing options for the Starlight Parade and Dragon Boat Races. Select upgraded ticket packages provide amenities like reserved seating and catered refreshments.
For those planning to attend, tickets vary by event. The festival runs from late May through early June, with CityFair operating over three weekends: May 23-26, May 30-June 1, and June 6-8. Many community events, including the Spring Rose Show and certain Fleet Week activities, are free to the public.
