Since 1907, the Portland Rose Festival has turned late spring into the city’s family season. The Grand Floral Parade rolls floats covered entirely in flowers past cheering curbs, the nighttime Starlight Parade glows with illuminated costumes and marching bands, and dragon boat crews splash the Willamette in races kids can watch from the seawall.
CityFair takes over Waterfront Park with carnival rides, fair food and concerts, while Fleet Week brings visiting Navy ships families can tour. The Junior Parade — believed to be America’s oldest children’s parade — lets Portland’s own kids be the stars, in costume, with decorated bikes and wagons.
Pick your parade spot early, bring folding chairs and snacks, and let the roses do the rest. It’s the happiest homework assignment of the year: go outside and celebrate your city.
