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Grand Floral Parade

Date: June 10, 2023

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

DETAILS

Location(s):

Portland, OR

Tune in to FOX 12 Oregon at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023 to watch the parade LIVE!
If you miss it live, catch the repeat broadcast on FOX 12 Sunday, June 11 at 8:00 p.m.

Parade Route Map

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Tickets for reserved seating inside Veterans Memorial Coliseum are on sale now!
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A cherished highlight of the Portland Rose Festival, this popular procession is more than just a spectacular floral-filled parade — it’s a beloved annual tradition. For more than 115 years, Portland families, visitors and community groups have been making memories at the Grand Floral Parade. A colorful reflection of local, regional and international communities, the parade draws hundreds of thousands of cheering viewers of every age, along a route makes it two-mile march along Portland's east side city streets.

Each year the parade features the traditional large all-floral floats we all love, as well as the popular mini-floats that help make the Grand Floral Parade so unique! With bands, equestrian units, marching groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, dancers, llamas, flags and so much more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Grand Marshals: WWII Rosie the Riveters

The Portland Rose Festival is set to make history this year by welcoming a special addition to its lineup: the legendary World War II Rosie the Riveters. These iconic women will not only grace the parade but also hold the esteemed position of Grand Marshals.

For the first time ever, the annual American Rosie the Riveter Association Convention will coincide with the festival, bringing together World War II Rosies from across the nation, along with their descendants and family members, to honor their vital role in the war effort.

The visiting Rosies will be showcased on their own float sponsored by The Boeing Company during the Grand Floral Parade on Saturday, June 10, accompanied by a group of modern-day tradeswomen from IBEW Local 48 dressed as Rosie the Riveter.

Ways to Watch

From Reserved Indoor Seats

Parade guests inside Veterans Memorial Coliseum have a true window on the world, as the curtains are open so natural light and views of the river and the west hills enhance the parade experience. These secure, weatherproof seats eliminate the hassle of staking a claim on the street, and include creature comforts with cushioned seating, restroom facilities, and announcers. BUY TICKETS
Doors Open: 7:30 a.m.
Pre-Parade Entertainment Starts: 8:30 a.m.

PRO TIP for buying Grand Floral Parade tickets: make note of the direction of the parade as it passes through Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Click the "Best Seats" tab for suggestions. Seats on the North end (Sections 113/116, 18-23, 74-82) will have a view of the parade coming toward you. Seats on the East and West sides (Sections 1-3, 12-17, 24-26, 51-53, 67-73, 83-86) will offer a side view - similar to viewing from the street. Seats on the South end (Sections 4-11, 54-66) are watching the back of the parade as it moves away from you.

VETERANS MEMORIAL COLISEUM PARKING: Onsite parking is available for a fee - please note that access to onsite parking garages will close at 8:00 a.m. Please plan for arrival before 8:00 a.m. to avoid road closures. MAX light rail will run continuously even after streets close - disembark at the Rose Quarter stop to get to Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Grand Floral Parade tickets are offered through the Arts for All program, and are available in-person at the Rose Quarter Box Office. Their hours are Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

From the Street

The Grand Floral Parade route is pictured below. The route starts by running through the Memorial Coliseum and enters the street on Broadway. It travels along Weidler to MLK Jr. Blvd, where it turns right and travels down MLK Jr. Blvd to Lloyd Blvd. The parade turns left on Lloyd Blvd, and ends at 16th and Multnomah, near the Lloyd Center.

PRO TIP: Lloyd Blvd. is the newest portion of the route, so families can start a new tradition by staking a claim on the street anywhere on Lloyd from MLK, JR. Blvd. to Multnomah! Biking or walking? Take the new Blumenauer Bridge!

Would you like to see the floats up-close after the parade? Visit them along SW Naito Parkway downtown following the parade on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, adjacent to Rose Festival CityFair (no fee for float viewing).

ADA Seating presented by The Standard at Oregon Convention Center

Designated outdoor ADA seating is available at the Oregon Convention Center for guests with disabilities, courtesy of The Standard. Passes are required due to space limitations. Walk-ups can not be accommodated. A maximum of two (2) passes per request will be granted while supplies last. To request passes, e-mail Kelcie: kelcieg@rosefestival.org or call 503.227.2681.

From Your Couch

Can't make it to the live action? We've got you covered thanks to the generous help from our friends at Fox 12 Oregon, who help us produce our live telecast of this event. Tune in!
9:30 a.m. Rose Festival Special: Grand Floral Parade Preview
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Grand Floral Parade

If you miss the live telecast, it will be repeated on Fox 12:
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sunday, June 11

With a Group

Inviting a large group for the grandest of parades? Your group of 10 or more can SAVE! Request a group discount order form HERE or contact Carol Ross at 503.227.2681 x325 for group ticket information. Corporate Hospitality Chalets are available in Chalet Row in front of the Oregon Convention Center. If you’d like to have a VIP parade experience, contact Carol Ross at 503.227.2681 x325 for pricing and information.

Join the Parade!

Special Entries:

The Grand Floral Parade is one of the top special events in the world and the cornerstone event of the annual Portland Rose Festival. While floral-covered floats, marching bands and equestrian entries are the anchors of the parade, special entries are sprinkled throughout the lineup to add colorful entertainment, showcase unique talents, and highlight the energy of our communities. Applications are due in mid-March each year. For more information or questions about becoming a special entry, please email us.
Please note: All special entries are by invitation only. Applications do not guarantee an invitation.

Marching Bands:

Marching band music is an integral part of every parade! The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is always seeking to connect with marching bands of all types, locally and globally. Visit our Bands Page to learn how your band can get involved with Portland Rose Festival events!

Thunderbird Dance Team:

The Portland Rose Festival is teaming up with Thunderbird Dance Camp to provide an opportunity for dancers to participate in the 2023 Grand Floral Parade on Saturday, June 10th. Coaches can apply online beginning April 15!

Equestrian Units:

Horses and their riders have been a part of the Grand Floral Parade since the very beginning! Equestrian application materials will be available in January and are due to the Rose Festival office by mid-March of each year. Please check back here in January 2023 for more information about equestrian participation in the 2024 Grand Floral Parade!

Floats

To learn more about sponsoring a floral-covered float in the Grand Floral Parade, please email us to be connected with our parade team. Did you know the Rose Festival is a float builder? We build parade floats for Rose Festival parades AND for other events in the West. Learn more on our Parade Float Building page.