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Grand Floral Parade

Grand Floral Parade

Date: June 08, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

DETAILS

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Tickets for reserved seating inside Veterans Memorial Coliseum are on sale now!
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Have ticket questions? Contact us at info@rosefestival.org.

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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 116 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!


Join the 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.

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.

Special Entry applications for the 2024 Grand Floral Parade are officially closed. Be on the lookout for our application for the 2025 Grand Floral Parade that will be available in early 2025.

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!

Equestrian Division:

Horses and their riders have been a part of the Grand Floral Parade since the very beginning! Our Equestrian Division strikes to include entries that reflect the finest in horsemanship, and the most exceptional, well-groomed, highly decorated and floral equestrian units possible.

Equestrian Division applications for the 2024 Grand Floral Parade are officially closed. We will be sending out Save The Dates in Winter 2024 for the 2025 Grand Floral Parade.

Thunderbird Dance Team:

The Portland Rose Festival is teaming up with Thunderbird Dance Camp to provide an opportunity for dancers to participate in the 2024 Grand Floral Parade on Saturday, June 8th. Coaches can apply online beginning now through May 10th!


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. Tickets will be available to purchase in early 2024. More details coming soon!

On Parade Day:
Doors Open: 7:30 a.m.
Access to on-site parking garages closes: 8:00 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.


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 at Oregon Convention Center

Designated outdoor ADA seating is available at the Oregon Convention Center for guests with special needs. Passes are required due to space limitations. Walk-ups can not be accommodated. Please contact us in spring 2024 to request passes for the 2024 parade.

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.


Parade Route Map

Grand Floral Parade Route map



Alaska Airlines
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PREMIER SPONSORS
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