Festival’s Traditionally Coordinated Fireworks Show Highlights First Day
With the snip of a ribbon, the 2023 Portland Rose Festival opens Friday, May 26, at 5:00 p.m. at CityFair in Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Led by Queen Senya Scott, and the Rose Festival Court presented by Unitus Community Credit Union, and escorted by the Royal Rosarians and Rose Festival clowns, the small procession will parade from Festival headquarters to the Yamhill Street entrance. City Commissioner Dan Ryan will join with Queen Senya to cut the ribbon and welcome the public to the 2023 season that will Focus on Fun.
CityFair will be open for the four days of Memorial Day weekend with Funtastic rides, special musical treats, and family-fun programming, starting with Opening Night Fireworks presented by Xfinity. Festival fans will be treated to an expanded CityFair in 2023, with more food vendors and new entertainment on three active stages from Salmon Street to the Morrison Bridge, brought to you by the U.S. Army. Memorial Day weekend highlights include:
Friday, May 26, 5:00 p.m. - Ribbon Cutting opening with carnival rides at Funtastic Traveling Shows and pre-fireworks concert by Nu Wavers at 8:45 p.m., fireworks set to music begins at 9:55 p.m.
Saturday, May 27 - Capital One Café Day, Quantum Fiber Arcade, Kids Zone and the Jim Neil Memorial Museum.
Sunday, May 28 - Start your day with the Rose Festival Treasure Hunt. The first clue of the 14-day hunt comes out at 10:00 a.m. at RoseFestival.org. Then join the Ukulele Jam, for a free-with-admission audience participation sing-along concert starting at 2:00 p.m.
Monday, May 29 - Memorial Day weekend at CityFair wraps up with Kids, Clowns and Characters in the newly reset RoZone section, with Food Trucks and Dicks Auto Group Community Stage.
CityFair always features Xfinity Mobile Lounge, Crown Royal Chateau, Ketel One Bloody Mary Bar, Artslandia Stage, Rose City Stage and Dick’s Auto Group Community Stage, with Portland's best entertainment daily!