News & Updates

Junior Parade will come to life this Saturday

May 28, 2026

The Fred Meyer Junior Parade returns to Portland’s Hollywood District this Saturday, May 30, bringing thousands of families, kids, and community members together for one of the Rose Festival’s most beloved traditions. Known as the “parade by kids, for kids,” the Junior Parade celebrates creativity, imagination, and community spirit through decorated bikes, wagons, costumes, youth performers, and kid-powered floats.

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Chará named Grand Marshal of Rose Festival Parade

May 9, 2026

Portland Timbers captain Diego Chará has been named the Grand Marshal of the inaugural CareOregon Grand Floral Starlight Parade on Saturday, June 6, the Portland Rose Festival announced. The parade will take place from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. with Chará leading the festivities through downtown Portland.

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Angel Ocasio Named Grand Marshal of Junior Parade

April 30, 2026

After 20 years of bringing joy, laughter, and Rose Festival spirit to Portland as the Rose Festival’s beloved Clown Prince, Angel Ocasio has been named Grand Marshal of the 2026 Fred Meyer Junior Parade. Angel has become one of the most recognizable and cherished faces of the Rose Festival, creating unforgettable memories for generations of families through parades, community events, school visits, and appearances across the region. His energy, heart, and commitment to the community have made him a true ambassador for the Rose Festival and the city of Portland.

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Rose Festival Announces CityFair Lineup!

April 15, 2026

Get ready for an exciting lineup of live music at CityFair! We’re bringing a mix of local talent and crowd favorites to the stage each weekend, with headlining performances kicking off at 7:00 p.m. Don’t miss Olive Klug on Sunday, May 24, Johnny Franco & His Real Brother Dom on Friday, May 29, and Chibia on Saturday, June 6. Plus, join us on Opening Night for a special performance by Haley Johnsen at 8:00 p.m. It’s the perfect way to enjoy summer nights on the waterfront — great music, great energy, and the Rose Festival all around.

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2026 Official Rose Announced

February 12, 2026

Portland Nursery and the Portland Rose Festival are proud to introduce the official rose of the 2026 Portland Rose Festival, As You Wish. Chosen for its beauty, resilience, and romantic charm, As You Wish features fragrant clusters of double blooms in warm coral and soft buttercup tones, thriving on a disease-resistant hybrid tea rose.

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Portland Rose Festival Announces 2026 Event Update

January 28, 2026

The Portland Rose Festival Foundation today announced a series of exciting updates for the 2026 Rose Festival, reflecting a thoughtful evolution of the Rose Festival’s signature events and a continued commitment to accessibility, community celebration, and downtown vitality.

Among the key announcements: the combining of the Grand Floral Parade and CareOregon Starlight Parade into a single signature event, the Fred Meyer Junior Parade moving to a Saturday, the addition of a new Rose Festival Street Mile & Family Fun Run, a new date for the Starlight Run, the addition of a second fireworks show, and a new official television partnership with KATU.

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