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.
This year’s parade is part of a full day of Rose Festival and community events spanning multiple Portland neighborhoods.
The morning begins with the inauguralRose Festival Street Mile & Family Fun Run, which takes place on the same route as the Junior Parade. The event features competitive qualifying mile heats for elite runners alongside a family-friendly fun run experience, allowing participants to literally run the parade route before the parade begins. Registration open until 10 am on May 30 online only.
Just steps away from the parade route, the Hollywood Farmers Market will also be underway, including its annual Strawberry Day celebration featuring local strawberries, seasonal food, family activities, and neighborhood festivities that help bring even more energy to the Hollywood District throughout the morning.
Following activities in NE Portland, attendees are encouraged to ride TriMet downtown to continue the day’s festivities, including the Burnside Bridge Centennial celebration honoring one of Portland’s most iconic landmarks.
The day concludes at Waterfront Park with Rose Festival’s CityFair and the new America 250 Fireworks presented by IBEW Local 48. The fireworks spectacular will light up the downtown skyline with a choreographed patriotic soundtrack as part of the country’s 250th anniversary recognition.
“May 30 is really shaping up to be a celebration of Portland itself,” said Jeremy Emerson, Portland Rose Festival Foundation Board President. “Families can spend the morning in the Hollywood District, experience downtown events in the afternoon, and end the evening on the waterfront with fireworks. It’s an opportunity to experience multiple neighborhoods, community traditions, and Rose Festival events all in one day.”
The Fred Meyer Junior Parade begins at noon on Saturday, May 30 in NE Portland’s Hollywood District.