PORTLAND, Ore. — One of the biggest events of the year in Portland is underway: the Portland Rose Festival. It's packed with three parades and a fair spanning three weekends, along with chances for friendly competition.
The Rose Festival has been held for over a century. It was designated as the official festival of the city of Portland in 2010.
Here's a look at some of the main festival events and when they are scheduled.
CityFair
When: May 24-June 9, hours vary (contingent on weather)
Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park
A myriad of fair festivities are coming to Portland's waterfront! From carnival rides and foods, to interactive exhibits and live music, there will be plenty of things to do and see. The fun officially starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 24, with a fireworks show beginning around 9:50 p.m. between the Morrison and Hawthorne bridges. The CityFair takes place over three full weekends. The Talbott Brothers, Haley Johnsen and Lo Steele are among the local artists performing in the CityFair Concert Series. Tickets are required. Kids ages six and under can attend for free.
Oregon Brewers Festival
When: May 24-June 9 (contingent on weather)
Where: At CityFair, located at Tom McCall Waterfront Park
The Rose Festival is collaborating with the Oregon Brewers Festival to highlight 34 hand-selected craft beers and ciders from across the region. CityFair tickets will include access to the Oregon Brewers Festival, and purchasing a mug will come with a 12-ounce pour of one of the beverages in the selection.
Fleet Week
When: June 5-9
Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park
The Rose Festival is one of a few U.S. ports of call, drawing ships from the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy. Tickets are not required for ship tours, but it's important to note that they are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visitors are required to bring an ID and must wear closed-toe shoes.
Dragon Boat Race
When: June 8-9, 8 a.m-5 p.m.
Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Dragon boat teams have competed on the Willamette River near the Hawthorne Bridge for more than 20 years. Dozens of different teams from all over the world take part, with races featuring four-team heats held every nine minutes. The races are free to watch.
Milk Carton Boat Race
When: June 23, 11 a.m.
Where: The Casting Pond in Westmoreland Park
In a fun-spirited competition, kids and adults showcase their boats built exclusively from recycled milk cartons and jugs. The event is free to attend, but spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food to donate to the Portland Police Bureau's Sunshine Division.
Parades
Starlight Parade
When: June 1, 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Portland (click here for the parade route map)
Ready to get electrified? Illuminated, unique floats and cars will make their way through downtown Portland, ending at Lincoln High School as parade goers help light up the night. Sports Bra founder and CEO, Jenny Nguyen, will be this year's Starlight Parade Grand Marshal. The parade follows the Starlight Run, where many runners dress up in wacky and funky outfits.
Junior Parade
When: June 5, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Hollywood District (click here for the parade route map)
Known as the oldest and largest children's parade in the county, the Junior Parade is an event for kids, by kids! Children from all over the city dress up in costumes, transform wagons and bicycles into colorful floats, and show off their skills with their dance teams and marching bands.
Grand Floral Parade
When: June 8, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Lloyd District (click here for the parade route map)
The Grand Floral Parade has been a staple of the festival for nearly 120 years! All-floral floats are the centerpiece of the parade, with marching bands, drill teams, dancers, vintage cars, equestrian units — and even llamas.
