Portland Rose Festival Announces Grand Floral Parade’s Return to Downtown in 2025

Portland, OR — February 25, 2025 —The Portland Rose Festival announced today that the Grand Floral Parade will return to an all-downtown route in 2025, bringing the beloved tradition back to the heart of the city after several years on the eastside. Since 2022, the parade has traveled from Veterans Memorial Coliseum through the Lloyd District, but next year, it will once again weave through downtown, offering a walkable, transit-friendly experience for spectators while contributing to the city’s revitalization efforts.

“The Grand Floral Parade has always been a celebration of Portland’s spirit, and the move this year allows us to showcase that energy right in the heart of downtown,” said Jeremy Emerson, Portland Rose Festival Foundation President. “We’re excited to embrace this change, providing an incredible experience for paradegoers while also supporting the continued revitalization of our city. Whether you’ve been attending for decades or you’re experiencing the parade for the first time, 2025 is going to be a year to remember.”

The new downtown route will begin on Naito Parkway and finish at 14th and Taylor, following a path similar to the CareOregon Starlight Parade, another beloved Rose Festival tradition. Organizers emphasize that all of the elements that make the Grand Floral Parade iconic will remain, including floral floats, award-winning marching bands, equestrian units, and community organizations that have long made this event a favorite for generations of Portlanders.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson welcomed the return, stating, “The Rose Festival is one of Portland’s most cherished traditions, and having the Grand Floral Parade return downtown is another great step in our city’s renewal. Events like this bring people together, boost local businesses, and remind us all why we love Portland. I can’t wait to see our streets come alive with the excitement of the parade.”

While the parade will move, the Rose Festival remains deeply committed to the eastside, where it will continue hosting signature events, including:

• The Spring Rose Show
• The Royal Rosarian Knighting Ceremony
• The Queen’s Coronation

In addition, the Portland Rose Festival remains committed to supporting community celebrations across the city, including Good in the Hood, St Johns Parade and the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade.

The City of Portland is supporting the parade’s return downtown with a grant that underscores the city’s commitment to strengthening its urban core. Additionally, key partners such as Travel Portland, Prosper Portland, and Alaska Airlines are working alongside the Rose Festival to ensure a seamless transition and an enhanced experience for attendees.

“We invite the entire community to join us in 2025 as we celebrate the return of the Grand Floral Parade to downtown,” added Emerson. “This is an exciting opportunity to honor our traditions while embracing the energy and future of our city.”

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About the Rose Festival Foundation: The Rose Festival Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the Portland community and beyond by celebrating the region’s rich traditions, diverse culture, and inclusive spirit. Since 1907, the Rose Festival has created memorable experiences that bring people together and showcase the best of what Portland has to offer.

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