Rose Festival Programs

Marching band music is an integral part of every parade! The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is always seeking to connect with marching bands of all types, locally and globally.

Guest Marching Bands:

The Portland Rose Festival welcomes appearances from out-of-town marching bands at many of our events, including our signature parades! If your band is planning a tour, we encourage you to consider the Portland Rose Festival as an exciting performance destination.

2025-2027 Guest Bands Application

Portland Rose Festival Band Policy

A tour during the Portland Rose Festival can include:

• Multiple performance opportunities during each festival weekend.
• Assistance from a local volunteer band host to help you plan your trip.
• Fun festival opportunities to add an element of play to your tour.
• Easy access to attractions such as the Oregon Coast, Multnomah Falls and Mt. Hood.

The Portland Rose Festival does not charge a fee to participate in our events, but we do have an application process. Guest Band applications are accepted for up to 3 years prior to the desired festival year. We encourage you to apply early so we can help you plan your trip in advance.

Local Marching Bands:

Applications for the 2025 Portland Rose Festival for local high school bands are now closed!

Elementary and Middle School Band Opportunities

Applications for the 2025 Junior Parade are now open for local elementary and middle school bands. Bands participate in the Junior Parade on a 3-year rotation schedule.

Thank you for your continued support in the Portland Rose Festival! We look forward to working with you and your students to bring music and celebration to the streets of Portland!

The Rose Festival Clowns

In 2011 the Rose Festival debuted its new mascot, the Clown Prince. An instant icon, the Clown Prince represents the spirit of the Rose Festival and its focus on fantasy, royalty and the love of laughter.

According to The Legend of the Clown Prince, he started out as just an ordinary boy named Angel who worked as hard as he could to grow up to be a great clown and represent a great festival. In 1914, Rose Festival Queen Thelma sent Angel on a quest to travel the world and see the best festivals, the best rose gardens and the best clowns.

Look for the Clown Prince, waving from his throne, in all three Rose Festival parades, the CareOregon Starlight Parade, the Fred Meyer Junior Parade, and the Grand Floral Parade.

The Rose Festival Clowns have brought color, humor and playfulness to thousands of people along parade routes and at Rose Festival events.
These ordinary-folks-turned-extraordinary-entertainers reflect both the historic traditions of clowning and the contemporary culture of the region.

Applications for 2025 Rose Festival Clowns has closed. If you would like information on being a Clown in the future, please email Angel Ocasio Artistic Director

The Rose Festival Treasure hunt features a custom medallion hidden on public property within the following five counties: Multnomah, Clackamas, Clark, Washington or Yamhill. Daily clues are offered to help hunters narrow down the location of the Treasure. These clues make reference to local history, as well as geography. Often they are so obscure that they generate lots of 'water cooler talk' among casual observers and hunters alike, as they try to decipher the meaning of clues!

Click here to join our recommended and endorsed Facebook Hunting Community.


Clues for the 2025 Treasure Hunt will begin in May 2025!

Convertible car enthusiasts, please accept our invitation to participate in the CareOregon Starlight Parade on May 31st, the Fred Meyer Junior Parade on June 4th, and the Grand Floral Parade on June 7th. Participating car owners will carry selected VIP guests and dignitaries in this year's Rose Festival parades while showcasing their beautiful vehicles to hundreds of thousands along the routes and at home!

Join us to be a part of the 100+ year tradition of Portland Rose Festival Parades that have delighted audiences young and old along the parade routes in downtown, the Hollywood district, and on the Eastside, as well as on television and inside the Veteran's Memorial Coliseum for the Grand Floral Parade. Drivers will receive a certificate of appreciation and an exclusive Portland Rose Festival team pin!

Please note all Portland Rose Festival parades continue regardless of rain or shine. For any questions, please reach out to our team member Lynn Weigand.