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 in honor of America 50; and a new official television partnership with KATU.
“These updates represent both innovation and stewardship,” said Jeremy Emerson, President of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation Board of Directors. “By listening carefully to public feedback and working closely with our partners, we’re strengthening the Rose Festival experience and ensuring it remains accessible, joyful, and sustainable for future generations.”
A Reimagined Parade Experience
New this year and in honor of America 250, the Rose Festival will present a single, unified parade experience on the evening of June 6 that brings together the beloved elements of both the Grand Floral and CareOregon Starlight Parades. The new format is designed to create one extraordinary celebration that showcases Portland’s creativity, cultural diversity, and community pride, while also allowing for more efficient production and enhanced storytelling. CareOregon will serve as the title sponsor of the new parade.
“CareOregon is proud to support the Rose Festival as it honors tradition while reimagining what’s possible,” said Eric Hunter, CEO of CareOregon. “These parades are free, inclusive, and deeply rooted in community — values that align closely with our mission. We’re excited to help bring people together across neighborhoods and generations in celebration.”
The Starlight Run will move to June 6, just prior to the CareOregon Grand Floral Starlight Parade.
Expanded Access for Families and Youth
The Fred Meyer Junior Parade, a cornerstone of the Rose Festival and the longest-running children’s parade in the country, will take place on Saturday, May 30 at noon, creating greater opportunity for students, families, and schools to participate. To further enhance the day, the Rose Festival, along with Runwithpaula Events, will introduce the Rose Festival Street Mile & Family Fun Run, offering an active, family-friendly way to kick off the celebration.
A Fireworks Show for America 250
As part of America 250, the Rose Festival will be adding an additional fireworks show to waterfront programming to create another shared moment of celebration. The goal is to offer an enhanced experience that brings people together downtown on the waterfront and adds to the overall energy of Rose Festival’s CityFair. The date and timing of this additional fireworks display will be announced once operational planning is complete.
New Official Television Partnership
The Rose Festival also announced a new partnership with KATU as the Official Television Partner of the Portland Rose Festival, expanding access to Rose Festival moments through live broadcasts, streaming, and community storytelling across the region.
“The roses have stood for far more in Portland and for far longer than even ABC’s ‘Bachelor’ franchise, and KATU & KUNP will allow us to share the magic of the Rose Festival with even more people,” said Dean Ditmer, KATU Vice President & General Manager. “From parades and fireworks to volunteer stories and cultural traditions, this partnership ensures the Rose Festival is accessible well beyond the parade route.”
Support for Downtown Portland
City leaders emphasized the importance of the Rose Festival in driving downtown activity and economic vitality.
“Last year, we brought the Grand Floral Parade back downtown, reaffirming a tradition that’s central to Portland’s identity and economic vitality,” said Portland Mayor Keith Wilson. “This year, we’re building on that momentum with updates and additions that reflect our shared values of collaboration, community pride, supporting local businesses, and strengthening connections across our community.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Rose Festival will continue to offer mostly free events and celebrate the creativity and diversity of the region. Additional details will be released in the coming months. For more information, visit www.rosefestival.org.
Source: Portland Rose Festival