Portland Rose Festival announces 2026 event updates, including new parade format: The CareOregon Grand Floral Starlight Parade

The Portland Rose Festival Foundation announced a series of exciting updates for the 2026 Rose Festival, reflecting a thoughtful evolution of the 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, and a new official television partnership with KATU.

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. The Starlight Run will move to June 6, just prior to the CareOregon Grand Floral Starlight Parade.

CareOregon is proud to support the Rose Festival as it honors tradition while reimagining what's possible. These parades are inclusive, deeply rooted in community, and accessible to everyone - which aligns closely with our mission. We're excited to help bring people together across neighborhoods and generations in celebration.

Eric Hunter, CEO of CareOregon

Eric C. Hunter (CareOregon President and CEO) shares some remarks at the January 28, 2026 press conference announcement of this year’s Rose Festival theme and updated parade format:

Meridith Green (Sr. Vice President of People & Culture) shares excitement for participating in this year’s Rose Festival once again as a CareStepper:

Watch the full press conference announcing the 2026 Rose Festival theme and combined parade format:

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 just prior to the Fred Meyer Junior Parade.

A Fireworks Show for America 250

As part of America 250, the Rose Festival will be adding an additional fireworks show to waterfront programming and create another shared moment of celebration. While details are still being finalized, the goal is to offer an enhanced experience that brings people together downtown and adds to the overall energy of the Rose Festival season. 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 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.

"The Rose Festival is a vital part of Portland's identity and economy," said Mayor Keith Wilson of the City of Portland. "These updates and additions reflect smart collaboration and a shared commitment to bringing people downtown, supporting local businesses, and celebrating what makes Portland special." 

Looking Ahead

The 2026 Rose Festival will continue to offer mostly free events and celebrate the creativity and diversity of the region.

"These updates represent both innovation and stewardship," said Jeremy Emerson, President of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation Board of Directors. "The Rose Festival has always honored tradition while evolving with the community. 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."

Additional details will be released in the coming months. For more information, visit www.rosefestival.org.