Spring is in full bloom and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with the iconic Portland Rose Festival. Kicking off the Memorial Day weekend, this beloved festival has been a cherished Portland tradition since 1907, transforming the city into a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and summer spirit. Whether you’re a local or visiting, the Opening Weekend at Tom McCall Waterfront Park offers a perfect blend of family-friendly fun, live entertainment, and dazzling fireworks—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Willamette River. Get ready to dive into the sights, sounds, and smells of Portland’s “City of Roses” like never before.

🌹 Portland Rose Festival: Opening Weekend & Fireworks

📅 Date: Friday, May 23 – Monday, May 26, 2025
📍 Location: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Downtown Portland, OR
💵 CityFair Admission: $12 per person (Free for children 6 and under)
🚇 Transit-Friendly: Ride the MAX, bike, or walk for easiest access
🌐 rosefestival.org

A Portland Tradition in Full Bloom

Kicking off Memorial Day weekend, the Portland Rose Festival returns with its signature Opening Weekend celebration—marking the start of a month-long citywide festival that’s packed with over 60 community events, performances, and traditions. From vibrant parades and Navy ship tours to carnival rides and dragon boat races, this is Portland’s biggest festival, and the opening weekend is the perfect time to dive in.

Since 1907, the Rose Festival has brought together generations of Portlanders and visitors to honor the city’s identity as the “City of Roses.” It was even declared Portland’s official city festival in 2010. This is more than an event—it’s a seasonal rite of passage.

CityFair on the Waterfront (May 23–26)

Location: Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Expect three full days of non-stop fun at CityFair, located right along the Willamette River. It’s a family-friendly (and teen-approved!) blend of classic carnival vibes with a local twist.

What to Expect:

• Thrilling carnival rides and midway games

• Food carts & craft beer vendors featuring Pacific Northwest flavors

• Live music and entertainment across multiple stages

• Artisan booths selling handmade goods, Portland merch, and more

• Interactive exhibits for kids and curious minds

✨ Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and score the best ride times before the lines grow.

Opening Night Fireworks – Friday, May 23 at 9:50 PM

Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks show that lights up the Portland skyline. This breathtaking display launches from a barge on the Willamette River and is visible from both east and west sides of the city.

📍 Best Viewing Spots:

• The seawall along Waterfront Park

• The Burnside or Hawthorne Bridges

• The Ferris wheel at CityFair (if you time it right!)

• Anywhere along the Eastbank Esplanade

👟 Getting There: Parking fills up quickly. Take public transit via MAX Light Rail, ride a bike, or walk to the venue. Portland’s bike valet and TriMet make attending easy without the stress of downtown driving.

More Festival Highlights Coming Up

Starlight Parade & Starlight Run (Saturday, May 31):
Watch the city sparkle as costumed runners warm up the crowd before the dazzling nighttime parade. Expect neon-lit floats, drummers, roller derby skaters, and stilt walkers lighting up the streets.

Grand Floral Parade (Saturday, June 7):
The largest and most iconic event of the festival, with all-floral floats, equestrian teams, marching bands, dancers, vintage cars, and llamas. Yes—llamas.

Fleet Week (May 30–June 2):
Meet the U.S. Navy! Ships dock along the Willamette for public tours, Q&As with sailors, and a rare up-close look at military vessels.

Dragon Boat Races (June 8–9):
Sixty teams from around the world paddle ornate, traditional boats provided by the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association. Fun to watch—and cheer for!

Milk Carton Boat Race (June 22):
A quirky Portland tradition where DIY boats made entirely of milk cartons and jugs race on the water. It's weird, wonderful, and uniquely Rose Festival.

Queen’s Coronation (June 7):
A Portland-area high school student is crowned Festival Queen after weeks of community appearances. The Queen receives a scholarship and represents the city at events for the year ahead.

Portland Rose Society Spring Rose Show (June 14–15 at Lloyd Center):
The nation’s largest and longest-running rose show, with more than 4,000 roses on display. Flower lovers, this one's for you.

Planning Tips

• Buy CityFair tickets online in advance to save time at the gate.

• Great for all ages—there are kid zones, family rest areas, and accessible pathways.

• Rain or shine event: Bring a light jacket or poncho, just in case.

• Blankets and lawn chairs are allowed for fireworks viewing.

• No outside alcohol or glass containers allowed inside CityFair.

💬 Local Realtor Tip from Cassandra Marks:

“As a local expert and lover of all things Portland, I always recommend clients and newcomers experience the Rose Festival at least once. It’s where you feel the true spirit of the city—quirky, creative, and totally community-centered. Plus, there’s no better way to kick off the summer season.”

📅 Upcoming Festival Dates:

• May 23–26: Opening Weekend & Fireworks

• May 30–June 2: Fleet Week

• May 31: Starlight Parade & Run

• June 7: Grand Floral Parade & Queen’s Coronation

• June 8–9: Dragon Boat Races

• June 14–15: Rose Show at Lloyd Center

• June 22: Milk Carton Boat Race

Ready for your summer to bloom? The Portland Rose Festival is a true local treasure—mark your calendars, bring the whole family, and get ready to smell the roses.

🎸 Outlaw Music Festival – Ridgefield, WA

📅 Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
🕒 Time: Doors open at 1:30 PM; performances begin at 2:35 PM
📍 Location: Cascades Amphitheater, 17200 NE Delfel Road, Ridgefield, WA 98642
💵 Tickets: Prices range from $67 to over $200, depending on seating options.
🌐 Website: Outlaw Music Festival Official Site

About the Festival

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Outlaw Music Festival is a hallmark of Americana, uniting legendary artists and contemporary stars in a celebration of the outlaw spirit and genre-defying music. Since its inception in 2016 in Scranton, PA, the festival has grown into one of North America’s largest annual touring franchises. Blackbird Presents

🎶 Lineup for Ridgefield, WA

• Willie Nelson & Family: 9:50 PM – 10:50 PM

• Bob Dylan: 8:05 PM – 9:20 PM

• Billy Strings: 6:20 PM – 7:35 PM

• Lake Street Dive: 4:35 PM – 5:50 PM

• Sierra Hull: 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM

• Lily Meola: 2:35 PM – 3:10 PM

This lineup promises an unforgettable evening filled with live performances by some of the greatest names in American music. Outlaw Music Festival

Tickets & VIP Packages

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and SeatGeek. VIP packages offer premium seating and exclusive festival merchandise.

Getting There & Parking

Cascades Amphitheater is located at 17200 NE Delfel Road, Ridgefield, WA 98642. Parking is available on-site, but it's recommended to arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy the full lineup of performances.

🎉 Festival Highlights

• Outlaw Village: Explore a variety of vendors, food trucks, and interactive exhibits.

• Merchandise: Commemorate the festival with exclusive 10th-anniversary merchandise available on-site.

• Community Vibe: Join fellow music enthusiasts in celebrating a decade of trailblazing music and memories.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a historic celebration of music and community at the Outlaw Music Festival in Ridgefield!

Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony – Vancouver, WA

📅 Date: Monday, May 26, 2025
🕙 Time: Flag Raising at 9:30 AM; Ceremony from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground, 1101 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
💵 Admission: Free
🌐 More Info: City of Vancouver Event Page

About the Ceremony

Join the Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC), the National Park Service, and the City of Vancouver for the annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at the historic Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. This solemn event honors the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Program Highlights

• Flag Raising: The ceremony begins with a garrison flag raising at 9:30 AM, symbolizing the nation's respect and remembrance.

• Keynote Speakers:

  • Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

  • Fort Vancouver National Park Superintendent Tracy Fortmann

  • Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle

  • Patrick Locke, Vietnam Purple Heart combat veteran

• Musical Tribute: The Vancouver Community Concert Band will perform patriotic music throughout the ceremony.

• Special Honors:

  • Reception for Gold Star families

  • Mountain Howitzer cannon firing

  • Wreath laying ceremony

Post-Ceremony Refreshments

Complimentary light lunch items will be available to the public, courtesy of the Vancouver Lions, Red Cross Cascades Region, and the Military Officers Association of America. 

Parking & Transportation

• Parking Locations:

  • Hudson's Bay High School

  • National Park Service South Lot (located on 5th Street)

• Shuttle Service: C-Tran will provide dedicated shuttle service to and from the Bandstand.

• Note: Carpooling and public transit are encouraged due to limited parking availability. The City of Vancouver, WA

About CMAC

The Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) is an all-inclusive group composed of members representing youth, education, civic, military, veterans’ groups, and local governments. CMAC executes and plans community-wide events such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Our Community Salutes, and POW/MIA Day ceremonies, as well as recognition and support of military families of all services.

This ceremony offers a meaningful opportunity to honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. All community members are welcome to attend and pay their respects.

🎪 Multnomah County Fair at Oaks Park

📅Date: Saturday, May 25 – Monday, May 27, 2025
🕛Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM daily
📍Location: Oaks Amusement Park – 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202
💵 Admission: Free
🎟 Rides & Parking: Paid separately
🌐 multnomahcountyfair.org

About the Event

Step back in time and experience a true slice of Americana! The Multnomah County Fair is a cherished Portland tradition dating back more than 100 years. Hosted over Memorial Day weekend at historic Oaks Amusement Park, this community fair brings together families, artists, performers, hobbyists, and 4-H youth for three full days of fun — and admission is absolutely free.

Expect a lively mix of classic carnival vibes and hometown charm, with attractions for all ages. From giant produce displays and cake decorating contests to petting zoos, pony rides, live music, and cultural performances, the fair honors both the region’s rural roots and its vibrant creativity.

You’ll also find:

• Carnival rides and midway games (separate tickets or ride bracelets available)

• Hobby & craft showcases, including quilting, baking, model trains & robotics

• 4-H animals and small livestock exhibits

• Fair food galore — think elephant ears, snow cones, grilled corn, curly fries

• Live music and multicultural performances on the main stage

• Local vendors and artisan crafts

Whether you're reliving your childhood or making new memories with your own kids, the Multnomah County Fair is a festive, affordable way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend.

Tips for Attending

• Get there early for the best parking and shorter lines for rides and food. While entry is free, ride bracelets and parking passes sell fast during peak hours.

• Bring cash for food and games, though many vendors do accept cards.

• Take the Springwater Corridor Trail by bike or on foot for a scenic and car-free arrival.

• Don’t miss the roller skating rink, one of the oldest continuously operating rinks in the country — open during the fair!

• Check the event schedule ahead of time for competition entries, petting zoo hours, and performance lineups.

The Portland Rose Festival isn’t just an event—it’s a month-long celebration that brings the entire city together to honor its history, culture, and community spirit. From the festive carnival rides of CityFair to the awe-inspiring fireworks lighting up the skyline, the festival offers something for everyone. So mark your calendar, gather your friends and family, and experience this unforgettable tradition that truly captures the heart of Portland. Here’s to a summer filled with roses, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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