Rose Festival Moves Forward Without Big Outdoor Events

The Portland Rose Festival will move forward without its big outdoor events in 2021. Key events and programs will continue during the traditional Rose Festival time, late May and June.

Rose Festival Princess announcements begin at the end of March, and the court will be presented to the community in May and June as health restrictions allow. Each princess will receive a $3.500 scholarship.

The festival queen will be announced at an outdoor coronation ceremony in June; Virtual Fleet Week returns in June; the traditional Rose Festival Treasure Hunt kicks off Memorial Day weekend, and the Porch Parade and Roses for Hope celebration is back by popular demand.

"Oregon is not quite ready yet for big outdoor events," says Jeff Curtis, CEO Portland Rose Festival Foundation.

"The health and safety of our community is still our top priority as we plan for a Rose Festival season to engage and inspire the community once again this year."

After the pandemic struck in 2020, the festival was able to offer popular new programming, notably the Porch Parade, which inspired local Portland neighborhoods to showcase their creative talents by decorating their homes, yards and porches. This was replicated in cities around the region and across the country, most visibly in New Orleans, Louisiana during Mardi Gras, and Washington D.C., during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. "We want to see even more Porch Parade participation in 2021. Let's grow this great idea that originated in the Rose City," Curtis said.

For more information about the Rose Festival events, visit their website.