Of course, when it comes to enjoying the Portland Rose Festival, taking time to stop and smell the roses should be top of the list. But when the historic celebration returns Friday, May 24-Sunday, June 9, we want to make sure you indulge all five senses.
Smell
Treating your nose to the 610 rose varieties at the International Rose Test Garden is a must, but so is taking a whiff of the pyrotechnics during the opening night fireworks show.
Dragon boat racing in Portland dates back to 1989; watch them from South Hawthorne Waterfront Park.
Photo via Gary Halvorson
Hear
On the shore near the Hawthorne Bridge, listen to the crowd cheer — and yell your own encouragement — for the dragon boat races as each team paddles toward the finish line. The colorful watercraft are a visual spectacle provided thanks to the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association.
See
Watching the floats roll down the road is one of Portland’s beloved pastimes, and during the Rose Festival, there are three parades to choose from. Streets sparkle and shine during the Starlight Parade, kiddos take center stage at the Junior Parade, and beautiful arrangements blossom during the Grand Floral Parade (you can help build them too).
Taste
Glug glug glug goes the beer at Oregon Brewers Festival, held every weekend during CityFair. Speaking of fair food, you might want to grab and elephant ear or some cotton candy while you’re there.
Touch
A solid grip is recommended as you climb aboard the naval vessels parked along Tom McCall Waterfront Park for Fleet Week. Tours are available, which may require you to climb up metal ladders and maneuver through narrow doors — just don’t bonk your head.