In a state that celebrates Mother Nature, it should come as no surprise that Oregon’s largest city is affectionally referred to as Rose City. Portland, Oregon is known for these beautiful and fragrant flowers, which paint the landscape of this PNW town in beguiling red and pink hues each spring. This season of new life and abundance sets the stage for the oldest flower festival in Oregon, the magical and marvelous Portland Rose Festival.
When was the last time you stopped to smell the roses? It’s something you really ought to do. Especially in beautiful Portland, Oregon.
James Dempsey/Flickr
Portland’s International Rose Test Garden is the oldest public garden of its kind in the United States, and is a dreamy destination as winter fades into spring.
Travel Portland/Facebook
Portland, in fact, is known as Rose City – though these fragrant flowers are not native to the region. In fact, Portland’s affinity for roses started with a wedding gift in the 1800s. The first rose bush in the PNW was sent to Anna Marie Pittman in 1837 when she married Jason Lee, a missionary near Champoeg. Clippings from that bush were then planted in the surrounding area, where Oregon’s climate proved suitable for growing roses.
Travel Portland/Facebook
Socialite and community leader Georgina Pittock, wife to longtime publisher of The Oregonian, Henry Pittock, fell in love with the flower, channeling her passion into the Portland Rose Society; and later, in 1907, the eponymous Portland Rose Festival was born.
Travel Portland/Facebook
The oldest flower festival in Oregon, the Portland Rose Festival is an exuberant celebration of this fanciful flower, with parades, races, carnival rides, fireworks, and city-wide events happening over a two-week span.
Portland Rose Festival/Facebook
The parade is a perennial Portland favorite, with the Grand Floral Parade ending the festivities in the most dazzling of ways.
Portland Rose Festival/Facebook
(Of course, the fireworks also provide a particularly grand finale!)
David Gn Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that there’s always, always a reason to celebrate.
Travel Portland/Facebook
After a long dreary season that’s felt like forever (and we’re not just talking about winter), come out and celebrate rebirth and renewal, color and life, at the 2022 Portland Rose Festival.
Alfred Essa/Flickr
The 2022 Portland Rose Festival happens May 27-June 12, 2022, and is the must-visit event of the season in Oregon! Get a full list of happenings and attractions at the festival website.
James Dempsey/Flickr
Travel Portland/Facebook
Portland Rose Festival/Facebook
David Gn Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Alfred Essa/Flickr
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Portland, OR, USA
