Rose Festival CareOregon Starlight Parade

Editor's Pick

Downtown

When

Saturday, May 31, 2025

8 p.m.–10 p.m.

Where

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

98 SW Naito Pkwy
Portland, OR 97204

The CareOregon Starlight Parade is one of the Rose Festival's most popular events, offering electrified, funky fun for everyone. From traditional marching bands and flood-lit floats to glow-in-the-dark umbrellas and unique hand-built entries, you’ll see representation from Portland’s diverse community groups (and the surrounding Pacific Northwest region), creating a vibe like no other on Portland's downtown streets. Events like the Starlight Parade are essential to a vibrant and healthy community.

The Starlight Parade continues a longtime festival tradition from the early 1900s when illuminated floats built on electric trolley cars made their way through the city on trolley tracks. Today, participants light up the night with approximately 100 illuminated entries, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to downtown Portland. Don’t miss the fun of one of the Rose Festival’s best and brightest traditions.

The Starlight Parade travels through downtown Portland and ends at Lincoln High School. View the Route Map below and find your favorite spot.
PRO TIP: Visit CityFair, then step out to Naito Parkway to watch the parade right where it starts.