Among Oldest Spring Festivals of West Coast Happens in Oregon's Florence Soon

Published 04/04/26 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) – At nearly 120 years old, it's just about the oldest festival in Oregon, and certainly the oldest on the Oregon coastline.

And it's just about time to return to the fun and frivolity.

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce has thrown down the welcome mat: celebrate “A Gathering With A Good Heart” at the 119th Annual Rhododendron Festival, set for May 14 - 17, 2026, throughout Florence, Oregon. The long-running spring tradition, one of the West Coast’s oldest floral festivals, draws thousands each year for a weekend of parades, pageantry, and the region’s signature rhododendron blooms.

Festivities begin ahead of the main weekend with the May 9 coronation of Queen Rhododendra, the King of the Coast, and their royal court at the Florence Events Center. The Davis Shows Carnival opens Thursday, May 14, in Historic Old Town, marking the start of four days of family-friendly activities, entertainment, and coastal attractions. Full details are available at RhodyDays.net.

Festival highlights include:

- Grand Floral Parade on Sunday, May 17 at noon along Highway 101, featuring floats, marching bands, and community groups

- Rhody Run & Walk 5K on Saturday morning, open to participants of all ages

- Florence Regional Arts Alliance’s free art show and sale at the Florence Events Center on Saturday and Sunday

- Junior Parade and kids’ activities on Saturday along Oak Street

- Classic Car Show ’n’ Shine on Saturday at its new location, the Grocery Outlet parking lot at 21st Street and Highway 101, followed by Coast Radio’s evening cruise through Old Town

- Rhododendron Show and Sale at the Florence Events Center all weekend

- Vendor fair and live entertainment on Maple Street in Historic Old Town, with additional activities throughout the community

This year’s theme, “A Gathering with a Good Heart,” was gifted by The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI), who also created the 2026 festival logo and will serve as grand marshal of the Grand Floral Parade. The design was developed by CTCLUSI Tribal Member Dylan Brainard and incorporates the Siuslaw-language phrase “temuu hiisəch hai,” pronounced “Tuh-moo hee-such high,” meaning “A Gathering with a Good Heart.”

“This collaboration is long overdue for Florence,” said Bettina Hannigan, president and CEO of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re thrilled that Chief Doug Barrett agreed to explore the possibilities of working together, and that his People created such a meaningful theme and design. Honoring them as our Grand Marshal is only natural.”

Held annually on the third full weekend of May, the Rhododendron Festival is one of those major attractions to coast-dwellers and visitors alike. It's widely considered the unofficial kickoff to summer on the Oregon coast.

Pro Tip: Visitors should to explore Historic Old Town, and its dining and shopping possibilities. But make sure you take in the region’s scenic beaches, dunes, and viewpoints while participating in one of Oregon’s most enduring traditions.

For schedules, participation details, and additional information, visit RhodyDays.net or FlorenceChamber.com, or contact the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce at 541-997-3128. See below for a major tsunami of Florence information.

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - - Where to eat - - Florence Oregon Virtual Tour, Map

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