Florence Rhododendron Festival Hits Florence and Central Oregon Coast Soon

Published 05/05/25 at 7:05 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) – Coastal breezes, food vendors, a carnival, parades and even a classic car cruise: all these coalesce into one gigantic fun fest soon. The 118th edition of the Florence Rhododendron Festival hits Florence on May 15 to 18, upping the anty on ways to enjoy the central Oregon coast.

This year's theme is “Rhodies on the River,” a family-friendly rager that is an Oregon institution. It promises four days packed with a dazzling display of Oregon’s beloved blooms.

“It’ll be another year of fun as we celebrate our local natural beauty and floral superstars. We invite everyone to come to Florence - Oregon’s Coastal Playground - and enjoy the fun and pageantry of the state’s second-longest running floral festival,” said Chamber president/CEO Bettina Hannigan.

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Florence’s "Rhody Fest" holds an impressive legacy: it’s the second-oldest flower festival in Oregon, just a year behind Portland’s Rose Festival, and the third-oldest on the West Coast, trailing the iconic Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California. Each year, thousands from across the world gather to revel in the beauty of Florence’s famed rhododendrons and enjoy the town’s vibrant festivities.

For over a century, families have flocked to the Florence Rhododendron Festival to take part in its time-honored traditions. The festival kicks off May 10 with the coronation of Queen Rhododendra and King of the Coast at the Florence Events Center. The Davis Shows Carnival lights up Old Town starting May 15, bringing thrilling rides and nostalgic fun for all ages.

May 17 is jam-packed with excitement, featuring the 5K Rhody Run and Walk, the Junior Parade, kids’ activities, the Coast Radio Classic Car Cruise, and the 31st Annual Rhody Classic Car Show ‘n’ Shine.

On May 18, the grand Floral Parade marches through Historic Old Town, turning this part of the Oregon coast and Highway 101 into a wave of color and celebration.

Throughout the festival, Florence will be buzzing with a vendor fair in Old Town, an awe-inspiring rhododendron show, and the Florence Regional Arts Alliance arts festival. Live music, entertainment, and good vibes will fill every corner of the town. And don’t worry about parking: Three Rivers Casino Resort has that covered with shuttles running every 15 to 20 minutes on May 17 and 18.

Hannigan said that the festival, with its carnival, Rhododendron Court, parades, classic car cruise, vendor fair, and flower shows, serves as the unofficial kickoff to the summer tourism season - a season that adds nearly $300 million to the local economy each year and employs about 2700 of the roughly 5000 workers in Florence.

Want to join in on the floral festivities? Visit RhodyDays.net for the full schedule, downloadable brochures, and all the details. MORE FLORENCE BELOW

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