Every spring on the Oregon Coast, the town of Florence bursts into color as thousands of blooming rhododendrons transform the area into a coastal garden paradise. Streets fill with parade floats, carnival lights flicker along the waterfront, classic cars roll into town, and families gather for one of the most beloved traditions in the Pacific Northwest.
The 119th annual Florence Rhododendron Festival returns May 14 through May 17, 2026, bringing four days of flowers, food, music, carnival rides, and small-town Oregon charm to Historic Old Town Florence.
For many Oregonians, “Rhody Fest” is more than just an event. It’s the unofficial kickoff to summer on the coast.
A Festival With More Than A Century Of Oregon History
Long before Florence became known for its sand dunes, seafood spots, and coastal beauty, it earned another nickname: “The City of Rhododendrons.”
The festival dates all the way back to 1908, making it one of the oldest flower festivals on the West Coast and Oregon’s second-oldest floral festival. It was originally created to celebrate the native Rhododendron macrophyllum, the vibrant pink bloom that naturally thrives along the Oregon coastline.
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More than a century later, the festival still honors that legacy while growing into one of the coast’s biggest annual celebrations.
Today, as many as 10,000 visitors pour into Florence during Rhody Fest weekend. And honestly, it’s easy to see why.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about it all. Kids carrying cotton candy along Bay Street. Carnival rides spinning beside the Siuslaw River. Marching bands echoing through Old Town. Locals waving from flower-covered parade floats.
It feels like stepping into a classic slice of Americana, only with an unmistakable Oregon Coast twist.
Florence Turns Into A Giant Spring Celebration
During festival weekend, nearly every corner of Florence comes alive.
Historic Old Town becomes packed with vendors, food booths, music, and visitors wandering the waterfront. The Florence Events Center fills with colorful floral displays and art showcases. Meanwhile, the Port of Siuslaw area hosts the carnival, drawing families with flashing lights, games, and classic rides.
The atmosphere is energetic without feeling overwhelming, which is part of the festival’s charm.
You’ll find longtime locals who have attended for decades standing beside first-time visitors discovering Florence for the very first time.
And everywhere you look, there are rhododendrons.
The Rhody Show Is Stunning
One of the true highlights of the festival is the famous Rhododendron Show & Sale at the Florence Events Center.
This isn’t just a few flowers on folding tables.
The event features hundreds upon hundreds of breathtaking rhododendron blooms, many carefully cultivated by passionate growers from across the Pacific Northwest. Massive flower trusses in vibrant pinks, reds, purples, whites, and oranges fill the venue with color.
It’s honestly hard to believe some of these blooms are real.
After judging concludes, the show opens free to the public, usually around 1 p.m. Saturday. Even people who don’t consider themselves “flower people” often leave impressed.
And if the displays inspire you to create your own rhododendron paradise at home, there’s also a huge plant sale nearby hosted by the Siuslaw Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society.
The Grand Floral Parade Is The Main Event
If there’s one thing you absolutely should not miss, it’s the Grand Floral Parade on Sunday.
The parade winds down Highway 101 and into Historic Old Town Florence, featuring nearly 100 entrants including floral floats, marching bands, motorcycles, horses, dancers, and beautifully restored classic cars.
For a coastal town the size of Florence, the parade feels surprisingly massive.
Families line the streets early with lawn chairs and coffee in hand, kids scramble for candy tossed from floats, and the entire town seems to pause for a few joyful hours.
It’s one of those classic Oregon traditions that still feels wonderfully untouched by time.
Carnival Rides Along The Waterfront
The Davis Shows Carnival adds another layer of excitement to the weekend.
Set up near the Port of Siuslaw, the carnival brings old-school fair energy to the Oregon Coast with rides like the Zipper, Orbiter, and Merry-Go-Round spinning just steps from the waterfront.
At night, the glowing lights reflecting near the river create a surprisingly magical atmosphere.
There are also classic midway games, fried fair food, and enough sugar to keep kids happily bouncing around for hours.
Pro tip: festival organizers recommend buying pre-sale carnival tickets online to save money.
Classic Cars, Coastal Cruises, And Chrome Everywhere
Car lovers will want to make time for the Rhody Show ’n’ Shine Classic Car Show on Saturday morning.
More than 300 vintage vehicles typically fill the area near Grocery Outlet off Highway 101, turning Florence into a rolling museum of chrome, muscle, and nostalgia.
Then later in the evening, the Coast Radio Classic Car Cruise rolls through Historic Old Town, adding even more energy to the festival weekend.
Even if you’re not a hardcore car enthusiast, it’s hard not to appreciate the sheer craftsmanship and personality of these restored classics.
The Rhody Run Has Become A Coastal Tradition Too
For over 40 years, the Rhody Run & Walk has been another major part of the festival.
The event includes both 5K and 10K options, taking runners through Historic Old Town Florence and along scenic Rhododendron Drive.
There are certainly worse places to sweat through a race than the Oregon Coast in springtime.
Small Town Oregon At Its Best
What really makes the Florence Rhododendron Festival special isn’t just the flowers or the carnival rides.
It’s the feeling.
Florence somehow manages to balance tourism and authenticity better than many coastal towns. During Rhody Fest, that warmth becomes even more noticeable. Shop owners chat with visitors. Families gather downtown all day long. Locals proudly celebrate a tradition that has lasted for generations.
There’s a genuine sense of community here that visitors immediately pick up on.
And because the festival stretches across multiple locations throughout town, it never feels confined to a single crowded venue. The whole town becomes part of the experience.
Things To Do While You’re In Florence
If you’re making the drive for the festival, it’s worth staying an extra day or two to explore everything Florence has to offer.
Some nearby favorites include:
- Sea Lion Caves
- Heceta Head Lighthouse
- Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
- The scenic boardwalk in Historic Old Town
- Fresh seafood restaurants overlooking the Siuslaw River
- Beach drives and sunset walks along the coast
May is also one of the best times to visit Florence weather-wise. Spring flowers are blooming, crowds are lighter than peak summer, and the coast often feels fresh and vibrant this time of year.
Know Before You Go
Festival Dates
May 14 through May 17, 2026
Main Locations
- Historic Old Town Florence
- Florence Events Center
- Port of Siuslaw area
Admission
Most festival activities are free to attend. Carnival rides and some activities require tickets.
Parking
Expect heavier traffic and limited parking during the weekend, especially Sunday during the parade.
Best Tip
Book lodging early. Hotels and vacation rentals in Florence can fill up quickly during Rhody Fest weekend.
FAQ
Is the Florence Rhododendron Festival family-friendly?
Absolutely. The festival is built around family activities including carnival rides, parades, games, music, and kid-friendly events.
When is the Grand Floral Parade?
The parade takes place Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Is the flower show free?
Yes. The Rhododendron Show at the Florence Events Center is typically free after judging concludes Saturday afternoon.
What makes Florence’s festival unique?
It combines classic Oregon Coast charm with one of the oldest flower festivals on the West Coast, all surrounded by natural coastal beauty.
Are pets allowed?
Outdoor areas generally allow pets on leash, though indoor venues and crowded parade areas may have restrictions.
Whether you come for the flowers, the carnival, the classic cars, or simply an excuse to spend a spring weekend on the Oregon Coast, the Florence Rhododendron Festival remains one of those timeless Oregon traditions that still feels every bit as magical as it did generations ago.
