Portland's Big Weekend Parade Tradition Returns

This weekend, Portland will host one of its most popular family events—the Junior Parade, now moved to the weekend to draw bigger crowds. Instead of its usual midweek slot during the school year, the parade starts at noon on Saturday, giving more people a chance to join in. The route runs along Sandy Boulevard, turning onto 40th Avenue before ending near Grant High School. Families can expect a lively mix of marching bands, decorated floats, and local youth groups showing off their skills. While official entries are closed, latecomers can still sign up as walk-ons near the starting point. For those who prefer to watch from home, the parade will stream live on KATU’s website and channel 2. 2 at noon. The Junior Parade has been a Portland tradition since 1918, born when kids decided to keep the fun going during World War I. It officially joined the Rose Festival in 1936, becoming a staple of the city’s celebrations.This year’s Rose Festival also brings a major change—the Grand Floral and Starlight Parades are merging into one big event on June 6. Normally held separately a week apart, they’ll now happen back-to-back in downtown Portland. The early part features floral floats and bands under the sun, while the later section lights up the streets with glowing performers and LED displays. The decision to combine the parades likely comes from lower attendance in recent years. By cutting costs and simplifying the festival schedule, organizers hope to keep the tradition alive while making it easier for families to attend. Both parades will air on KATU, giving everyone a chance to see the spectacle.