large warship docked at Waterfront Park in Portland with dramatic grey clouds over buildings in downtown large warship docked at Waterfront Park in Portland with dramatic grey clouds over buildings in downtown
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Military ships often dock along the Willamette River in Portland as part of the Portland Rose Festival.
Credit: Diego Diaz

Memorial Day Weekend Events

The long weekend heralds the start of summer and offers opportunities to honor those who died in military service.

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for the sacrifices made by individuals who died in service to the United States military, recognizing their dedication and reflecting on the profound cost of war and the enduring legacy of those who did not return home.

The Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial in Washington Park is a peaceful place to observe the holiday. This serene setting for reflection includes several trees planted at the entrance to symbolize the sacredness of life. In Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the Battleship Oregon Memorial features the mast of the U.S.S. Oregon and was constructed to recognize all who fought and died in the Spanish-American War.

With summer just around the corner, the long Memorial Day weekend also promises a slew of fun events and activities in the Rose City. Scroll down for plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday weekend.

Portland Rose Festival

Starting Memorial Day weekend, the City of Roses throws itself a massive party in the form of the Portland Rose Festival. Declared the city’s official festival in 2010, the celebration includes more than 60 events, starting in late May and ending in mid-June. With the festival comes parades, carnival rides, art shows, dragon boat races, fun runs and more.

large float made of roses and flowers on a bridge with people waving from the float to onlookers
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Floats glide across town and cross the Burnside Bridge during the Portland Rose Festival.
Credit: Diego Diaz
A woman wearing a hanbok and a big smile waves at the camera among a crowd of parade marchers in front of the ornate gate in Old Town China Town.
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Korean-American traditions are on display during the Rose Parade.
Credit: Diego Diaz
youth drum line of marching band in red costumes and hats walk along bridge in parade
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Oregon City High School was one of the marching bands that earned a spot in the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade.
Credit: Diego Diaz

Vanport Mosaic Festival

The Vanport Mosaic Festival invites you to join the “memory activism” effort to honor and preserve the history of Vanport City, which was the second-largest city in Oregon before it was destroyed by a flood on Memorial Day 1948. The festival celebrates the silenced histories through art performances, screenings, exhibits, tours, dialogues, gatherings and celebrations.

Multnomah County Fair

The Multnomah County Fair has been going on since 1906 and is a place for anyone to exhibit their skills in gardening, fiber arts, food preparation, arts, crafts and photography. Held at Oaks Amusement Park, the fair features three days of family fun that includes stage performances, a car show, a pioneer village and animal activities.

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More Portland Events

Visit our events calendar to discover even more things to do in Portland. Search by date, event type and more.

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Oaks Amusement Park

Offering carnival rides, midway games, a miniature golf course, a historic roller rink and more, Oaks Amusement Park has provided family fun since 1905.

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