PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Food, music, carnival ride and much more officially kick off the 2025 Portland Rose Festival, a long-standing tradition in the Rose City.

The CityFair kicked off with hundreds of people from near and far, hoping to soak up the sun and the festivities.

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Matthew and Megan Rothery, and their girls Madison and Molly, are among the first to take in the sights of CityFair at this year’s Rose Festival. Making the trek from Hillsboro, they’re ready for a first weekend of fun. 

“It’s actually our first time here as a family, we won the tickets off the radio,” Megan said. “I think it’s really cool that Portland has been doing this tradition for so many years, that I think we should make it a new tradition.”

This year’s Rose Festival comes off the heels of a dark period. Earlier this year, officials announced a $1.1 million deficit. But Jeremy Emerson, President of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation, said Portland isn’t the only city with struggles. 

“We’re faced with a lot of the same challenges that festivals are across the country,” Emerson said. “So, it’s not unique to Portland, it’s not unique to festival. But we did have to knuckle-down this summer with how we’re running this festival and appeal to the broadest possible audience but still kind of maintaining the flavor and what everybody loves about the Portland Rose Festival.”

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Emerson also said it’s no secret Portland had a tough couple of years, following the COVID-19 pandemic and riots, but he says this year’s event is kicking off a season of growth.

“I think we did have a little rough patch, but man look at this weather, look at downtown, it’s just beautiful, it’s blue, it’s green, it’s looking fantastic, and we are so excited to be back in full force here downtown,” Emerson said.

If you missed opening night, don’t worry, CityFair goes until June 8. And there will be the iconic parades happening every weekend until then.