Rhodies On The River: 7 Must-See Events At The 118th Florence Rhododendron Festival 2025
Planning your Oregon Coast adventure for Spring 2025? The 118th Annual Florence Rhododendron Festival is officially set to bloom, offering four days of classic, family-friendly celebration and showcasing why Florence is known as the "Rhody Capital of the World." Scheduled for May 15–18, 2025, this historic event is one of the oldest and most beloved flower festivals in the entire state of Oregon, promising a massive carnival, a spectacular floral exhibition, and a vibrant community parade.
The 2025 festival, operating under the exciting theme of "Rhodies on the River," pays homage to the city's beautiful Siuslaw River and its deep-rooted history, which saw the first-ever Queen's coronation take place on a decorated barge. This year’s celebration is a perfect blend of nostalgic tradition and modern entertainment, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to the charming coastal town. If you want the most up-to-date, detailed schedule and a breakdown of the key attractions, this is your essential guide.
The 118th Annual Florence Rhododendron Festival 2025: Key Details and Schedule
The Florence Rhododendron Festival is a cornerstone of the Oregon Coast's annual calendar, a tradition that began in 1908 to promote tourism to the blossoming city. It holds the distinction of being the second-oldest flower festival in Oregon, surpassed only by the famed Portland Rose Festival.
- Event Name: 118th Annual Florence Rhododendron Festival
- Official Dates: Thursday, May 15, 2025, through Sunday, May 18, 2025
- 2025 Theme: "Rhodies on the River"
- Location: Various venues throughout Florence, Oregon, including Old Town, the Florence Events Center, and the Port of Siuslaw area.
- Primary Focus: Celebrating the city's official flower, the Rhododendron, which is typically in full spring bloom during the festival weekend.
The four-day event is packed with activities, but the majority of the major community events—including the parade and car show—take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
1. The Grand Kick-Off: Queen Rhododendra and King of the Coast Coronation
The festival officially begins with a time-honored tradition: the coronation of the new Queen Rhododendra and King of the Coast. This event typically takes place on the evening of Thursday, May 15, at the Florence Events Center. The royal court, known as the "Rhody Court," is comprised of exceptional students from the local Siuslaw and Mapleton school districts. Historically, the first Queen was crowned on a barge on the Siuslaw River in 1908, a tradition honored by the 2025 theme.
2. Davis Shows Carnival: Thrills by the Siuslaw River
For many families, the highlight of the weekend is the arrival of the Davis Shows Carnival. This massive traveling carnival sets up its thrilling rides, classic games, and concession stands at the Port of Siuslaw Parking Lot, offering high-energy entertainment for all ages from Thursday through Sunday. The lights and sounds of the carnival provide a spectacular backdrop to the riverfront setting, making it a must-visit for festival-goers.
3. The American Rhododendron Society Flower Show and Sale
The heart of the festival remains the flower itself. The American Rhododendron Society's Siuslaw Chapter hosts the annual Rhododendron Show and Sale at the Florence Events Center, which is a centerpiece of the entire celebration. Visitors can marvel at hundreds of wild and cultured rhododendron blossoms, competing for top honors in various categories. This is the best place to see the spectacular display of the city's namesake flower and even purchase a plant to take home. The show typically runs all day on Saturday and Sunday.
A Saturday Filled with Classic Car Culture and Coastal Running
Saturday, May 17, 2025, is the most activity-packed day, featuring a trio of events that celebrate community, fitness, and classic automobiles. This is the day to be in Old Town Florence to catch all the action.
4. The Annual 5K Rhody Run and Walk
Starting the day with a burst of energy, the 5K Rhody Run and Walk is a popular event that draws runners and walkers from across the Pacific Northwest. This race offers a scenic route through the coastal town, providing a healthy and fun way to kick off the main day of festivities. It’s a great opportunity for fitness enthusiasts to experience the beautiful Oregon Coast scenery.
5. Rhody Classic Car Show 'n' Shine and Coast Radio Cruise
Automobile enthusiasts eagerly await the annual Rhody Classic Car Show 'n' Shine, which is often the 31st annual iteration of the event. Classic, vintage, and custom cars line the streets, polished to a mirror sheen for judging and public viewing. Following the show, the famous Coast Radio Classic Car Cruise takes the spectacular vehicles on a tour through Old Town Florence, creating a stunning, moving display of automotive history.
6. The Grand Floral Parade and Junior Parade
The centerpiece of the entire weekend is the Grand Floral Parade. This massive procession features floats decorated with rhododendron blossoms, marching bands, community groups, and the newly crowned Queen Rhododendra and King of the Coast. The parade route winds through the main streets of Florence, drawing huge crowds. Before the main event, the Junior Parade offers a chance for local children to show off their creative floats and costumes, making it a truly multi-generational affair.
Historical Roots and LSI Entities: Why Florence is the Rhody Capital
The longevity of the Florence Rhododendron Festival is a testament to the community's dedication to its heritage and the stunning natural beauty of the region. The festival was the brainchild of Florence’s mayor, Dr. George Edward, who started it in 1908 as a way to promote tourism and showcase the city's natural spring blooms. This deep history is what gives the event its unique character and topical authority.
7. The Street Vendor Fair and Community BBQ
Throughout the weekend, a massive Street Vendor Fair takes over the downtown area, featuring local artisans, food vendors, and craft booths. Visitors can browse unique Oregon Coast crafts and sample a wide array of local cuisine. Look for the traditional Chicken Barbeque and Pie/Bake Sale, which are staples of the community fundraising efforts during the festival. The combination of the carnival, the flower show, the parades, and the vendor fair creates a dynamic, can't-miss atmosphere that defines the Florence, Oregon experience every May. Plan your trip now to experience the "Rhodies on the River" celebration!
Detail Author:
- Name : Miss Autumn Dach I
- Username : kihn.willie
- Email : rowena65@oberbrunner.com
- Birthdate : 2001-01-04
- Address : 3848 Fritz Falls Lake Vincenza, CO 70143-5979
- Phone : +1.726.255.3212
- Company : Heidenreich-Monahan
- Job : Security Guard
- Bio : Maiores enim saepe ducimus laboriosam adipisci eum. Blanditiis earum officiis magnam modi earum dolore animi aut. Cupiditate impedit ut enim est consequatur vel.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/mandy3765
- username : mandy3765
- bio : Facilis veniam laboriosam qui eveniet repellendus. Nobis dolor possimus magnam. Voluptas velit voluptatem non id perspiciatis.
- followers : 4208
- following : 2677
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/mandygorczany
- username : mandygorczany
- bio : In ducimus maxime numquam aut doloremque.
- followers : 6136
- following : 1118
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/mandy_xx
- username : mandy_xx
- bio : Quo iusto amet expedita et accusantium rem. Vel enim consequatur corporis aut dolor aut est.
- followers : 3662
- following : 1007
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@mandy273
- username : mandy273
- bio : Non enim deleniti aliquam ut nam autem facilis quia.
- followers : 3794
- following : 27
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/mandy4077
- username : mandy4077
- bio : Repudiandae similique laudantium omnis necessitatibus optio dolores totam.
- followers : 729
- following : 307
