City of Roses Portland| The Hotel Zags

Portland truly lives up to its nickname, the “City of Roses,” thanks to its deep-rooted history of vibrant rose gardens and flourishing floral culture. Each spring, as the days lengthen and the Pacific Northwest sun warms the city's streets and parks, Portland transforms into one of the most spectacularly flower-filled destinations in the country.

From late May through June, the city hosts a remarkable run of floral-themed events, turning downtown parks, storefronts, waterfront pathways, and iconic gardens into a living, fragrant showcase of color. If you're planning a visit during Portland's bloom season, there is no better base than The Hotel Zags, ideally situated in the heart of downtown's Business District, just steps from the MAX light rail and within easy reach of every major event on the floral calendar. Whether you're exploring on foot, borrowing one of our bikes from the Gear Shed, or hopping on the light rail for a slightly farther venture, the city's best blooms are right at your doorstep.

The Portland Rose Festival: A City-Wide Celebration

Running from May 22 to June 7, the Portland Rose Festival returns this year welcoming locals and visitors alike to one of the city's most cherished annual traditions. Declared Portland's official festival in 2010, the celebration spans more than 60 events, including parades, Fleet Week ships, carnival rides, art shows, and fun runs.

As an official hotel partner, Hotel Zags Portland offers special rates for guests attending the festival. Travelers can access exclusive savings by booking with the code available through the Rose Festival’s official website, making it even easier to experience the excitement while staying in the heart of downtown Portland.

The festival's signature highlight is the Grand Floral Parade, a botanical spectacular that winds through downtown Portland. The Grand Floral Float Showcase lines Southwest Naito Parkway alongside CityFair, giving visitors an up-close look at the parade's stunning floral floats throughout the day. For evening spectacle, the CareOregon Starlight Parade lights up downtown with illuminated floats and festivities. CityFair itself runs across three weekends, from May 22 to 25, May 29 to 31, and June 5 to 7, offering carnival rides, food, games, and entertainment along Portland's waterfront.

The festival also brings Fleet Week to the Willamette River, with gigantic naval ships lining the shore for up-close visits and on-board tours. And if competitive watersports are your thing, the Dragon Boat Races draw over 50 local, national, and international teams competing in ornate boats on the Willamette River. From The Hotel Zags, Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a short, pleasant walk, putting you right in the middle of all the action.

The Bloom Tour: A Downtown Floral Gallery You Can Walk

One of the most charming additions to Portland's spring calendar, the Bloom Tour transforms the city's downtown core into a walkable open-air gallery. Running from May 22 to June 7, the Bloom Tour brings together local florists and artists in collaboration with downtown retailers, filling storefronts with breathtaking floral displays and immersive art installations.

This year's Bloom Tour includes more than 40 curated locations across Downtown, Old Town, and the Lloyd District, making wandering the city's streets an art experience. Many of the participating venues are within easy walking distance of The Hotel Zags, making it effortless to follow the tour map at your own pace. The launch event at Director Park sets the tone for the season with a Botanical Couture Fashion Show featuring head-turning floral designs by internationally renowned artist Françoise Weeks and other talented local designers. Director Park, located on SW Park Avenue, is just a short stroll from the hotel. 

The International Rose Test Garden: A Pilgrimage for Flower Lovers

No visit to Portland during rose season is complete without a trip to the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. Founded in 1917 and located in Washington Park, it is the oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States, featuring over 10,000 rose bushes and expansive views of downtown Portland. 

The garden boasts more than 10,000 individual rose bushes representing over 610 different rose varieties, with roses coming into bloom from late May through October. Admission is free, and free public tours led by knowledgeable guides are offered daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. From The Hotel Zags, getting there is a breeze. The Washington Park station connects you directly to the garden. On a mild day, it's also a satisfying bike ride using one of the hotel's Gear Shed bicycles.

The garden draws an estimated 700,000 visitors annually, and for good reason. The sweeping views of Portland's skyline and Mount Hood, combined with the scent of thousands of roses in full bloom, make for an unforgettable afternoon. Be sure to spend a few quiet minutes in the Shakespeare Garden, which is festooned with roses named after characters in William Shakespeare's plays.

The Portland Rose Society Spring Rose Show

The Portland Rose Society's 135th Annual Spring Rose Show takes place at Lloyd Center on June 4 and 5, offering a more intimate and deeply curated floral experience for true enthusiasts. This beloved showcase brings together rose growers and horticulture lovers to celebrate the season's finest blooms. From the hotel, the Lloyd District is easily reachable via the MAX light rail, making it a convenient add-on to your floral itinerary.

Making the Most of Your Bloom Season Visit

Portland's spring floral season has a natural rhythm to it. Early in the festival window, the Bloom Tour installations are fresh, CityFair is just getting underway, and the Rose Test Garden's first buds are beginning to open. By early June, the Grand Floral Parade, Dragon Boat Races, and Rose Society Show give the season a grand, celebratory finale. Staying for at least a long weekend gives you the best chance to experience the full sweep of events.

When you're not out exploring the blooms, The Hotel Zags is the ideal home base to recharge between adventures. Relax and unwind in our 174 plush rooms and suites with bespoke furnishings, and panoramic views of either the city or our lush garden courtyard.

Start each morning with a complimentary continental breakfast before hitting the streets, then wind down in the evening with our nightly complimentary s'mores hour by the fireside patio. Our Gear Shed bikes and rental cameras mean you can explore and document every petal-filled moment in style. With the MAX light rail just steps away, Washington Park and the Rose Test Garden are never more than a short ride from your stay.

Portland's bloom season is a genuinely magical time to visit, and with The Hotel Zags as your comfortable, centrally located base, you'll have everything you need to soak it all in. Additionally, explore our special offers and enjoy savings on your stay too. We look forward to welcoming you to the City of Roses.