The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce plans for the 120th Annual Rhododendron Festival, taking place May 13–16, 2027, in Florence, Oregon.

 

A Florence tradition dating back to 1908, the Rhododendron Festival celebrates the community’s coastal heritage, colorful rhododendrons, and the people who make Florence such a special place to live and visit. Now entering its 120th year, the festival remains one of the community’s signature annual events and the unofficial kickoff to summer in Oregon’s Coastal Playground.

 

Call for Entries: 2027 Rhododendron Festival Theme & Logo Contest

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce invites community members, businesses, artists, and creative minds to help shape the identity of this milestone celebration.

Amateur and professional graphic designers alike are encouraged to participate in the festival’s logo contest. The winning design will help represent the 120th anniversary across festival marketing materials and become part of the event’s long-standing history. The winning designer will receive $250 and will forever be a part of the Florence Rhododendron Festival’s legacy. In addition to the cash prize, the winner will enjoy bragging rights and recognition across all festival marketing materials.

 

The logo design should incorporate the following elements:

  • The rhododendron flower.
  • An element representative of the Florence area, such as the Siuslaw River, the Siuslaw River Bridge, the ocean, beaches, dunes, or Heceta Head lighthouse.
  • The official 2027 festival theme.
  • The text “120th  Florence Rhododendron Festival 2027, Florence, Oregon.”

 

Theme: Rhodies, Rides & Coastal Vibes

 

Submission deadline: November 16, 2026.

 

How to enter: Contest rules, submission instructions, and prize information HERE.

 

Festival Highlights: A Celebration of Tradition

For generations, the Rhododendron Festival has brought residents and visitors together for a weekend of family fun, community pride, and coastal celebration. Festival-goers can look forward to traditional favorites, including:

  • The Grand Floral Parade, featuring colorful floats, local marching bands, and community entries.
  • The Rhododendron Court, celebrating the festival’s royal traditions, including Queen Rhododendra, King of the Coast, and their court.
  • The Davis Shows Carnival, traditionally held at the Port of Siuslaw property in Historic Old Town beginning on Thursday of festival week.
  • Live music, arts, and community festivities throughout Florence.
  • The Rhody Run and Walk, Junior Parade, and Rhody Classic Car Show ’n’ Shine.
  • The Coast Radio KCST/KCFM Classic Car Cruise through Historic Old Town.

 

Festival activities and schedules will be announced as the 2027 celebration approaches.

With roots dating back to 1908, Florence’s Rhododendron Festival is among Oregon’s longest-running community traditions. The 120th anniversary offers another opportunity to celebrate the festival’s remarkable history while welcoming a new generation of residents and visitors to experience the charm of Oregon’s Coastal Playground.

 

How to Get Involved

Interested in participating as a vendor, parade entrant, volunteer, or member of the Rhododendron Court? The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes community participation and will share additional information as plans develop.

For information, contact Director of Events and Creative Design, Steve Ball, at Events@FlorenceChamber.com or call 541-997-3128.