The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the theme for the 118th Annual Rhododendron Festival, taking place May 15-18, 2025: “Rhodies on the River.”

This year’s theme celebrates Florence’s beautiful riverside landscape, blending the vibrant beauty of rhododendrons with the dynamic, flowing life of the river. We invite our community, visitors, and businesses to take part in the festivities and embrace this theme through their participation and creativity.

Call for Entries: 2025 Rhododendron Festival Logo Contest

Amateur and professional graphic designers alike are invited to submit a logo design that captures the spirit of “Rhodies on the River.” 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 must incorporate the following elements:

  • The rhododendron flower
  • An element representative of the Florence area (examples: the Siuslaw River, the Siuslaw Bridge, the ocean, beaches, dunes, or lighthouses)
  • The theme “Rhodies on the River”
  • The text “118th Rhododendron Festival 2025, Florence, Oregon”

Submission Deadline: Entries are due by November 17, 2025. Please submit your designs via email to info@FlorenceChamber.com with the subject line “2025 Logo Contest.”

DOWNLOAD LOGO CONTEST RULES HERE

Festival Highlights: A Celebration of Tradition

As always, the Rhododendron Festival serves as the unofficial kickoff to the summer tourist season in Oregon’s Coastal Playground. Festival-goers can expect a full weekend of family fun, including:

  • The Grand Floral Parade featuring dazzling floats adorned with rhododendrons, local marching bands, and community entries.
  • The Rhododendron Court coronation with Queen Rhododendra and King of the Coast.
  • Davis Shows Carnival at the Port of Siuslaw property in Old Town.
  • Live music, art, and other festivities throughout town.
  • The Rhody Run and Walk, Junior Parade, and the Rhody Classic Car Show ‘n’ Shine.
  • The annual Coast Radio KCST/KCFM Classic Car Cruise through Historic Old Town.

Don’t miss this chance to take part in one of Oregon’s longest-standing traditions, second only to the Portland Rose Festival. With roots dating back to 1908, the Rhododendron Festival continues to attract thousands of visitors, showcasing Florence’s charm and drawing attention to the coastal region.

How to Get Involved

For those interested in participating in the festival as a vendor, parade entrant, or volunteer, or for more information on the Rhododendron Court, please contact Mitzi Hathaway, Director of Tourism Development, at Events@FlorenceChamber.com or call 541-997-3128.

We look forward to seeing the creativity and spirit of “Rhodies on the River” come to life in the 2025 Rhododendron Festival!