Signature Event · 93rd Parade · October 17, 2026

Texas Rose
Festival Parade
2026

The crown jewel of Tyler's fall calendar — more than 120 entries, 25,000+ spectators, and 93 years of East Texas tradition. Organized by the Strutters since 1939.

Saturday, October 17, 2026
9:00 AM Start
Front St & Glenwood · Tyler, TX
Free Route & Stadium Seating
Parade Details

Date & Time

Saturday

October 17, 2026

Parade begins at 9:00 AM

Route Start

Front St & Glenwood

Proceeds west through the Fairgrounds, ends at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium

Admission

Free

Viewing along the parade route and seating at Rose Stadium are free in 2026 thanks to a generous sponsor.

About the Parade

Tyler's Greatest
Fall Tradition

The Texas Rose Festival Parade is one of the most anticipated events in East Texas — a beloved annual celebration of Tyler's identity as the Rose Capital of America, where 75% of U.S. commercial roses are grown.

Dating to 1933, the parade has grown from a small gathering of floats and school bands into a parade with more than 120 entries drawing 25,000+ spectators each October. Custom floral floats, dozens of marching bands, the Rose Queen and her Court, equestrian groups, classic car clubs, Shriners, and local dignitaries all take part.

Behind the scenes, the Strutters Executive Board has coordinated every parade since 1939 — lining up all entrants, enforcing parade bylaws, and working with city services to make sure the event goes off without a hitch. The parade concludes with floats making a final ceremonial lap inside Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.

25,000+ Spectators
More Than 120 Entries
Televised & Sponsored by KETK-TV
Texas Rose Festival Parade 2026 — Tyler, TX
What's in the Parade

More Than 120 Entries

Rose Queen & Court

The Royal Court closes the parade on elaborately decorated custom floats — the most anticipated moment of the day.

Marching Bands

Dozens of East Texas high school and college bands compete for best band honors, with some groups traveling from across the state.

Floral Floats

Custom-decorated floats — many still adorned with live rose blossoms — themed and judged for Best Community and Best Commercial Float.

Community Groups

Color guards, drill teams, equestrian clubs, classic car clubs, Shriner units, motorcycle groups, and local dignitaries all march.

Parade Route

From Glenwood
to Rose Stadium

1

Assembly Point

Front Street & Glenwood Boulevard on Tyler's east side, adjacent to the former State Fairgrounds. Parade steps off at 9:00 AM.

2

The Route

Proceeds west along Front Street, cuts through the Fairgrounds/park area. Street viewing is free along the entire route — both sides of Front Street and Glenwood are lined with spectators.

3

Finale at Rose Stadium

The parade concludes at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. All floats make one final ceremonial lap around the track. Stadium seating is free in 2026 thanks to a generous sponsor.

The City of Tyler issues temporary road closures on parade day. Watch for signage and local media for detour routes. The parade typically lasts 1–2 hours.

Route Preview Video

Watch the 2026 Parade Route

Take a street-level ride along the full route — from Front Street & Glenwood Boulevard, west through the Fairgrounds, and into Rose Stadium — so you know exactly where to stake out your spot on October 17.

Prefer to watch on YouTube? Open the route preview →

86+ Years of History

A Tradition Since 1933

The Texas Rose Festival grew out of Tyler's identity as the Rose Capital of America — the city produces 75% of U.S. commercial rose bushes. The first festival was organized in October 1933 by the Tyler Garden Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and local rose growers who raised $1,500 to mount the inaugural event, crowning the first Rose Queen, Margaret Copeland.

In 1936, during the Texas Centennial, it was officially renamed the Texas Rose Festival. Three years later, the Strutters Executive Board was formed and took charge of parade logistics — a role they have held without interruption for 86+ years.

The parade has skipped only twice in its history: during World War II (1942–1945) and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The 2026 parade marks the 93rd edition.

1933

First Parade

93rd

2026 Edition

75%

U.S. Roses from Tyler

1933

First Tyler Rose Festival

Garden Club women, the Chamber of Commerce, and rose growers raised $1,500 for the inaugural event. Margaret Copeland crowned as first Rose Queen.

1936

Renamed Texas Rose Festival

During the Texas Centennial, the event was officially renamed the Texas Rose Festival, cementing its statewide identity.

1939

Strutters Executive Board Founded

The Tyler Strutters formed and took over parade coordination — a volunteer role they've held every year since.

1942–1945

Suspended for World War II

The parade's only wartime hiatus. Resumed after the war and has run every October Saturday since.

2020

COVID-19 Hiatus

The only other year the parade did not run in its history. Returned in 2021 to enthusiastic crowds.

2026

The 93rd Texas Rose Festival Parade

Saturday, October 17, 2026 · 9:00 AM · Tyler, TX. The Strutters' crown jewel event continues.

Strutters Executive Board at the Texas Rose Festival Parade
Behind the Scenes

The Strutters Make
It Happen

While 25,000 spectators cheer for floats and bands, the Strutters Executive Board is working behind the scenes — coordinating line-up for more than 120 parade entries, enforcing parade bylaws, liaising with the Tyler Police Department, Parks Department, and Fair Park, and managing road closures with the City of Tyler.

All entries must be reviewed and approved by the Strutters Committee. Applications open each summer, with a mid-September deadline. The Strutters' parade bible of bylaws governs every detail, from safety rules to the order of march.

Entry Coordination

Review and approve more than 120 parade entries, from floats to bands to Shriner units

Safety & Bylaws

Enforce parade rules and work with police, EMS, and city services for a safe event

Judging & Awards

Organize local volunteer judges for Best Float, Best Band, Best Drill Team, and more

Year-Round Fundraising

The Crawfish Boil and Golf Tournament fund the parade and local community causes

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

When is the 2026 Texas Rose Festival Parade?

The 93rd Texas Rose Festival Parade is on Saturday, October 17, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM. Pre-parade activities will take place at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.

Where does the parade route go?

The parade begins at Front Street & Glenwood Boulevard on Tyler's east side, proceeds west through the State Fairgrounds area, and ends at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium, where floats make one final ceremonial lap around the track.

Is the Texas Rose Festival Parade free?

Yes. Viewing along the parade route is free, and seating at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium is also free in 2026 thanks to a generous sponsor.

Who organizes the Texas Rose Festival Parade?

The Strutters Executive Board — an all-volunteer civic organization of Tyler, Texas gentlemen — has coordinated the parade every year since 1939. They work under the umbrella of the Texas Rose Festival Association.

What entries are in the parade?

More than 120 entries, including custom floats, high school and college marching bands, color guards, dance and drill teams, equestrian groups, classic car clubs, Shriner units, motorcycle groups, and local dignitaries. The Rose Queen and her Royal Court close the parade on specially decorated floats.

How long has the parade been running?

The Texas Rose Festival dates to 1933, making 2026 the 93rd parade. It has only been suspended twice — during World War II (1942–1945) and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Is the parade televised?

Yes. The parade is proudly televised and sponsored by KETK-TV. Additional parade-day coverage may also be provided by local media.

How many people attend?

The Strutters estimate 25,000+ spectators attend each year. Historical records from peak years cite as many as 100,000 attendees across the full festival weekend. Visitors come from Tyler, across Smith County, and from throughout the state.

Be Part of
East Texas Tradition

The Texas Rose Festival Parade has brought Tyler together every October since 1933. Support the Strutters and help keep the tradition alive for another 93 years.

Sponsor the Crawfish Boil Golf Tournament All 2026 Events