Saturday
October 17, 2026
Parade begins at 9:00 AM
Front St & Glenwood
Proceeds west through the Fairgrounds, ends at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium
Free
Viewing along the parade route and seating at Rose Stadium are free in 2026 thanks to a generous sponsor.
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.
The Royal Court closes the parade on elaborately decorated custom floats — the most anticipated moment of the day.
Dozens of East Texas high school and college bands compete for best band honors, with some groups traveling from across the state.
Custom-decorated floats — many still adorned with live rose blossoms — themed and judged for Best Community and Best Commercial Float.
Color guards, drill teams, equestrian clubs, classic car clubs, Shriner units, motorcycle groups, and local dignitaries all march.
Assembly Point
Front Street & Glenwood Boulevard on Tyler's east side, adjacent to the former State Fairgrounds. Parade steps off at 9:00 AM.
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.
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.
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 →
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
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
During the Texas Centennial, the event was officially renamed the Texas Rose Festival, cementing its statewide identity.
1939
The Tyler Strutters formed and took over parade coordination — a volunteer role they've held every year since.
1942–1945
The parade's only wartime hiatus. Resumed after the war and has run every October Saturday since.
2020
The only other year the parade did not run in its history. Returned in 2021 to enthusiastic crowds.
2026
Saturday, October 17, 2026 · 9:00 AM · Tyler, TX. The Strutters' crown jewel event continues.
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
Can't make it in person? The 2026 Texas Rose Festival Parade will be televised live on KETK+. Watch from your computer, phone, tablet, or streaming device — wherever you are.
We are grateful for the generous supporters who help make the Texas Rose Festival Parade possible for our community.
2026 Stadium Sponsor
Tyler's only complete retirement community — 92 beautiful, gated acres offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and Rehab. Meadow Lake's generous sponsorship made Rose Stadium admission free for everyone at the 2026 parade.
meadowlakeliving.com2026 Golf Cart Sponsor
Serving Tyler and surrounding communities, Mission Golf Cars is East Texas's premier source for E-Z-GO, Club Car, Cushman, and Garia golf carts and utility vehicles. Their sponsorship keeps the parade rolling in style.
missiongolfcars.com2026 Cooking Sponsor
East Texas flavor at its finest. Smoke Show is a local catering company bringing bold, slow-smoked barbecue to events across the region — brisket, ribs, and all the fixings that make East Texas proud. We're honored to have them fueling the 2026 Texas Rose Festival Parade.
facebook.com/smokeshowetx2026 Broadcast Sponsor
East Texas's own NBC affiliate, bringing the parade to living rooms, phones, and screens across the region. Watch the 2026 Texas Rose Festival Parade live on KETK+ — stream it anywhere.
ketk.com/plusThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. The parade will be televised live on KETK+. Watch from any device at ketk.com/plus.
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.
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.