Located just 90 minutes east of Dallas in the scenic Piney Woods, the “Rose Capital of America” boasts the largest rose garden in the country.
Calling the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden a mere “garden” doesn’t quite do it justice. Founded in 1912, this 14-acre expanse is not only one of the country’s oldest municipal rose gardens, but it’s also the absolute largest. With more than 38,000 bushes representing over 600 varieties, it is a truly spectacular sight.
This October, the rose garden will host the 93rd Texas Rose Festival. Running from October 15-18, the mostly free floral festival is set to feature its signature Rose Parade, the Queen’s Tea, and a rose show built around the theme “Celebrations through the Seasons.” Claire Ann Malone reigns as this year’s queen.
The Texas Rose Festival
Kicking off next week, the city of Tyler hosts the 93rd edition of the Texas Rose Festival, turning the 14-acre Tyler Municipal Rose Garden into a massive floral showcase. The four-day program centers on the Rose Presentation, where thousands of blooms are arranged to fit a seasonal theme, running alongside a multi-media art show and master gardener tours.
Key events at the Texas Rose Festival
Beyond the botanical displays, the festival runs a full schedule of civic events. On Saturday morning, October 17, starting at 10 a.m., the festival will host The Rose Parade – brings over 120 floats, bands, and car clubs through the streets.The parade starts at Glenwood Boulevard and Front Street. Admission is completely free.
Meanwhile, Bergfeld Park (1510 S. College) hosts a weekend arts and crafts fair with more than 90 vendors and food trucks on Saturday and Sunday. Over at the Cowan Center, the theatrical Queen’s Coronation features elaborate staging and custom gowns, followed by the Queen’s Tea where the royal court walks the grounds in full costume.
The Queen’s Tea runs 1-3 p.m. at the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden. You can meet the queen and her court in full coronation costume while the 14-acre garden is in bloom. A Master Gardeners rose garden tour runs at the same time. Both are free.
The festival opens Thursday, October 15 with a ribbon cutting at the Rose Garden Center.
At the Goodman-LeGrand Museum., vintage Ladies-in-Waiting dresses are on view through November 7. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with a $3 suggested donation.
Ticketed events at the Texas Rose Festival
While the festival is in large part free to visit, there are a number of ticketed events, including The Ladies’ Luncheon and Men’s Luncheon on Friday, October 16 – both of which start at $75.
Additionally, the Coronation will play twice at the R. Don Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center for a matinee ($15-$50) and evening show ($30-$85). Tickets are on sale through the Cowan Center box office at 903-566-7424 or on the festival’s official website.
The Tyler Rose Museum, at 420 Rose Park Drive, stays open until 5 p.m. during the festival and holds costumes and memorabilia dating to the first festival in 1933.
