Daffodil Festival and Parade
March 29, 2024 at 8:21 a.m.
On April 6, the traditional Queen's float and parade can be found in the following cities in this order: Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting.
There has been a parade every year since 1934, except during WWII as well 2020 because of the pandemic. The Daffodil Parade is back in full swing, celebrating its 91st year.
The Grand Floral Parade takes place -- rain or shine -- on the four city tour: Tacoma (10:15am), Puyallup (12:45pm) Sumner (2:30pm), Orting (5pm).
The parade will kick off at 10:15am in Tacoma, with the route traveling down Pacific Avenue. It will then continue in Puyallup at 12:45pm through South Meridian, West Meeker and 3rd Street SW. The Sumner portion of the parade will begin at 2:30pm, traveling down Main Street. Finally, the parade will conclude in Orting at 5pm on Washington Avenue.
The Daffodil Parade is a celebrated and honored tradition in Pierce County. It began in 1926 as a Garden Party celebrating and admiring the different species of daffodils in bloom. The Daffodil Festival originated in 1934, and then the Daffodil Parade became an annual event. Gaining popularity over the years, it has grown into a chance for the community to come together to view the many different floats from around Washington state, all decorated with the bright flowers. In addition to the floats, high school bands, businesses and local organizations all march, walk and ride in the parade.
Related events include:
The "Queen's Coronation" (Saturday, April 2) A Daffodil 8k (April 2), the Princess Tea (Sunday, May 5) The Daffodil Marine Parade on Sunday, April 16, with decorated boats launching from the Tacoma Yacht Club (near the Point Defiance Ferry Terminal). The Marine Parade then continues along the waterfront to the Thea Foss Waterway in downtown Tacoma Don't miss the Jr. Daffodil Parade that takes place on Saturday, April 20 at 10am in Tacoma's North End Proctor District, billed on the Jr. website as "The Largest Children's Parade in the State." https://juniordaffodilparade.com/