Gates open at 10am to provide ample time to beat the crowds, inflate your innertube, check in valuables and maybe take a pre-dip in the river. 

It wouldn’t be a proper Portland celebration without a parade. We line up at Tom McCall Waterfront Bowl with everyone carrying their floats. Led by a marching band, we amble upstream along the Esplanade to the put-in at Poet’s Beach under Marquam Bridge.

Innertube parade: starts 12:30 pm

Floaters then paddle themselves out into the current and down the majestic Willamette River to the Tom McCall Bowl. Bringing a small paddle can help you propel your watercraft through the waves. Our River Stage (not the Main Stage on land) will provide sound waves as you pass by. 

The Big Float is not a regatta or race. Take your time and make a second float if you wish.

Nine Food Carts!
Altengartz German Bratwurst
Taqueria la Merced
Bellagios Pizza
Bayou Bros
Cajun Boils
Cambodian Street Food
Pidgin Hole
Alchemy Sandwich Co.
Mobile Scoop Shop
Kona Shaved Ice
We Grub, LLC