The 93rd Texas Rose Festival Queen’s Coronation took place Friday, October 16, 2026, at UT Tyler’s Cowan Center, featuring handcrafted gowns inspired by ‘Celebrations through the Seasons.’ Rose Queen Claire Ann Malone, Princess Brynn Eve Ballard, and Duchess of the Rose Growers Emmy Elizabeth Brewer were introduced alongside the full court.
Designs reflecting the festival’s seasonal theme were developed by visionary Jacob A. Climer. The costumes incorporated intricate beadwork and sweeping trains, drawing inspiration from various holidays and celebrations throughout the year. Attendees noted the detail and creativity of the garments, particularly the individually themed costumes for the ladies-in-waiting and duchesses, a development from past festivals where ladies-in-waiting were grouped by color.
Jenny Venghaus of Houston expressed amazement with “the artistry of the dresses and the creativity,” noting her enjoyment of the music accompanying the presentation. Venghaus highlighted the Nutcracker and balloon and candy-inspired designs as some of her favorites. Kendle Dardis, also from Houston, similarly praised the amazing dresses and the representation of holidays and seasons, identifying the Nutcracker and Christmas Tree costumes as her preferences.
Tisa Weiss Hibbs, a longtime observer of the Texas Rose Festival since the 1960s, described the Coronation as “absolutely beautiful and so well done.” Hibbs appreciated the thematic dresses and the mix of traditional orchestral music with contemporary songs used in this year’s production. Looking ahead, Hibbs conveyed a hope that the court will continue to diversify, including participants of different ages and from broader geographic areas to expand the festival's reach.
The festival continues with a series of public events throughout Tyler on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18.
On Saturday, October 17: * The Texas Rose Festival Parade is scheduled for 9 a.m. The route will begin heading west from Glenwood Boulevard, continue to Front Street, and conclude at Rose Stadium. * The annual Rose Festival Arts & Crafts Fair will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bergfeld Park, featuring over 90 vendors, live entertainment, and food trucks. This fair will also be open Sunday. * The Palettes of Roses Art League’s art show will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rose Garden Center. * The Rose Garden Museum’s Texas Rose Festival Rose Display will be available for viewing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rose Garden Museum. This display will also be open Sunday. * The Goodman-LeGrand Museum will host an exhibit of vintage Ladies-in-Waiting dresses from past Texas Rose Festivals from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. * The Queen’s Tea will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rose Garden, offering the public an opportunity to meet the Queen and her court and view the coronation gowns up close. The Master Gardeners Rose Garden Tour will take place concurrently from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rose Garden.
On Sunday, October 18: * The Rose Festival Arts & Crafts Fair will continue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bergfeld Park. * The Rose Garden Museum’s Texas Rose Festival Rose Display will be open from noon to 4 p.m. at the Rose Garden Museum.
Further information about the Texas Rose Festival and its remaining events is available online.
