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136TH ROSE PARADETICKETS AND PARKINGTOURNAMENT OF ROSES
Last Updated on Sep 25, 2025
The Pasadena Rose Parade is a world-renowned celebration filled with exciting activities for everyone. Start your day by attending the stunning float displays along the parade route, where intricately designed floats covered in flowers create a breathtaking spectacle. After the parade, head to the Post-Parade Float Viewing to get a closer look at these magnificent works of art. For a unique experience, visit the Rose Bowl for the annual college football game, a highlight for sports fans. Take a leisurely stroll through the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation to learn about the parade's history, or enjoy live music performances at various festival stages set up throughout the city. The Equestrian and Animal Exhibits are another fun feature, showcasing beautiful horses and other animals in a vibrant setting. Don’t miss the Floral Design Displays for a deeper appreciation of the flowers used in the floats, and for a bit of fun, check out the Rose Parade Viewing Parties offering exclusive access to the event. With so much to do, the Pasadena Rose Parade is a festive celebration that appeals to visitors of all ages.
January 1, 2026 | 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
The 137th Pasadena Rose Parade, presented by Honda, will take place on January 1, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM PST. This iconic New Year's Day tradition will feature a 5.5-mile procession along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California, showcasing a vibrant array of floral floats, equestrian units, and marching bands . Notable marching bands scheduled to perform include the Allen Eagle Escadrille from Texas, the Bands of America Honor Band from Indiana, and the Mino Jiyu Gakuen Golden Bears Green Band from Japan . Spectators can secure reserved grandstand seats through Sharp Seating, with tickets available online . For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be broadcast on multiple networks, including KTLA-5, NBC, ABC, Hallmark Channel, RFD TV, and Univision, and can be streamed online via platforms such as ABC.com, NBC.com, and YouTube TV.
The 137th Pasadena Rose Parade, scheduled for January 1, 2026, will feature 19 exceptional marching bands from across the United States and around the world. Among the distinguished participants are the Bands of America Honor Band, a 300-member national ensemble directed by Richard Saucedo, and the Delfines Marching Band from Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. Other notable bands include Arcadia High School from California, Brownsburg High School from Indiana, Clover High School from South Carolina, Franklin High School from Tennessee, and Greendale High School from Wisconsin. These bands will perform along the iconic 5.5-mile route down Orange Grove and Colorado Boulevards in Pasadena, California, showcasing their musical talents and elaborate performances.
The 5.5-mile parade route begins at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena, California, proceeding north on Orange Grove, then east along Colorado Boulevard, and concluding at Villa Street via Sierra Madre Boulevard. The event will feature a vibrant array of floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units. For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be broadcast on multiple networks, including KTLA-5, NBC, ABC, Hallmark Channel, RFD TV, and Univision, and can be streamed online via platforms such as ABC.com, NBC.com, and YouTube TV. In addition to the parade, related events include Decorating Places from December 28 to 30, 2025, where visitors can observe the float preparation process; Equestfest on December 29, showcasing equestrian performances; Bandfest on December 29 and 30, featuring marching band performances; and Floatfest from January 1 to 3, 2026, offering a closer look at the parade floats.
The Rose Parade has a rich and vibrant history dating back to 1890 when members of the Valley Hunt Club, led by Charles Frederick Holder, organized the first Tournament of Roses. The inspiration for the parade came from the abundance of flowers in Southern California, even during the winter months. Professor Charles F. Holder proposed the idea at a club meeting, stating, “In New York, people are buried in snow; here our flowers are blooming and our oranges are about to bear. Let’s hold a festival to tell the world about our paradise.” Since then, the Rose Parade has evolved into a spectacular showcase of creativity and innovation. What began as entrants decorating carriages with hundreds of colorful blooms has transformed into a dazzling display of state-of-the-art technology, carefully concealed beneath layers of flowers and natural materials. Over a century later, the Rose Parade continues to captivate spectators every New Year, featuring breathtaking floral floats, spirited marching bands, and high-stepping equestrian units along the iconic 5 ½ mile route down Colorado Boulevard.
The Rose Parade, officially known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, typically spans 5.5 miles through the streets of Pasadena, California. Starting at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, the parade winds its way through the city, showcasing a stunning display of floral-covered floats, marching bands, and equestrian units. The route is lined with spectators eager to witness this annual New Year's Day tradition, which usually lasts about two hours, depending on the number of entries and the pace of the parade.
Tickets for the Rose Parade vary depending on the seating location and the type of experience desired. General admission tickets, which allow attendees to find a spot along the parade route, are often free, but some areas may require a small fee for reserved seating. Reserved seats typically range from $50 to $200 per person, depending on their proximity to the parade's starting point and other factors such as accessibility and amenities. Additionally, VIP packages that include perks like catered meals, parking, and exclusive viewing areas can cost significantly more, sometimes exceeding $500. It's advisable for attendees to purchase tickets in advance, as they can sell out quickly.
The Rose Parade's 5 1/2-mile journey kicks off at the intersection of Green Street and Orange Grove Blvd. in picturesque Pasadena, California. As the procession unfolds, it gracefully travels north on Orange Grove at a leisurely 2 1/2-mile per hour pace, creating an enchanting spectacle for spectators. The route takes a scenic turn east onto the renowned Colorado Blvd., which serves as the primary location for the majority of parade viewing. Revelers and onlookers gather along this iconic thoroughfare to witness the breathtaking floats, spirited marching bands, and high-stepping equestrian units. As the parade nears its grand finale, it turns north onto Sierra Madre Blvd. and gracefully concludes at Villa Street, leaving a trail of memories for all who have gathered to celebrate the annual tradition of the Rose Parade. In terms of parking, visitors are advised to plan ahead and utilize designated parking areas strategically placed along the route to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience during this iconic New Year's celebration.
Embark on a stress-free New Year's adventure with a convenient Metrolink ride to the Tournament of Roses events, all accessible via Union Station. Offering a seamless experience, a Metrolink ticket not only ensures a smooth journey but also includes a complimentary transfer to the Metro Gold Line, providing easy access to the festivities. To plan your trip, visit metrolinktrains.com for holiday schedules and fare details, where you'll find the $10 Holiday ticket, granting unlimited rides for the day. Stay in the loop with the latest updates by following @Metrolink on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, ensuring you're well-informed and ready to make the most of your hassle-free transportation to and from the iconic Rose Parade events.
Bypass the traffic congestion and parking challenges by opting for a smooth and efficient Metro journey to the Rose Parade and other Tournament of Roses events in Pasadena, seamlessly connecting to the Metro Gold Line. Say goodbye to the stress of driving and hello to convenience as you plan your trip through www.metro.net. Strategically located, Metro stations with optimal access to the parade route include the Del Mar Station, a mere two blocks north of the procession, the Memorial Park Station, conveniently situated two blocks south, the Lake Station, a four-block stroll to the south, and the Allen Station, offering easy access with just a four-block walk to the parade route. Embrace the ease of public transportation and focus on enjoying the festivities, hassle-free, with Metro's accessible and well-connected services.
