The 137th Rose Parade kicks off 2026 at 8:00 AM PST on Wednesday, January 1 in Pasadena, California. NBA legend Magic Johnson leads the celebration as Grand Marshal with the theme “The Magic in Teamwork.”
Over 800,000 spectators line the streets each year while millions watch worldwide. The parade features more than 40 spectacular floats covered in 18 million fresh flowers, 19 marching bands from around the globe, and 17 equestrian teams.
This year brings a rare twist. Rain is forecast for the first time in 20 years. The parade proceeds as planned with complete details below on times, routes, viewing options, and how to prepare.
What Time Does the Rose Parade 2026 Start?
The parade begins at 8:00 AM Pacific Standard Time on Wednesday, January 1, 2026. The entire event takes approximately two hours to pass any viewing spot along the 5.5-mile route.
Rose Parade 2026 Start Times by Time Zone
| Time Zone | Start Time | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Standard Time (PST) | 8:00 AM | California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada |
| Mountain Standard Time (MST) | 9:00 AM | Arizona, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Montana |
| Central Standard Time (CST) | 10:00 AM | Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Louisiana |
| Eastern Standard Time (EST) | 11:00 AM | New York, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia |
| Alaska Standard Time (AKST) | 7:00 AM | Alaska |
| Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST) | 6:00 AM | Hawaii |
Floats travel at 2.5 miles per hour, giving you plenty of time to see every detail. Each float contains thousands of individual blooms placed by hand onto elaborate frameworks.
Arrival Recommendations
Free sidewalk viewing requires arriving by 6:00 AM at the latest. Many dedicated fans start camping overnight beginning at noon on December 31 to secure prime spots.
Grandstand ticketholders should be seated by 7:00 AM for areas west of Fair Oaks Avenue. Other ticketed sections fill by 8:00 AM. Early arrival helps you navigate crowds and find parking before street closures.
Rose Parade 2026 Full Schedule
New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2025)
Noon – Overnight camping begins along the parade route. You can claim sidewalk spots but everyone must stay on the curb until later.
10:00 PM – Street closures begin along Colorado Boulevard and the parade route. Arrive before this time or park farther away and walk.
11:00 PM – Spectators can move from the curb to the blue Honor Line for better viewing positions.
Midnight – The Lululemon 5K race celebrates the new year on Colorado Boulevard from Pasadena Avenue to Hill Street. Intersections close at 11:00 PM and reopen around 2:00 AM.
New Year’s Day (January 1, 2026)
6:00 AM – Recommended arrival for best free viewing spots.
7:00 AM – Grandstand ticketholders west of Fair Oaks should be seated.
8:00 AM – Parade begins with Bishop Briggs performing “River” and “Champion” with 24 dancers in the Opening Spectacular.
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM – Floats, bands, and equestrian units pass viewing areas.
10:00 AM – Parade reaches final areas near Villa Street.
1:00 PM – Rose Bowl Game kicks off (Indiana vs Alabama). Note the earlier start time, moved up from the traditional 2:00 PM.
2:00 PM – Parade route reopens to traffic.
January 1-3 – Floatfest offers ticketed close-up viewing of parade floats.
Rose Parade 2026 Route Map & Viewing Areas
The parade follows a 5.5-mile path through Pasadena starting at Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard. It travels north on Orange Grove then turns east onto Colorado Boulevard at the famous TV Corner. Most viewing happens along Colorado Boulevard through downtown. The route ends at Villa Street after turning north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard.
Best Free Viewing Spots
Colorado Boulevard draws the biggest crowds. The long stretch provides countless viewing spots in a downtown setting. Arrive very early.
TV Corner at Orange Grove and Colorado Boulevard is where cameras film the parade turn. Expect huge crowds at this premium location.
Under the 210 Freeway overpass at Sierra Madre Boulevard is a local secret called the People’s Grandstand. The sloped wall has notches where fans place wooden seats. You get shelter from rain and shade on sunny days plus unique views of tall floats folding down to fit under the bridge.
Grandstand Seating
Sharp Seating Company sells official tickets with prices varying by location. All seats are reserved and numbered with restroom access included.
| Area | Price Range | Location | Distance from Rose Bowl | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area 1 | $117-$130 | TV Corner (S. Orange Grove & W. Colorado) | 1.5 miles | Premium viewing where cameras film |
| Area 2 | $100 | East Colorado Boulevard | 2.5 miles | Families seeking mid-price option |
| Area 3 | $90-$100 | Mid-route | 3.5 miles | Good value with full parade viewing |
| Area 4 | $80-$100 | Further east | 4 miles | Budget-conscious groups |
| Area 5 | $80 | Near route end | 5 miles | Most affordable (parade arrives ~10 AM) |
How to Purchase: Visit sharpseating.com or call (626) 795-4171. Tickets typically mail between mid-November and early December.
The city provides three free disability viewing areas with advance reservation. One section has audio description and another has sign language interpreters.
Rose Parade 2026 Floats & Lineup
Over 40 magnificent floats celebrate “The Magic in Teamwork” with elaborate floral designs.
Featured Floats
Disney Celebrates America honors the nation’s 250th anniversary with Mickey Mouse leading a patriotic tribute.
Star Trek celebrates 60 years featuring the U.S.S. Enterprise, Vasquez Rocks, interactive transporters, and Starfleet Academy above the San Francisco skyline with the theme “Space for Everybody.”
San Francisco Travel makes its debut with 100,000+ flowers including 15,000 fluorescent orange marigolds creating the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and Pier 39.
Kaiser Permanente returns for its 20th appearance with 75,000 flowers highlighting healthcare teamwork.
The UPS Store presents a 32-foot seahorse teaching synchronized swimming in an underwater coral reef celebrating their Junior Achievement partnership.
Apple TV features a float themed around the show “Shrinking.”
City of Burbank showcases 15 animal characters promoting pet adoption from Burbank Animal Shelter.
South Pasadena presents “The Great Picnic Heist” with ants stealing from a sleepy bear. South Pasadena volunteers have built their own floats since 1893.
Cal Poly students created “Jungle Jumpstart” showing rainforest animals repairing a robot, exploring nature and technology harmony.
Performances and Entertainment
Bishop Briggs opens with “River” and “Champion” backed by 24 dancers.
John Foster (American Idol runner-up) performs mid-parade on the Louisiana float.
Capital Cities closes with “Safe and Sound” joined by The Voice winner DEK of Hearts.
Nineteen marching bands perform including the combined 1st Marine Division Band, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, and Marine Band San Diego. Seventeen equestrian units demonstrate horsemanship including the Arabian Horse Association and Scripps Miramar Ranch Saddlebreds honoring first responders.
Grand Marshal Magic Johnson
Lakers legend Magic Johnson perfectly embodies the teamwork theme. The five-time NBA champion, three-time MVP, and Olympic gold medalist rides in a 1940 Lincoln convertible decorated in Lakers purple and gold. Johnson’s selection came after his philanthropic work helping communities recover from last year’s devastating wildfires. He also participates in the Rose Bowl coin flip.
How to Watch Rose Bowl Parade 2026
Television Coverage
NBC broadcasts for the 99th year with Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, and Craig Melvin starting at 8:00 AM PST (11:00 AM EST).
ABC airs at 11:00 AM EST with Kevin Negandhi, Hannah Storm, and John Naber from TV Corner.
FOX starts coverage at 4:00 AM with Good Day LA, a 7:00 AM special, then full parade coverage 8-10 AM.
CNN and Great American Family also carry the parade.
KTLA 5 provides beloved commercial-free local coverage starting 6:00 AM PST with Leeza Gibbons and Mark Steines. KTLA airs the parade all day with streams available through January 14.
Telemundo and Univision broadcast in Spanish.
Free Streaming
Eight platforms stream the parade: Christmas Plus, Pluto TV, Fubo Sports Network, FanDuel Sports Network, Samsung TV Plus, Great American Pure Flix, GFam+, and Dooya. The Tournament of Roses YouTube channel also livestreams.
TikTok streams for the first time at @rose.parade starting 8:00 AM PT with hosts Pressley Hosbach and Markell Washington featuring behind-the-scenes access.
The Pasadena Star-News streams on YouTube at 10:00 AM PST from under the 210 Freeway bridge showing floats folding down to fit under the overpass.
Rose Parade 2026 Weather Update
There’s a 70% to 90% chance of rain on New Year’s Day. This would be the first wet parade since 2006 and only the 11th in 137 years.
What to Expect
Meteorologists predict light rain beginning late morning with moderate rainfall throughout the day. Expect half an inch to one inch total with temperatures in the low 60s°F.
The parade proceeds rain or shine. Floats are built to handle rain since flowers absorb moisture. Riders will wear rain gear and tow trucks stand ready for mechanical issues.
Weather Preparation
Rain jackets and ponchos are essential. Umbrellas are banned in grandstand areas but allowed on sidewalks. Ponchos work better in crowds.
Bring weather-rated sleeping bags for overnight camping as temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s. Pack extra layers, hats, and gloves. Children and seniors need extra warmth to prevent hypothermia.
Wear waterproof footwear. Carry water and snacks to stay energized.
The area under the 210 Freeway overpass provides natural shelter from rain.
Plan Your Rose Parade 2026 Experience
The Rose Parade starts at 8:00 AM PST on January 1, 2026. Rain or shine, the show features spectacular floats, world-class bands, and Magic Johnson as Grand Marshal.
Your Options
Camp overnight starting noon December 31 for the best free spots. Arrive by 6:00 AM for good free viewing along Colorado Boulevard. Purchase grandstand tickets from $80 to $130 at sharpseating.com or (626) 795-4171.
Watch on TV through NBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, or KTLA 5. Stream free on eight platforms including Pluto TV, Fubo Sports Network, and the Tournament of Roses YouTube channel. TikTok offers special coverage at @rose.parade.
Transportation
Take public transportation. LA Metro Gold Line has multiple stops near the route. Metrolink runs special early morning service. Metro buses serve from across LA County. A free shuttle to the Rose Bowl runs 9:00 AM through the game.
No parking on the parade route. Buy reserved parking or use street parking starting noon December 31. All parking meters are free New Year’s Day.
Street closures begin 10:00 PM December 31. The route reopens by 2:00 PM January 1.
Safety Rules
Prohibited: umbrellas in grandstands, tents, ladders, drones, thrown objects, open alcohol.
Allowed: chairs, blankets, rain gear, food, non-alcoholic drinks.
Call 911 for emergencies or (626) 744-4241 for non-emergency issues.
The parade moves at 2.5 miles per hour along 5.5 miles giving you plenty of time to see every detail. After the parade ends around 10:00 AM, the Rose Bowl Game starts at 1:00 PM with Indiana facing Alabama.
Pack rain gear, dress in layers, and arrive early for one of America’s most beloved New Year traditions. The 137th Rose Parade promises unforgettable moments celebrating flowers, music, and teamwork.
