Tournament of Roses Parade 2027

The Tournament of Roses Parade — universally called the Rose Parade — has been Pasadena’s New Year’s Day tradition since 1890. Every January 1, elaborately decorated floats covered entirely in flowers, seeds, and plant material roll along a 5.5-mile route down Colorado Boulevard, accompanied by marching bands from across the US and equestrian units. The Rose Bowl college football game follows in the afternoon at the adjacent Rose Bowl stadium.

The floats

The rule that makes the Rose Parade unlike any other: every surface of every float must be covered in natural plant material — flowers, leaves, bark, seeds, or other botanical elements. No artificial materials are permitted on visible surfaces. The floats are judged on this criterion, with awards given for design, floral presentation, and craftsmanship. Construction begins months in advance, with much of the delicate floral work applied in the final two to three days before the parade. Visitors who arrive on December 30 or 31 can tour the float-decorating operations at the Rosemont Pavilion, which is a genuinely interesting free or low-cost experience.

Watching the parade

The parade begins at 8am on January 1 and runs for approximately two hours. Colorado Boulevard fills with spectators who begin staking positions on New Year’s Eve night — many camping overnight on the sidewalk for prime spots. Reserved bleacher seating is available through the Pasadena Tournament of Roses (tournamentofroses.com); these are the most reliable way to secure a guaranteed view without camping out.

The parade route runs west along Colorado Boulevard from Orange Grove Boulevard, turning south at Sierra Madre Villa Avenue and ending near Victory Park.

Getting there

Pasadena is easily reached from Los Angeles by the Metro A Line (Blue Line) to Memorial Park or Lake stations. Parking in the area is extremely limited on parade day. Coming by train is by far the most practical approach.

For those combining the parade with a broader Southern California trip, read our guide to Los Angeles for hotel and neighbourhood recommendations, and our 10-day West Coast itinerary for route ideas.