Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade

Wet Weather Expected for the 137th Rose Parade on New Year’s Day

Pasadena’s iconic Rose Parade may face its first rainfall in two decades this New Year’s Day. The event, renowned for its vibrant floats and floral displays, is slated to take place on January 1, 2026, despite a forecast predicting wet conditions.

The impending precipitation is linked to a late-December storm that is expected to peak overnight Wednesday into Thursday, potentially marking the first rainy Rose Parade since 2006. “The last time it rained was 2006 during the parade,” said Lisa Derderian, public information officer for the city of Pasadena. “It was coming down pretty good, I was there myself, but these diehard fans are there. They want to see the parade; they’re there often. It’s a tradition.” Notably, rain has affected the parade only ten times in its history.

Attendees are reminded that umbrellas are not permitted along the parade route.

Schedule and Route Details

The 137th Rose Parade is set to commence at 8 a.m. on Thursday along a 5.5-mile stretch of Colorado Boulevard. The parade will kick off at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, proceeding north on Orange Grove, then east on Colorado Boulevard, before turning north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard and concluding at the intersection of Sierra Madre and Villa Street. Access to vehicles will be restricted beginning at 10 p.m. Wednesday, with reopening scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday after the parade.

Theme and Leadership

The theme for this year’s parade is "The Magic in Teamwork," reflecting the values of collaboration and mutual achievement. Tournament of Roses officials state that the theme highlights the richness of collective endeavors.

The grand marshal for the event will be basketball legend Magic Johnson, a prominent figure in the NBA and a member of the Hall of Fame.

Camping Guidelines

Overnight camping along the parade route will be allowed only on the night before the event, on Wednesday night. Participants can begin claiming their spots starting at noon, but all belongings must remain on the curb until 11 p.m., when they may extend into the designated "Honor Line" area.

Key camping rules include:

• Small, elevated barbecues are permitted if placed at least 25 feet from buildings, along with a readily available fire extinguisher.
• Minors requiring overnight presence must be accompanied by an adult from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 5 a.m. Thursday.
• Attendees should prepare for cold and rainy conditions by dressing in layers.
• Tents and other large seating arrangements are not allowed, as well as public sales without city permits.
• Drones are prohibited within the parade zones, enforcing a No Drone Zone extending to the surrounding Rose Bowl area.

Transportation to the Parade

Parking is expected to be limited, prompting officials to encourage the use of public transportation. Metro will offer all-night service on its A, B, D, and E lines from New Year’s Eve into the early hours of New Year’s Day, granting free rides on all bus and rail lines from 4 a.m. Wednesday through 3 a.m. Thursday.

Metro A Line stations located within a half-mile of the parade route include options for attendees to access Floatfest after the parade. Additionally, free shuttles will run from 9 a.m. Thursday until two hours post-game, transporting passengers to the Rose Bowl Game.

Historical Background

The Rose Parade, now synonymous with the Rose Bowl football game, began in 1890 as an initiative by the Valley Hunt Club to display Southern California’s floral beauty during winter. The inaugural parade featured flower-decorated carriages and various competitions, leading to the establishment of the football game as a tradition in 1902.

As one early proponent noted, “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.” This spirit of celebration continues to define the Rose Parade today.