The Rose Parade ends but the magic continues. After the floats complete their 5.5-mile journey down Colorado Boulevard, they park along Sierra Madre Boulevard and Washington Boulevard for three more days. You can walk right up to them and see every flower, seed and detail.
Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase runs from January 1 to 3, 2026 in Pasadena, California. Nearly 150,000 people visit this event each year. They come to experience the floats in a way that’s impossible during the parade itself.
What Happens after the Rose Parade
The parade moves at 2.5 miles per hour. You get maybe 30 seconds to see each float as it passes. At Floatfest, you control the pace. Stand as close as a few feet away. Study the intricate designs for as long as you want.
Float builders spend months creating these temporary masterpieces. Every petal gets placed by hand. Seeds form intricate patterns. Natural materials create textures and depth you can’t see from parade viewing stands or TV cameras.
The people who created these floats are there to meet you. They explain their design choices, building techniques and the materials they used. These conversations bring the floats to life in a new way.
This is a rain or shine event where you walk a 2-mile route at your own pace. The relaxed atmosphere works perfectly for families who need breaks or want to focus on specific floats.
Schedule of Events Floatfest 2026
| Date | Time | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Ticket sales stop at 3:30 PM, Last entry at 4:00 PM |
| January 2, 2026 | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Seniors & people with mobility disabilities only |
| January 2, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | General admission, Ticket sales stop at 3:30 PM, Last entry at 4:00 PM |
| January 3, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Ticket sales stop at 2:30 PM, Last entry at 3:00 PM |
Plan to spend at least 2 hours walking the full 2.5-mile route. The path has a moderate incline so wear comfortable shoes.
Tickets cost $26.50 per day. Children 5 and under get in free. Buy tickets online only at sharpseating.com or call (626) 795-4171. Each ticket works for one day only.
Entertainment & Attractions
Go Bowling presents the 2026 event with live entertainment throughout the venue. Musicians and performers appear at various spots along the route.
The Rose Petal Bar serves beer and wine for adults. A large video screen shows parade highlights and behind-the-scenes footage. Watch interviews with float builders and see how the floats moved down Colorado Boulevard.
Tournament volunteers answer questions throughout the venue. They know the history of the parade, details about specific floats and general event information. Float exhibitors set up near their displays to share stories and answer questions about the creative process.
Food Fare
The Food Fare near Gate A on Sierra Madre Boulevard features Los Angeles food trucks. You’ll find diverse cuisine types from savory meals to sweet treats.
You can bring small amounts of your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Pack snacks in clear bags that meet size requirements (12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches maximum). Coolers are not allowed.
Bring refillable water bottles. Walking for 2 hours requires plenty of fluids even on cool January days.
Tips for Visitors
Security checks every bag at entry gates. Only clear bags smaller than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches are allowed. Regular purses and backpacks don’t meet requirements.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. You’ll cover 2.5 miles on pavement. New shoes cause blisters so wear shoes you’ve broken in already.
Not Allowed: Pets (except service animals), bikes, skateboards, roller skates, tricycles, Segways, wagons and large coolers.
Strollers: Allowed but may be difficult to push on uneven ground and through crowds.
Pick a meeting spot before you start walking. The Guest Services tent at Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards makes a good landmark. Grab a free venue map at the entrance or shuttle stops.
American Sign Language interpreters assist guests with hearing impairments. Ask at any entrance gate for help.
Crowds peak during mid-day on January 1 and 2. Early morning on January 2 offers the quietest experience. January 3 tends to have smaller crowds as people return to work.
Shuttle Service & Transportation
Street parking near Floatfest is extremely limited. The Tournament of Roses provides free shuttles from multiple locations. Shuttle riders enter through a priority line that moves much faster than regular gates.
| Shuttle Location | Address | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pasadena City College | 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. | Free parking and shuttle service |
| PCC Extension Lot | 3035 E. Foothill Blvd. | Free parking and shuttle service |
| CalTech | Campus location | Free shuttle available |
| Metro A Line | Sierra Madre Villa Station | Shuttles every 10 minutes, Regular Metro fares apply |
Shuttle Operating Hours:
- January 1: 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM
- January 2: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- January 3: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Metro information: Call (323) 466-3876 or visit metro.net. Regular Metro fares apply unless you transfer from the A Line or Metro buses.
People with disabilities can park at Victory Park Recreation Center at 2575 Paloma Street. Access the lot from Paloma Street off Altadena Drive during park hours only.
Why You Should Attend Floatfest 2026
The 2026 Rose Parade theme is “The Magic in Teamwork.” This message celebrates collaboration and community support. The theme took on deeper meaning after the Eaton and Palisades fires affected local communities.
NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson serves as Grand Marshal. The five-time Lakers champion rode in the parade in a 1940 Lincoln-Zephyr Continental Cabriolet decorated with purple and gold flowers and basketballs made of seeds. His vehicle is part of the Floatfest display.
Rose Parade floats are temporary art. They exist for just a few days before being dismantled. Floatfest is your only chance to see these creations up close. The photos you take and memories you make can’t be recreated later.
Tickets cost $26.50 per day with free admission for children 5 and under. This reasonable price gives your whole family access to world-class floral art. Compare this to Rose Parade grandstand seats at $80 to $130 per person.
The relaxed pace works perfectly for families with young children. Take breaks when needed. Visit the floats that interest your kids most. You control the schedule.
Contact Information: Tickets: (626) 795-4171 or sharpseating.com Visitor Info: (877) 793-9911 Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: (626) 744-4241
Download the Official Rose Parade app for maps and real-time updates. Buy your tickets early. Take the free shuttle. Wear comfortable shoes. Get ready to experience the Rose Parade floats like never before at Floatfest 2026.