The 137th Rose Parade arrives in Pasadena on Thursday, January 1, 2026. NBA legend Magic Johnson serves as Grand Marshal with the theme “The Magic in Teamwork.” You’ll see 40 rose-covered floats, 19 marching bands and 17 equestrian teams travel the 5.5-mile route down Colorado Boulevard.
The parade starts at 8:00 AM PST and takes about two hours to pass any viewing spot. You can buy grandstand tickets from $80 to $130, stake out free sidewalk spots or watch on TV.
This guide covers all your options so you can pick what works best.
2026 Rose Parade Ticket Prices: What You’ll Pay
Sharp Seating Company sells all official Rose Parade tickets. Prices depend on where you sit along the parade route.
Area 1 costs $117 to $130 per seat on South Orange Grove Boulevard and West Colorado Boulevard. You’re at the famous “TV Corner” where most cameras film. The Rose Bowl Stadium is 1.5 miles away on foot.
Area 2 costs $100 per seat on East Colorado Boulevard about 2.5 miles from the Rose Bowl. You get great views at a middle price point that families often choose.
Area 3 costs $90 to $100 per seat, now 3.5 miles from the Rose Bowl. All 85 parade units pass right in front of you at a lower price.
Area 4 costs $80 to $100 per seat about 4 miles from the Rose Bowl. Groups and families on a budget like this option.
Area 5 costs $80 per seat, the most affordable official seats. You’re about 5 miles from the Rose Bowl. The parade reaches this area closer to 10:00 AM instead of 8:00 AM.
All grandstand tickets include a reserved seat, restroom access and some weather protection. Sharp Seating mails tickets between mid-November and early December.
How to Buy 2026 Rose Parade Tickets
Sharp Seating Company is the only authorized ticket seller. Buy online at sharpseating.com where the website shows a map of each grandstand area. You can see exactly where you’ll sit and how much it costs.
Call (626) 795-4171 to order by phone and talk to representatives about your needs. They explain differences between viewing areas.
Cash and credit cards don’t work at the parade site on January 1st. You must buy tickets ahead of time. Tickets usually go on sale in February for the next year’s parade. Popular sections like Area 1 sell out first.
Sharp Seating sells tickets at face value with no markup. Your tickets arrive at your home between mid-November and early December.
Buy Rose Parade Tickets on StubHub
StubHub offers another way to get Rose Parade tickets. This secondary marketplace lets you buy tickets from other people who can’t attend. Prices on StubHub vary based on demand and availability. You might find tickets when Sharp Seating sells out.
The StubHub FanProtect Guarantee covers your purchase. You get valid tickets or your money back. Tickets arrive by email or through the StubHub app. You can browse available seats and compare prices across different grandstand areas.
StubHub prices may be higher than face value during peak demand. Check both Sharp Seating and StubHub to compare options and find the best deal for your budget.
Free Rose Parade Viewing: How to Watch Without Tickets
The entire 5.5-mile route is open to the public at no cost. Please bring your own camping chairs or blankets, as nothing is provided.
The corner of Colorado and Orange Grove Boulevard is called “TV Corner.” The parade turns east here and most TV cameras film from this spot. You need to arrive by 5:00 AM or earlier to get space.
Colorado Boulevard through Old Town Pasadena has dense crowds and lots of excitement. Sierra Madre Boulevard is located near the end, where crowds are lighter and parking is easier.
Arrive no later than 6:00 AM on January 1st for a decent free viewing spot. Prime locations fill up by 7:00 AM.
Overnight camping is another option. The Tournament of Roses lets people claim curbside spots starting at noon on December 31st. Set up your chairs and blankets. At 11:00 PM you can move up to the “blue honor line” to get closer.
Pack portable camping chairs, blankets for warmth, lots of snacks and drinks. Dress in layers because early morning is cold but it warms up by midday. Bring sunscreen, hats and rain gear. Kids need entertainment like coloring books or handheld games. A portable phone charger is crucial.
Accessibility Seating and Special Accommodations
Three street-level areas along the route are reserved for individuals with disabilities. Each person with a disability can bring up to four guests. Go to tournamentofroses.com and complete the registration form. Register early because these areas have capacity limits. Bring your own chairs or cushions.
One viewing area offers audio description services for people who are blind or have low vision. Another area provides sign language interpreters for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors.
Wheelchair-accessible seats are available in the official grandstand sections. Call (626) 795-4171 to discuss specific needs when you buy tickets.
Rose Parade Package Deals: Tickets Plus Hotel and More
Bucket List Events offers three nights at the Sofitel Beverly Hills with reserved grandstand tickets and Rose Bowl Game tickets. Transportation is included for both events.
Sports Traveler offers two to four-night packages at the Doubletree Marina del Rey. You visit the Float Decorating Barns on December 31st and get roundtrip transportation from LAX airport plus pre-game VIP hospitality.
NOOR Pasadena offers a Champagne Brunch in the Sofia Ballroom. Platinum Seating costs $425 per person with a 180-degree view. Gold Seating costs $375 per person. Indoor Seating costs $325 per person. Children ages 2 to 11 pay $250. The price includes champagne brunch with a bagels and lox station, crêpe station and espresso bar.
Parking for the 2026 Rose Parade
The parade route closes to vehicle traffic at 10:00 PM on December 31st and doesn’t reopen until 2:00 PM on January 1st.
Three official garages offer pre-paid parking for $20. Schoolhouse Garage sits at 33 E Green Street. De Lacey Garage is at 45 S De Lacey Avenue. Marriott Public Garage is at 171 N Raymond Avenue. Book online through Parking Concepts Inc.
Many Metro Gold Line stations have parking lots. Check metro.net before your trip to see availability and costs. Memorial Park Station, Lake Station and Allen Station all sit close to the parade route. The Metro Gold Line runs overnight from December 31st into January 1st just for parade attendees.
Street parking near the parade route is extremely limited and fills up by midnight on December 31st. Public transportation is your best choice for Rose Parade day.
2026 Rose Parade Tickets FAQs
Yes. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages into grandstand seating areas. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Rose Parade tickets are generally non-refundable once you buy them. Refunds would be issued only if the parade is officially canceled by the Tournament of Roses.
Grandstand gates typically open around 6:00 AM before the 8:00 AM parade start.
Sharp Seating assigns specific seat numbers when you purchase tickets. Buying early generally means better seat assignments within each area.
No formal dress code exists. Most people dress casually and comfortably in layers.
You can leave your seat anytime. Your seat is reserved so you can return to it.
Binoculars can enhance your experience but they’re not necessary for enjoying the parade.
Small soft-sided coolers are generally permitted. Check current guidelines on tournamentofroses.com.
No age restrictions exist. Infants, children and people of all ages are welcome.
ATMs are available but often run out of cash or have very long lines. Bring enough cash with you before arriving.
The 2026 Rose Parade gives you multiple ways to experience this New Year’s Day tradition. Grandstand tickets start at $80 or you can watch for free along the route. Start planning now to secure your spot.