Rose Parade 2027: The Complete Family Guide to Pasadena’s New Year’s Tradition
There’s no better way to start a new year than with roses, marching bands, and a parade of floats so detailed they look like works of art. The Rose Parade has been a Pasadena tradition for well over a century, and seeing it in person is a memory kids never forget.
The 138th Rose Parade takes place on Friday, January 1, 2027, with the theme “Welcome.” Here’s our family guide to the parade, grandstand tickets, camping out along the route, and the fun pre- and post-parade events like Decorating Places, Bandfest, Equestfest, and Floatfest.
Rose Parade 2027: Quick Facts
Date: Friday, January 1, 2027
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Theme: “Welcome”
Tournament President: Terry Madigan
Route: 5.5 miles through Pasadena
Rose Bowl Game: The 113th Rose Bowl Game is also on January 1, 2027
The 2027 Grand Marshal has not been announced yet. Get the latest from the Tournament of Roses Parade Day Guide.
The 2027 Theme: “Welcome”
Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan announced “Welcome” as the 2027 theme. Expect floats, bands, and equestrian units that celebrate hospitality, community, and the joy of opening your doors to others. Read the official theme announcement for more.
The Rose Parade Route
The 5.5-mile route begins at Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, heads north on Orange Grove, turns east on Colorado Boulevard, then north on Sierra Madre Boulevard, and ends at Villa Street. The turn from Orange Grove onto Colorado is famous for TV cameras, so it gets especially crowded.
Grandstand Tickets
Reserved grandstand seats are sold by Sharp Seating, the official ticket seller. Current 2027 prices range from about $82 to $133 per seat, depending on the area, with seats along South Orange Grove and West Colorado at the top of the range. Buy through Sharp Seating.
Parent tip: Grandstands give kids a guaranteed view without an overnight campout, which is worth it for many families with little ones.
Camping Out Along the Route
Many families stake out free curbside spots the night before. Camping is allowed starting at noon on December 31, and at 11 p.m. people may move up to the blue “honor line” painted along the curb, but not past it.
The City of Pasadena typically bans tents, sofas, boxes used as seats, bonfires, fireworks, drones, and umbrellas along the route, and you can’t use tape, rope, or paint to save a spot. Check the city’s 2027 safety rules before you go, and pack warm layers, blankets, and snacks for a chilly night.
Rose Parade Events Before and After the Parade
Rosemont Pavilion
700 Seco Street
Pasadena, CA 91103
Monday, December 28 – Wednesday, December 30, 2026
Watch volunteers cover floats in flowers, seeds, and bark in the days before the parade. It’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look, and children 5 and under are free. Hours are posted on the Tournament of Roses event page.
Los Angeles Equestrian Center
Tuesday, December 29, 2026
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Horse lovers can see the parade’s equestrian units perform and meet riders up close. 2027 ticket prices haven’t been announced yet.
Pasadena City College
1570 E. Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91106
Tuesday, December 29 – Wednesday, December 30, 2026
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Parade marching bands from around the world perform full field shows, a treat for music-loving kids. Check Visit Pasadena for current ticket prices; children 5 and under are free.
Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards
Pasadena, CA
Friday, January 1, 2027: 1:30 – 5 p.m.
Saturday, January 2, 2027: 7 – 9 a.m. (seniors and guests with disabilities), 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (general)
Sunday, January 3, 2027: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
See the finished floats up close after the parade, when you can admire every petal and seed. Tickets are digital and sold through Sharp Seating, and Metro runs shuttles from the Sierra Madre Villa Station. Children 5 and under are free.
Parking and Getting There
Metro runs 24-hour rail service on parade day, including extra service on the A Line, which is often the easiest way to avoid traffic and road closures. Reserved parking is also sold through Sharp Seating and the City of Pasadena, and overnight street parking along the route begins at noon the day before.
Tips for Attending the Rose Parade With Kids
Dress in layers. New Year’s morning in Pasadena can be cold, especially if you camp out, but it warms up quickly once the sun is out.
Bring a stool or low chair for little ones, snacks, water, and a small trash bag. Restroom lines can be long, so know where the nearest facilities are before the parade starts.
If you’d rather skip the crowds, the parade is broadcast live on TV, and Floatfest lets you see every float up close on January 1–3.
Takeaway
The 2027 Rose Parade steps off at 8 a.m. on Friday, January 1, 2027, with the theme “Welcome.” Grandstand seats from Sharp Seating range from about $82 to $133, or you can camp out for free along the route starting at noon on December 31.
Don’t miss the extra events, from Decorating Places and Bandfest to Equestfest and Floatfest. Ringing in the new year early? See our guide to family-friendly New Year’s Eve events in Los Angeles and our Christmas and holiday events for LA families.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the 2027 Rose Parade?
The 138th Rose Parade is on Friday, January 1, 2027, from 8 to 10 a.m. in Pasadena.
2. What is the 2027 Rose Parade theme?
The 2027 theme is “Welcome,” announced by Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan.
3. How much are Rose Parade grandstand tickets?
Grandstand tickets for 2027 range from about $82 to $133 per seat, depending on location, through Sharp Seating, the official ticket seller.
4. When can you camp out for the Rose Parade?
Curbside camping is allowed starting at noon on December 31. At 11 p.m., campers may move up to the blue honor line along the curb.
5. Can you see the Rose Parade floats after the parade?
Yes. Floatfest displays the floats at Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards on January 1–3, 2027, with tickets sold through Sharp Seating.
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