136th Rose Parade Heads Into History

Right on time, that magical experience that makes Pasadena so uniquely special stepped off at 8:00 a.m. with some  32 floats, 20 marching bands and 16 equestrian groups celebrating the theme “Best Day Ever!”

Weather forecasters promised the day will be sunny and 75° and they called it right.

A dramatic, thundering B-2 Stealth Spirit bomber flew low over the route, captivating spectators.

“We are thrilled to welcome the legendary Billie Jean King to serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Rose Parade,” said Tournament of Roses President Ed Morales. “Her trailblazing work has elevated women in sports and inspired countless best days ever for athletes and fans around the globe.”

The 136th Rose Parade opened with a spectacular performance featuring Kiesza performing her iconic “Hideaway” and recent Billboard #1 hit “I Go Dance,” followed by Aloe Blacc performing “Wake Me Up” on Honda’s “Electrified Dreams” float. The float showcased synchronized light tubes, pyrotechnics, and extreme stunts with trampoline wall performers, while highlighting Honda’s commitment to achieving zero emissions by 2050.

This year’s 32 floats displayed elaborate designs covered in millions of flowers, seeds, and natural materials. Each float adhered to the parade’s strict rule requiring every visible surface to be made from organic elements. Many incorporated moving parts, animatronics, and water features, with some structures towering nearly 50 feet high.

Entries included designs from community groups, corporations, and international delegations, showcasing themes ranging from social causes to cultural pride. Volunteers spent months constructing the floats, with final touches completed in the days leading up to the parade.

The 20 marching bands represented high schools, universities, and military groups from across the U.S. and abroad. International participants this year included bands from Japan, Mexico, Canada, and Europe.

The bands performed a range of music, from traditional marches to contemporary hits, with drumlines and brass sections adding energy to the parade. Each band’s precise formations and colorful uniforms reflected months of preparation.

The 16 equestrian units included charros, rodeo queens, mounted drill teams, and historical reenactment groups. Riders dressed in traditional attire while guiding horses decorated with floral garlands and ribbons.

The horses, including Andalusians, quarter horses, and Arabians, are carefully groomed and trained for the event. The equestrian units provided a nod to the parade’s early history when horseback riders were among the first participants in 1890.

Multiple mid-parade performances punctuates the procession, including Louisiana’s showcase featuring rising country artist Timothy Wayne performing “Louisiana Saturday Night.” Wayne, a junior at LSU who toured with Tim McGraw and Carley Pearce on the Standing Room Only Tour, performing atop a float featuring a festive alligator adorned with beads carrying a Cajun dance hall.

The final mid-parade performance featured Illinois’ “Play Hooky in Illinois” float, a “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”-inspired creation complete with recreations of Chicago landmarks including the Wrigley Field marquee, Willis Tower, and the “Save Ferris” water tower. Jazz artist Brian Culbertson performed “Danke Schoen” aboard the float.

The parade concluded with a star-studded grand finale featuring pop icon Debbie Gibson, who still holds the record as youngest female artist to write, produce and perform a Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit, alongside Australian-born Betty Who, a classically trained singer, dancer, multi-instrumentalist and LGBTQ+ icon. They were joined by students and alumni of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy celebrating its 25th anniversary of making dance accessible for young people. Allen, a Kennedy Center Honoree, rode the Mansion Entertainment Group float during the performance.

For the first time, the post-parade Floatfest showcase presented by Go Bowling will run for three full days at Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards. The event features food trucks, a video wall, and a beer and wine garden with full-service bar. Operating hours are: January 1 (1:30-5 p.m., ticket sales end 3:30 p.m., last entry 4 p.m.), January 2 (7-9 a.m. for seniors and disabled visitors, then 9 a.m.-5 p.m., ticket sales end 3:30 p.m., last entry 4 p.m.), and January 3 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., ticket sales end 2:30 p.m., last entry 3 p.m.). Tickets are $25 (free for children 5 and under) and must be purchased online at sharpseating.com, with no cash or credit sales onsite. Early booking is encouraged. Shuttle service is included with ticket purchase.