Tournament of Roses’s FloatFest credit: TournamentofRoses.com
Floatfest, the Rose Parade Showcase, blossoms today, offering visitors an up-close view of the parade’s elaborate floral displays through Friday, January 3. Part of the 136th Rose Parade presented by Honda, the event transforms E Sierra Madre Blvd & E Washington Blvd in Pasadena, CA 91107 into a 2-mile exhibition featuring the detailed craftsmanship of Rose Parade floats after their appearance on the parade route.
The showcase aims to give nearly 150,000 visitors a rare opportunity to examine the intricate designs and workmanship while learning about float construction from Tournament volunteers. Tournament officials have expanded the event’s amenities, bringing back the Food Fare presented by Go Bowling, featuring cuisine from LA’s top food trucks near Gate A.
To manage the expected crowds, organizers have implemented a structured viewing schedule. The showcase opens January 1 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ticket sales end 3:30 p.m., last entry 4:00 p.m.), with special early access hours on January 2 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. reserved for seniors and visitors with mobility disabilities. Regular viewing continues January 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ticket sales end 3:30 p.m., last entry 4:00 p.m.) and January 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (ticket sales end 2:30 p.m., last entry 3:00 p.m.).
The Tournament of Roses Association has arranged free shuttle services from two Pasadena locations: Pasadena City College (1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106) and PCC Extension Lot (3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107). Shuttle users receive priority entry through a dedicated entrance, with final departures and returns clearly scheduled for each day.
Admission is $25 per person, with free entry for children 5 and under. Tickets are available exclusively online, with no onsite sales permitted. For security purposes, all strollers, backpacks, purses, and bags will be inspected, with clear bags no larger than 12x6x12 inches highly recommended.
The showcase spans over two miles of city streets with a moderate incline, prompting organizers to recommend comfortable walking shoes and early arrival. Skateboards, roller skates, bikes, tricycles, Segways, and wagons are prohibited, and strollers may be difficult to navigate due to terrain. Only service animals are permitted. Visitors may bring small amounts of food and non-alcoholic drinks (no coolers). Venue maps are available at entrances and Park-N-Ride locations. Additional amenities include American Sign Language interpreters, designated meeting points at the Guest Services tent, and recycling facilities throughout the venue.
