How to watch Rose Parade 2026: Floats, performances and more
It is almost time for another rendition of the beloved Rose Parade, a nationally-televised celebration of the new year, float artistry and, of course, roses.
If you’re looking to tune in from home, staff at The Pasadena Star-News, from the parade’s home city, compiled a list of everything you need to know as you watch the 137th iteration of the floral extravaganza.
How to watch
The parade is set to begin at 8 a.m. PST on New Year’s Day. On TV, several channels will be broadcasting the parade, such as NBC, ABC and Univision. The 2026 Rose Parade will also be livestreamed on multiple platforms, and you can find viewing options here.
Want to experience a little-seen side of the parade? For the second time, the staff at the Pasadena Star-News will live-stream the parade on its YouTube channel, beginning at 10 a.m. PST. The stream will be stationed around where the floats make their way under the 210 Freeway bridge, making it a unique viewing experience not typically seen on TV – because the floats must fold in half to clear the bridge.
The floats
From a ‘Shrinking’-themed float from Apple TV to a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Star Trek, there are plenty of floats on the docket this year that are sure to be talkers.
If you’re hoping to catch a specific float or want details on hand as you watch, check out our guide to every Rose Parade float, band and equestrian unit, in order on our website. And if you want a fun sneak peek, check out our list of 10 fun, creative and silly floats to look out for at the 2026 Rose Parade.
The musical performances
Bishop Briggs will kick off 2026’s musical performances during the parade’s opening performance. Her performance will contain her 2016 hit “River” alongside 24 world-class dancers.
A pelican chef cooking a pot of gumbo will accompany 19-year-old John Foster, last season’s “American Idol” runner-up, atop the Explore Louisiana float for the mid-parade performance.
Performing in the Rose Parade Grand Finale is Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling artist Capital Cities, who will sing their hit “Safe and Sound.” They’ll be joined by DEK of Hearts, America’s newly crowned Mic Drop winner on NBC’s “The Voice.”
Several marching bands will also display their talents during the parade, and you can read more about this year’s talented groups and what it takes to get to the Rose Parade. Tip: Watch the creative ways some bands maneuver around the corners on the parade routes.
The tradition
The 2026 Rose Parade theme is “The Magic in Teamwork,” a theme chosen before fires ravaged nearby-Altadena and Palisades just days after last year’s parade, but has since become a nod to the teamwork needed to help the community recover and rebuild.
Fittingly, Los Angeles Lakers Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson is the grand marshal for the 137th Rose Parade. The basketball legend, businessman and social activist will lead off the parade and the following 112th Rose Bowl game, both on Jan. 1. In December, the Tournament of Roses Association President shared how Johnson was selected – and secured – with the Star-News.
This year’s Rose Queen is high school senior Serena Hui Guo, who has attended the parade since she was a child.
Breaking from tradition, rain is in this year’s forecast. The last time it rained on Pasadena’s parade was in 2006.
The big game
Alabama will face No. 1 Indiana at this year’s Rose Bowl game with kickoff at 1 p.m. PST, Thursday, Jan. 1. Note: That’s an hour earlier this year.
The 2026 Rose Bowl game is the final year that the Tournament of Roses will be tied to a lucrative deal that has long allowed it to enjoy a measure of control over the revenue that bowl games generate. Here’s how college football’s seismic shifts are impacting the Rose Bowl Game and giant New Year’s Day parade.