UPDATE: The 2026 Rose Parade captivated thousands on January 1, 2026, in Pasadena, California, showcasing a stunning array of floats that left spectators in awe. The annual event, a hallmark of New Year celebrations, features meticulously crafted floats adorned with vibrant flowers—each entry representing months of hard work and creativity.
This year’s standout floats have been highlighted by the Pasadena Star-News, offering a glimpse into the most impressive designs that graced Colorado Boulevard.
Among the showstoppers, the San Francisco Travel Association debuted its float, “Believe In San Francisco,” featuring a breathtaking display of over 100,000 blooms, including 15,000 fluorescent orange marigolds forming oversized California poppies. This inaugural entry brought the spirit of San Francisco to life, complete with iconic landmarks.
The spotlight also shone on Visit Mississippi, which introduced a giant Kermit the Frog alongside a musical performance by Mississippi-native Charlie Worsham. This float, themed “Mississippi: Where Creativity Blooms,” honored the beloved character’s origins in Leland, Mississippi.
Another highlight was the float from America250, celebrating the United States’ upcoming semquincentennial. The 55-foot-long float, “Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years,” featured three majestic bald eagles symbolizing the nation’s past, present, and future, accentuating America’s natural beauty.
The beloved grocery chain Trader Joe’s made a splash with its whimsical float, “You Float Our Boat!” which included a giant fruit ship helmed by a parrot captain. This fun and creative entry delighted parade-goers along the route.
Moreover, the Cal Poly Universities took home the prestigious 2025 Sweepstakes Award for the most beautiful entry. Their float, “Jungle Jumpstart,” showcased student ingenuity, featuring rainforest animals collaborating to restore an old robot, embodying the theme “The Magic in Teamwork.”
In a poignant tribute, the float “Rising Together” from the California Community Foundation and the Black Freedom Fund honored victims of the early 2025 wildfires. Featuring 31 sunflowers and a phoenix rising from the center, it served as a powerful reminder of resilience and renewal.
The UPS Store wowed audiences with its under-the-sea themed float, “Sharing Skills For Success,” presenting a record-breaking 34-foot-tall animatronic seahorse—the largest of its kind, according to Guinness World Records. This vibrant float, adorned with 170,000 flowers, showcased a synchronized swimming routine that captured the imagination of attendees.
Celebrating 60 years of “Star Trek,” the float “Space For Everybody” recreated the iconic U.S.S. Enterprise, complete with nods to the show’s legacy. This entry was a fan favorite, captivating Trekkies and newcomers alike.
Lastly, Explore Louisiana brought to life the flavors of the Bayou with its float “Gulf to Gumbo,” featuring a pelican chef stirring a bubbling pot of gumbo, while Kiwanis International showcased adorable hippos enjoying a watering hole, filled with intricate floral designs.
As the excitement from the 137th Rose Parade continues to resonate, officials encourage everyone to share their favorites and celebrate the creativity and dedication that make this event a beloved tradition.
Stay tuned as we bring you more highlights and behind-the-scenes insights from this year’s unforgettable parade!
