UPDATE: The 2026 Rose Parade captivated audiences today in Pasadena, California, showcasing a vibrant display of creativity and craftsmanship. With over 100 floats gliding down Colorado Boulevard, this year’s event highlighted breathtaking designs and unique themes—each crafted meticulously over months of preparation.
The parade, held on January 1, 2026, featured standout floats that garnered immediate attention from thousands of spectators. Among the most impressive was the debut entry from the San Francisco Travel Association, which brought the essence of the City by the Bay to life. Covered with more than 100,000 blooms, including 15,000 fluorescent orange marigolds, the float showcased oversized California poppies, symbolizing California’s rich floral heritage.
Another crowd-pleaser was the Visit Mississippi float, which wowed attendees with a giant Kermit the Frog. Accompanied by a live performance from Mississippi native Charlie Worsham, this entry honored Kermit’s roots in Leland, Mississippi, and celebrated creativity and fun.
The Africa250 float marked a historic moment, celebrating 250 years of American history with a stunning display of nature. Three majestic bald eagles soared above a landscape depicting the country’s natural beauty, representing the past, present, and future of the United States.
Among the winners, the Cal Poly Universities float, “Jungle Jumpstart,” took home the 2025 Sweepstakes Award for its breathtaking depiction of rainforest animals restoring an old robot. Designed by students from Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, it emphasized the theme of “The Magic in Teamwork.”
Honoring the victims of the wildfires in Altadena and Malibu, the California Community Foundation and the Black Freedom Fund presented their inaugural float “Rising Together.” Featuring 31 sunflowers and a phoenix rising from the center, it served as a poignant tribute to resilience and hope.
In a remarkable twist, The UPS Store showcased a record-setting 34-foot-tall animatronic seahorse, recently recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest of its kind. This float, themed under-the-sea, captivated crowds as it led a synchronized swimming routine adorned with an impressive 170,000 flowers.
Celebrating the iconic Star Trek franchise’s 60th anniversary, the float “Space For Everybody” recreated the U.S.S. Enterprise, complete with familiar imagery and actors from the series. This nostalgic entry reminded fans of the show’s enduring legacy.
The float from Explore Louisiana highlighted the culinary traditions of the state, featuring a pelican chef stirring a bubbling pot of gumbo, symbolizing the collaboration of fishermen, farmers, and chefs that define Louisiana’s unique culture.
As the parade concluded, the Kiwanis International float featured a delightful quartet of hippos, charming spectators and showcasing the creativity that characterizes this beloved annual event.
With the 137th Rose Parade now behind us, anticipation builds for next year as communities reflect on the creativity, dedication, and spirit that each float embodies. Stay tuned for further updates and highlights from this year’s spectacular event!
