Attending Float Fest

It’s time to get in the Rose Parade spirit and attend Float Fest! I’ve always had the desire to go to the Rose Bowl Parade. I’ve watched the floats year after year on TV and wondered what it would be like to view in person. There, I sit on New Year’s Day mesmerized by all the colors and flowers dancing down Colorado Boulevard! Such an inspiring and beautiful way to start the new year.

But I must admit the idea of sitting in a lot of traffic, the route road closures, hordes of people, and a long long day in the sun right after NYE has always made me decide that my couch (or bed) has the best view of the parade.

But I recently discovered that you still have the opportunity to view the beautiful floats even if, like me, you’re just a bit too lazy to venture to the actual Rose Bowl Parade.

Once the Rose Parade is over, visitors can attend Float Fest. Float Fest runs on New Years Day after the floats make their appearance on the parade route (1:30pm-5:00pm) and January 2 9:00am-5:00pm. Your ticket gives you access to view all the Rose Parade floats up close on a 2.5-mile leisurely walk. It was quite crowded on our visit, but we were still able to front row access to the floats along with some really fun float photos! There are food vendors throughout the viewing area, which is helpful since it can take roughly two hours to view all the floats. Food options range from tacos, pizza, burgers, and ice cream.

What to Expect

You’ll need to purchase your Float Fest tickets in advance. Admission is $25.00 per person and children under 5 years of age are free. Tickets are only sold on-line. There are no cash or credit card sales on site.

Parking can be an issue since Pasadena is quite crowded during the historical presentation of the Rose Parade floats. Parking near Float Fest can be rather difficult. However, the city has a fantastic FREE shuttle option for parking with a lot less stress. I selected to park at Pasadena City College (1570 E. Colorado Blvd). After you park you can get in line for the FREE shuttle to the Float Fest site. The line was incredibly long on my visit (January 2, 2024). It took about 45 minutes to get on a shuttle. The line did move the whole time we were in it, which made the time go by faster.

Once the shuttle drops you off make note of what entrance you are using as this is also the exit you will want to use to get your shuttle back to your car. You can also get a map at the entrance so you can plan out your own float route.

From there it’s time to enjoy your day. I suggest watching the parade on TV on the 1st and then visiting the floats on the 2nd. It’s really exciting to see up close all the intricate details that you awed over while watching the parade on TV! You might even be lucky enough to go home with a flower from one of the floats.

Resources and More!

• Buy your tickets here!
• Visitor tips.
• The parade route.
• More information on parking and the Float Fest shuttle.
• More California flower adventures.

Enjoy your time at Float Fest!