UPDATE: The 2026 Rose Parade dazzled onlookers today, January 1, with extraordinary floats that pushed the boundaries of creativity and artistry. The annual event, held in Pasadena, California, showcased breathtaking designs, each meticulously crafted over months, or even years, to impress the thousands lining Colorado Boulevard.
Among the standout entries, the float from the San Francisco Travel Association took center stage, featuring over 100,000 blooms and iconic symbols like the Golden Gate Bridge. This inaugural design, titled “Believe In San Francisco,” captivated the crowd with vibrant colors and the use of 15,000 fluorescent orange marigolds to create oversized California poppies.
The Visit Mississippi float also shone, showcasing a giant Kermit the Frog alongside a live performance by Mississippi-native Charlie Worsham. This entry, themed “Mississippi: Where Creativity Blooms,” celebrated the cultural contributions of the state and its beloved Muppet character.
In a momentous year marking America’s 250th anniversary, the float titled “Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years” by America250 featured three majestic bald eagles representing the nation’s past, present, and future.
Fans of the whimsical flocked to the Trader Joe’s float, where a playful ice cream creation and a fruit ship steered by a parrot delighted attendees. The float, themed “You Float Our Boat!” showcased the brand’s signature fun and creativity.
The Cal Poly Universities float, which won the coveted 2025 Sweepstakes Award for its beauty, depicted rainforest animals collaborating to restore a robot. This stunning visual representation of the theme “The Magic in Teamwork” resonated with many.
A poignant tribute came from the California Community Foundation and the Black Freedom Fund, whose float “Rising Together” honored the lives lost in the devastating wildfires of early 2025. Featuring a phoenix rising from 31 sunflowers, it served as a symbol of resilience and hope.
Another highlight was the UPS Store float, showcasing a record-setting 34-foot-tall animatronic seahorse teaching synchronized swimming. This float boasted an impressive 170,000 flowers and was recently recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest animatronic fish ever.
The event also celebrated the legacy of Star Trek with a stunning recreation of the U.S.S. Enterprise. This float, titled “Space For Everybody,” featured iconic elements from the beloved series.
Additionally, Explore Louisiana brought to life the culinary traditions of the state with a float depicting a pelican chef stirring a pot of gumbo, symbolizing the collaborative spirit of its farmers and chefs.
After 44 appearances, Kiwanis International showcased a float with a family of hippos, crafted from various natural materials, enjoying a day at the watering hole.
The 2026 Rose Parade not only celebrated artistic brilliance but also highlighted community spirit and resilience in the face of adversity. As crowds cheered and shared their favorite moments, the event underscored the importance of connection and celebration within the community.
Stay tuned for updates and highlights from this year’s unforgettable Rose Parade, as we continue to share the magic and creativity that unfolds along Colorado Boulevard!
