UPDATE: The 2026 Rose Parade captivated thousands along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California, this morning, showcasing breathtaking floats adorned with over 100,000 individual blooms.
As the 137th Rose Parade unfolded on January 1, 2026, spectators were treated to a dazzling display of creativity and artistry that reflects months of meticulous planning and labor. Each float was designed to tell a story and impress the audience, and this year did not disappoint.
The float from the San Francisco Travel Association debuted with a vibrant theme, “Believe In San Francisco,” featuring a stunning array of flowers, including an eye-catching 15,000 fluorescent orange marigolds that formed oversized California poppies. This inaugural entry brought the sights of the City by the Bay to life in a spectacular fashion.
Meanwhile, the Visit Mississippi float, “Mississippi: Where Creativity Blooms,” featured a giant Kermit the Frog, accompanied by a live musical performance from Mississippi-native Charlie Worsham. Kermit’s presence paid tribute to his creator, Jim Henson, who hailed from Leland, Mississippi.
Highlighting America’s heritage, the America250 float, “Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years,” celebrated the nation’s semiquincentennial year with three larger-than-life bald eagles representing the past, present, and future of the United States.
In a whimsical twist, Trader Joe’s presented a float themed “You Float Our Boat!” featuring a giant ice cream float and a ship made entirely of fruit, captained by a colorful parrot.
The Cal Poly Universities float, winner of the 2026 Sweepstakes Award, showcased “Jungle Jumpstart,” a visual representation of teamwork as rainforest animals worked together to restore an old robot—a true celebration of creativity and collaboration.
Paying tribute to the victims of the devastating wildfires in early 2025, the California Community Foundation and Black Freedom Fund introduced “Rising Together,” featuring a phoenix rising amidst 31 sunflowers, symbolizing hope and resilience.
With an impressive display, The UPS Store showcased an under-the-sea theme with a massive 34-foot animatronic seahorse, which set a Guinness World Record as the largest of its kind. The float’s intricate design included 170,000 flowers, making it one of the most visually striking entries of the parade.
Celebrating six decades of the iconic “Star Trek” series, the Star Trek 60 float soared above the crowd, featuring a recreation of the U.S.S. Enterprise and iconic imagery from the series, captivating long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Lastly, the Explore Louisiana float, “Gulf to Gumbo,” featured a pelican chef with an internal lift system to create the illusion of stirring a bubbling pot of gumbo, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the state.
As the festivities continue, the emotional impact of this year’s parade is palpable, with the community coming together to celebrate creativity, resilience, and hope.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to cover the remarkable highlights from the 2026 Rose Parade. The celebration of artistry and community spirit is just beginning!
