The Rose Parade will roll. I am on Colorado Boulevard right now, watching crews escort the final floats through wet streets. The storm is real, the roses are real, and the plan is still go. If you love the craft, the marching bands, the horses, read this now. Your parade day just changed.
What is happening on the route
Floats are arriving under tarp and light rain as teams snip, glue, and fluff in the open. The scent of citrus, eucalyptus, and damp roses fills the block. Volunteers are working fast to seal petals and secure seeds. Equestrian teams are warming up in rain sheets. Band directors are huddling with staff, checking tempos and rain covers for drums.
The parade will look different in small ways. Colors pop against a gray sky. Crowds will be bundled, not sunburned. The craftsmanship still shines. Petal mosaics hold up well in cool air, and orchids love this weather. If you are here, you will see detail that bright sun can wash out.
Arrive earlier than you planned. Storm traffic and staged floats tighten every block around Orange Grove and Colorado. Street closures are expanding as crews make last moves.
Getting there in storm conditions
Pasadena has rolled out special closure maps and posted signs through the core. Expect Colorado Boulevard to be closed for most of the day. Closures also ripple onto nearby streets and freeway ramps. The city is protecting cross streets for emergency access, so do not try to wing it. Follow the cones and the officers. Give yourself one extra hour, minimum.
If you are driving, park farther out and walk in. Residential streets fill fast with barricades and permit zones. The A Line trains are running, and station platforms are dry and bright. If you rideshare, expect drop zones several blocks away. Bring cash for lots, and patience for lines.
If you camped overnight
Stay low on gear, not spread out on the curb. Keep your area clean and passable. Crews need sidewalk space for safety checks. Use ponchos, not large umbrellas, so everyone can see. Hot drinks help, but keep lids tight and spills off the route.
Line the bottom of your chair bag with a trash bag. Your seat stays dry, your feet stay warmer, and you can pack out wet gear with no mess.
What to pack for a better morning
Parade watching is a hobby of preparation. The right kit turns rain into a memory, not a mess. Think waterproof, bright, and compact.
- Poncho, not a golf umbrella, plus a small hand towel
- Waterproof shoes or covers, and warm socks in a dry zip bag
- Seat pad, small folding chair, and a clear trash bag liner
- Thermos with something hot, and a protein snack
- Phone battery, plastic sleeve for tickets, and a sharpie for float notes
Cold hands kill fun. Use pocket warmers and keep your phone in an inside pocket. Take photos early, then put the device away and watch. Track the themes of each float like a scavenger hunt. It is a simple ritual that deepens the day.
How to watch from home, stress free
If weather or traffic keeps you in, the parade is easy to stream. Major networks carry it live on their apps with a TV login. Cord cutters can find live feeds on services like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Fubo, or DirecTV Stream. Some local stations also stream on their own apps. Smart TVs make this smooth, but your phone and a casting stick work fine.
Open your stream early. Pre-shows catch float detail you miss once the drums hit. Keep a second screen ready for band and equestrian features. If your Wi Fi wobbles, drop the resolution a notch and you will still keep up. Use captions for crowded rooms. Save your favorite shots to a shared album so your group can relive the route.
Parade coverage starts in the morning, the Rose Bowl game follows in the afternoon. Set two alerts now so you do not miss the handoff.
After the parade, make it your own
If you are in town, view the floats up close at post parade showcases. This is where hobbyists learn. You can see the layering, the glue choices, the tricks that hold petals in the rain. Take notes for your next garden project or school build. If you are at home, sketch your favorite float or build a mini with paper and dried citrus. A parade inspires hands to make.
The storm may slow the bustle, but it lifts the craft. Colors deepen. Music feels louder in the cool air. The Rose Parade is more than a route. It is a yearly reset for makers and fans. Get here early, gear up smart, or stream with intention. Either way, let the roses lead the way. 🌹☔️
