Rain is pouring over Colorado Boulevard, and Pasadena is answering with grit and cheer. I am on the curb as floats gleam with water, bands stomp through puddles, and the crowd stays put in plastic ponchos. The storm is real, the tradition is louder, and the mood is surprisingly bright. Yes, it is wet. Yes, the show goes on.
What I am seeing on the route
This rain is steady, not a quick sprinkle. The air is cool, the streets slick, and umbrellas bloom in every color. Families are huddled on lawn chairs under tarps. Kids are sipping hot chocolate. The floats look dramatic under the mist, with flowers holding their color like champs. You can hear drummers before you see them, their sticks throwing up tiny sprays of water.
If you are here, you feel the lesson fast. Dry gear beats cute gear. Clear ponchos are king, because you can still see. Waterproof boots keep the day fun. Layer up, and stash a dry shirt in a bag. I am also seeing towels used as seat covers, and that simple move is saving a lot of comfort.
Bring two essentials, a trash bag and a zip bag. One shields a seat. The other saves your phone and wallet.
Getting here and getting home today
Travel is the day’s hardest hobby. The freeways are slow and shiny, and I have passed more than one lane with standing water. Surface streets near the route are tight as usual, and today they feel tighter. If you are still on the way, consider the Metro A Line to Memorial Park or Del Mar. The trains are dry, predictable, and drop you close.
If you must drive, take it easy. Avoid the dips under rail lines and bridges, since those spots collect water. Keep extra space ahead of you. Lights on, music low, and eyes up. Leave early for the Rose Bowl area if you are headed there next. Tailgaters are adapting with weighted canopies and smart tarp setups, but the walk-in takes time.
- Slow down on the approach to Pasadena and give yourself double the time
- Park on higher ground, not near storm drains or low curbs
- Walk in on the uphill side of streets when possible
- Use train stations east and west of downtown to skip the tightest zones
Do not drive through water that you cannot judge. If you cannot see the lane lines, you cannot see the depth.
Make the most of a wet Rose Bowl day
Rain changes the playbook, not the spirit. If you are tailgating before the game, set mats under coolers so they do not sink into mud. Choose foods that cook fast and reheat well, like chili or grilled sausages. Keep one cooler just for dry goods. Tape your team flag low so wind cannot grab it. Football still feels epic in this light, the stadium a bright bowl against a gray sky. 🏈
If you need a warm pause, Old Pasadena is your friend. Cafes along Colorado are buzzing, and a hot latte has never felt more earned. Vroman’s Bookstore is a cozy stop for families, and the Playhouse District offers bright windows and covered walks. Photographers, City Hall’s arcades shine in the rain. The reflections are crisp, and the stone looks like a movie set.
Indoor hobby detours
You can turn this day into a personal project. Sketch a favorite float from a photo on your phone. Make a quick floral arrangement back at your rental using grocery roses and greens. Or shoot a mini rain photo series, focusing on hands, feet, and umbrellas. Edit later with a warm filter to bring back the glow.
Watching from home, and loving it
Staying in today is not a compromise. It is a craft. Set up a little viewing station with a notebook, markers, and snacks. Judge each float with your own scorecards. Warm the room with citrus and cinnamon on the stove. Try shooting the TV with your camera at a low shutter to get fun motion streaks. When the game starts, keep the spread simple and hot. Think sheet-pan nachos and a bubbling dip.
If the wind flickers the lights, be ready. Keep devices charged. Download a radio app as a backup. A cozy plan beats stress every time.
- Pick your home base and lay out blankets and towels
- Assign roles, one host, one chef, one judge
- Finish with a small craft, a rose in a jar, or a simple team banner
The takeaway
Pasadena is showing its character today. Rain is pressing on every plan, and the city is adapting in real time. The parade is still joyful. The game will still roar. And the day can still fill you up, whether you are on a wet curb, under a canopy, or warm on the couch. Pack smart, move with care, and let the weather sharpen the memory. The story you tell later will have sparkle, and maybe a few drops on it. 🌧️
