Arrival day
Wednesday 30 DecemberFan zones open the day before. Take the afternoon for the city.
- Half-dayMount Wilson and the Angeles forest
- EatUnion
Rose Bowl and Rose Parade 2026 in Pasadena: weekend guide and things to do
31 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 · ExpectedPasadena, United States
Rose Bowl and Rose Parade is one big day in Pasadena, but most fans arrive the day before and leave the day after. This guide covers the arrival afternoon, match-day morning, the evening and the free day after.
Know before you go
- The Rose Parade on Colorado Boulevard starts at 8 am on New Year's Day; people camp out on the route the night before.
- When 1 January is a Sunday, the parade and game move to 2 January.
Airport to Rose Bowl Stadium
Burbank (BUR) is 20 minutes away; LAX is 45 to 60 minutes.
Shuttles run from Old Pasadena; parking at the stadium sells out.
Public transport directions to Rose Bowl Stadium
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | East Colorado Boulevard | Motels and chains. |
| Mid-range | Old Pasadena | Walk to restaurants and the A Line. |
| Splurge | The Langham | Historic resort hotel. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hotel Constance Pasadena
- Mid-range: Hilton Pasadena
- Splurge: The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual weekend schedule for 31 December 2026 to 1 January 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Match day morning
Thursday 31 DecemberFree until you head to the stadium. Avoid anything far away or tiring.
- Easy outingOld Pasadena food walk
- FreeNorton Simon Museum on the first Friday evening.
The day after
Saturday 2 JanuaryA full free day before you fly.
- Free ideaRose Bowl loop walk.
- EatOld Town cafés
Evening plans
For the night before or after the match.
- After darkOld Pasadena bars.
Family-friendly picks
- Kidspace Children's Museum.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Old Pasadena bars.
4 tours worth booking for Rose Bowl and Rose Parade
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Wilson and the Angeles forest | Half day | Families |
| Old Pasadena food walk | Half day | Food lovers |
| JPL open house or Caltech walk | Half day | Everyone |
| The Huntington Library and Gardens | Half day | Tired legs, Families |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Norton Simon Museum.
Getting around on event days
- Metro A Line to downtown LA and Long Beach; shuttles to the Rose Bowl on event days.
Day trips from Pasadena
- Downtown LA: 25 minutes
- Santa Anita: 15 minutes
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Rose Bowl and Rose Parade.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Rose Bowl and Rose Parade 2026?
The next edition is 31 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Rose Bowl Stadium?
Burbank (BUR) is 20 minutes away; LAX is 45 to 60 minutes. Shuttles run from Old Pasadena; parking at the stadium sells out.
Where should I stay for Rose Bowl and Rose Parade?
For most visitors the best base is Old Pasadena: Walk to restaurants and the A Line.
What else can we do around Rose Bowl and Rose Parade?
Good short outings in Pasadena include The Huntington Library and Gardens, Mount Wilson and the Angeles forest, Old Pasadena food walk. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Rose Bowl and Rose Parade?
Family-friendly picks: The Huntington Library and Gardens, Mount Wilson and the Angeles forest. Kidspace Children's Museum.
How far is Rose Bowl Stadium from Pasadena centre?
About 3 km in a straight line. Shuttles run from Old Pasadena; parking at the stadium sells out.
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