The 135th Rose Parade kicks off in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. This year’s theme is “Celebrating a World of Music,” which is fitting for the performances throughout the parade.
Related: Rose Parade 2024: Your ultimate guide for watching from home
The opening number will feature Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, David Archuleta who was runner of “American Idol” in 2008, Cassadee Pope who was the first female winner of “The Voice” in 2012 and local Los Angeles artist Rush Davis. The Parade will conclude with a grand finale performance from Jordin Sparks, who was the youngest contestant to win “American Idol” when she was 17 years old.
Related: Top 5 moments from Rose Parade 2024 that had people talking
Also on theme is this year’s Grand Marshal, Audra McDonald, who has had quite the Broadway career. McDonald has been awarded more Tony Award performance wins than any other actor. She has also received two Grammy Awards and an Emmy Award.
Here are the latest updates from the 2024 Rose Parade:
Jan. 1 – 11 a.m.
After the Rose Parade concludes, Floatfest begins! It’s a chance to see all of the floats that make up the Rose Parade up close.
Related: Rose Parade 2024: How to see the floats up close after the parade
The #RoseParade might be over, but the Good Year Blimp is still flying above Pasadena.
Also still happening? Floatfest!
A chance for people to see the Rose Parade Floats up close!
Read more about how to attend here: https://t.co/UAKoJof9an#Pasadena #FloatFest pic.twitter.com/nZQzIWZ7ps— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
One thing that’s not seen on TV? The Rose Parade floats going underneath the freeway in Pasadena.
LA’s own El Segundo Little League on the DirecTV #RoseParade float in Pasadena pic.twitter.com/F0lzrj4Q96
— Victoria Ivie (@vwritesap) January 1, 2024
All the way from Hawai’i, the Na Koa Ali’i-Hawai’i all state marching band walks in the #RoseParade in Pasadena pic.twitter.com/xUQL5H6nEr
— Victoria Ivie (@vwritesap) January 1, 2024
Jan. 1 – 10 a.m.
The parade concludes its televised broadcast with a performance by Jordin Sparks.
And that’s it for the 2024 #RoseParade pic.twitter.com/alIA4czNUv
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
Jan. 1 – 8:00 a.m.
The parade begins!
David Waller and Hannah Riley are pooper scoopers. The most challenging part of the job was “the night before getting up at 4am” said Waller. Riley – her first time – said she loved the sense of community she felt. pic.twitter.com/zfDNzUdjH0
— Lisa Ann Jacobs (@lisaannjacobs) January 1, 2024
“The energy … there’s something different this year. The crowd is more interactive. So many songs are ones people know and (the music theme) brings so much joy” -Candy Carlson, #TournamentOfRoses spokesperson from the #RoseParade2024 parade route pic.twitter.com/PYFe3WmI3d
— Lisa Ann Jacobs (@lisaannjacobs) January 1, 2024
Something you may not see on TV… the dancers running back after their performance 😆 pic.twitter.com/lN2IoryKcp
— Christina Merino (@christinam_love) January 1, 2024
Take Me Out to the Ball Game because here’s the El Segundo Little League Float!
Read more about the float which is presented by DirecTV: https://t.co/pDUyYutIhb#RoseParade #pasadena #elsegundo @passtarnews @dailybreezenews pic.twitter.com/fQihgEjYIM— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
SMOKEY THE BEAR!! #RoseParade @PasStarNews pic.twitter.com/xm3g63srd7
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
No one talk to me unless it about the rapping crocodile float from UPShttps://t.co/HEOyJ4FSSM#RoseParade #HappyNewYear2024 @PasStarNews pic.twitter.com/n6jG7fyjaZ
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
2024 Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Alex Aghajanian and Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo riding in vintage cars! 🚗🌹 pic.twitter.com/b0kQ190L2B
— Christina Merino (@christinam_love) January 1, 2024
Ducks! #RoseParade @PasStarNews pic.twitter.com/Ff0kuMUGFD
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
Exciting moment over here as the DirecTV Little League Float made its way we had some jets fly above! #RoseParade @PasStarNews pic.twitter.com/wDHnzq0ycN
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
Related: Rose Parade 2024: El Segundo Little Leaguers pitch in to decorate DirecTV float
After a brief pause we’re moving again #RoseParade pic.twitter.com/l8i65BWFMF
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
As we wait for the parade to continue, the Michigan cheerleaders have made their way back down to entertain the crowd pic.twitter.com/PHRmkYpQ1Z
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
The parade has stopped for a minute here, and the theme of music is even more relevant as we here different songs from the floats and bands in the area #RoseParade pic.twitter.com/cA2ynX1tKx
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
Interesting moment for everyone watching the #RoseParade
No one appears to be on the actual Michigan Float.
However they do have their cheer team leading the way, and their marching band right behind the float. pic.twitter.com/dMn0qxqA3e— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
Here comes the Rose Queen and her Royal Court! #RoseParade @PasStarNews pic.twitter.com/FXUScBCSaH
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
More pics of the Fort Lauderdale, Florida float! #RoseParade pic.twitter.com/EaqnCwmKOo
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
Here comes the Fort Lauderdale, Florida float! #RoseParade pic.twitter.com/eEyS9vDrc6
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
Toho Marching Band put in a performance! 🥁🌹 pic.twitter.com/PTkavpfWd4
— Christina Merino (@christinam_love) January 1, 2024
Something you won’t see on TV? This chicken mascot that’s won over the crowd. #RoseParade @PasStarNews pic.twitter.com/IrQtkTiHqf
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
The crowd is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first float here on Colorado Blvd & Arroyo Pkwy. @PasStarNews #RoseParade pic.twitter.com/MMEt1hJXmB
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
The Green band from Japan just wowed the crowd with that turn at the #RoseParade
Video from @lisaannjacobs pic.twitter.com/tJrqSRkC6d
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
Donate Life float in Rose Parade wins Isabella Coleman Award #Roseparade pic.twitter.com/4WwUYQqEHw
— Steve Scauzillo (@stevscaz) January 1, 2024
Don’t forget to look up! The Good Year Blimp is flying above the #RoseParade pic.twitter.com/APZ5C9RTHW
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
First float in Rose Parade 2024 – by Honda— makes turn at Orange Grove and Colorado #RoseParade #SCNG pic.twitter.com/StwDaGlAcI
— Steve Scauzillo (@stevscaz) January 1, 2024
Attendees were impressed by the Opening Spectacular! 🎆🛩️ pic.twitter.com/kGduJHInyu
— Christina Merino (@christinam_love) January 1, 2024
B-2 Bomber flies over the #RoseParade2024 pic.twitter.com/axUPJMsHFN
— Victoria Ivie (@vwritesap) January 1, 2024
Stealth Bomber flies over Rose Parade 2024 as crowd ooohs and cheers #RoseParade #SCNG pic.twitter.com/momRLgkmZ5
— Steve Scauzillo (@stevscaz) January 1, 2024
Jan. 1 – 7:00 a.m.
With one hour before start time, the sun begins to rise on Colorado Blvd. where the Rose Parade will take place.
Today Show’s @hodakotb greeting Rose Parade attendees! 👋🏼 pic.twitter.com/Ak488MY6qW
— Christina Merino (@christinam_love) January 1, 2024
Westchester University Marching Band get ready for #roseparade pic.twitter.com/RMCYpwCXtq
— Sarah Reingewirtz (@sarahimages) January 1, 2024
The crowd is ready for the #RoseParade to begin
Here’s our guide if you’re watching form home: https://t.co/WRJykrWVLY#RoseParade2024 @PasStarNews pic.twitter.com/fBtCfS0F7j
— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) January 1, 2024
Photos from my walk to the corner of Colorado and Orange Grove Boulevard where the Rose Parade takes a turn! 🌹 pic.twitter.com/bOTQu2olRQ
— Christina Merino (@christinam_love) January 1, 2024
Jan. 1 – 6:00 a.m.
Our reporters were up bright and early to talk with attendees about how early they arrived to reserve a good viewing spot for the parade.
Fernando Lopez and Miriam Hermosa are dancing in the streets to keep warm ahead of the #RoseParade pic.twitter.com/TjxtuSZKxD
— Lisa Ann Jacobs (@lisaannjacobs) January 1, 2024
Guadalupe Argueta and Juan Godinez from Hamilton,NJ are first timers at #RoseParade. They joined another family’s firepit in the wee hours. They were visiting friends in LA for the holidays and thought “why not?” said Godinez. “You want to see life!” He said “see it live” pic.twitter.com/Qxo2QpdCrz
— Lisa Ann Jacobs (@lisaannjacobs) January 1, 2024
Miriam Hermoso enjoys the fire from her fire pit at Rose Parade 2024 #Roseparade2024 pic.twitter.com/QCefcAasIx
— Steve Scauzillo (@stevscaz) January 1, 2024
Pasadena Pacers running club taking advantage of an empty Colorado Blvd and a captive audience before the #RoseParade pic.twitter.com/RuD3kcaDkW
— Lisa Ann Jacobs (@lisaannjacobs) January 1, 2024
Line at Starbucks stretches past three stores in old Pasadena. “It woo be like this until parade starts, said an employee #Roseparade pic.twitter.com/jBEtYW9ZdV
— Steve Scauzillo (@stevscaz) January 1, 2024
People stop to get early look at city of Altadena float #Roseparade pic.twitter.com/hnxIqTmE3X
— Steve Scauzillo (@stevscaz) January 1, 2024
Charles, 13, directs folks to their seats #RoseParade pic.twitter.com/ECQI4igS4d
— Sarah Reingewirtz (@sarahimages) January 1, 2024
Follow our reporters on X, formerly Twitter:
Lisa Jacobs: @lisaannjacobs
Steve Scauzillo: @stevscaz
Christina Merino: @christinam_love
Georgia Valdes: @ValdesGeorgia
Victoria Ivie: @vwritesap
Dean Musgrove: @deanmusgrove
Sarah Reingewirtz: @sarahimages
Trevor Stamp: @mortrev
Libby Cline: @lcphoto13
Carolyn Burt: @CarolynBurt_
