One of America’s favorite New Year’s Day traditions returns to the streets of Pasadena, Calif. as it hosts its annual display of roses, floats and musical performances at the 2024 Rose Parade.
If you’re looking to tune in, the staff at The Pasadena Star-News compiled a list of everything you need to know as you watch the floral extravaganza.
The basics
The parade kicks off at 8 a.m. PST on Monday. On TV, several channels will be broadcasting the parade, and you can find your Rose Parade viewing options here. Broadcast hosts prep for weeks so they can detail what’s happening live. Here’s more about who will be anchoring the 2024 broadcasts.
No TV? No problem. For the first time ever, the Tournament of Roses will air its livestream of the Roses Parade, giving access to millions more viewers.
Also, if you’re on the social platform X, be sure to follow @PasStarNews for live behind-the-scenes tweets or answers to your questions!
If you’re hoping to catch a specific float or want details on hand as you watch, check out our guide to every Rose Parade float, band and equestrian unit, in order.
The people
This year’s theme is “Celebrating a World of Music,” so it’s no surprise that this year’s celebrity guests have musical backgrounds.
Performing arts star Audra McDonald, a six-time Tony Award winner, will lead the 2024 Rose Parade as grand marshal. Here’s more about her. And if you’re wondering how a grand marshal is chosen, here’s a look at why it takes years.
The parade will open with a musical performance by Destiny’s Child icon Michelle Williams, “The Voice” champion Cassadee Pope and “American Idol” alum David Archuleta, among other acts. “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks will perform the grand finale.
Naomi Stillitano, a 17-year-old Italian-American with a passion for fashion, is this year’s Rose Queen. She’ll be joined by six other young women that make up the Rose Parade’s Royal Court, all of whom you can find details here.
The details
The traditional Stealth Bomber flyover at the start of the parade didn’t happen last year. This year, the B-2 Stealth Bomber will be back at the Rose Parade.
Since the very first Rose Parade in 1890, equestrian units have played an important role. Here’s a look at the origins and history of five of the horse units appearing in the 2024 parade.
Here is some background on the marching bands coming from all over the world to entertain in the parade.
You’ll see thousands of roses during the parade, and you might wonder where they come from. The answer may surprise you.
Local to Southern California, this year’s Little League World Series champions will make an appearance on the DirecTV float.
And one float is vying for a new parade record: Newport Beach’s float will be the Rose Parade’s longest-ever at 150 feet.
The game
Alabama will face Michigan at this year’s Rose Bowl game with kickoff at 2 p.m. PST, Monday, Jan. 1.
