Top moments from Rose Parade 2026 that had people talking
Every year, without fail, the Rose Parade in Pasadena reaps moments worth talking about beyond its two-hour runtime.
Last year, it was the iconic Elphaba float from the “Wicked” franchise, strange-looking E-Scooters from Honda and Billie Jean King.
Also read: 2026 Rose Parade live coverage: A ‘Magic’-al, but wet, day at the 137th parade
This year, highlights include unusually rainy weather, reminders of fire recovery and a really, really giant fish. Without further ado, a full recap of the moments that you don’t want to ring the New Year in without seeing:
No B-2!
The first moment to remember is, actually, the absence of an usually-iconic moment. The B-2 bomber flyover typically signifies the start of the annual Rose Parade, but not this year.
In case you haven’t heard, the parade was off to a rainy start before eventually finding moments of dryness throughout its duration. It made for an interesting viewing experience both on site, with many covered by ponchos amid an umbrella ban, and from home, with broadcasts suboptimal due to rainy camera lenses.
Because of the moisture, the B-2 bomber was a no go. Its absence disappointed some fans.
Also read: When is the last time it rained on the Rose Parade? It’s pretty rare
@the.socal.local With soaked streets and ponchos galore, the streets of Pasadena are unusually wet for Jan. 1 — making it a rare morning for the 2026 Rose Parade. The last time it rained on Pasadena’s iconic parade was 2006, when the theme was “It’s Magical,” an echo of this year’s “The Magic in Teamwork.” In total, it has only ever rained on the Rose Parade 10 times: 1895, 1899, 1906, 1910, 1916, 1922, 1934, 1937, 1955 and 2006. Today marks the 11th. See more Rose Parade coverage at the link in our bio. : Carolyn Burt and Christina Merino, SCNG #roseparade #pasadena #rain #roseparade2026
A fish to remember
What’s a Rose Parade without a new record? Nowadays, it seems like every rendition of the parade brings a new feat in the realm of float artistry and animatronics. And making history this year was (drumroll, please) the title for largest animatronic fish ever. Yes, that’s a real thing.
The UPS Store’s majestic 34-foot-tall seahorse was awarded the title by Guinness World Records before the parade began.
@the.socal.local What’s a Rose Parade without a new record? Nowadays, it seems like every rendition of the parade brings a new feat in the realm of float artistry and animatronics. And making history this year was (drumroll, please) the title for largest animatronic fish ever. Yes, that’s a real thing. The UPS Store’s majestic 34-foot-tall seahorse was awarded the title by Guinness World Records before the parade began. Find more Rose Parade coverage at the link in our bio. #roseparade #pasadena #paradefloats
A community in recovery
Casting its shadow over the parade this year is the approaching anniversary of the devastating wildfires that ravaged through the greater Los Angeles area just days after last year’s parade. This year, there were plenty of reminders throughout the course.
To honor the lives lost during the early 2025 wildfires in Altadena, Pasadena, Pacific Palisades and Malibu, 31 sunflowers appeared on the “Rising Together” float — the first Rose Parade entry from the California Community Foundation and the Black Freedom Fund.
Live long and Rose Parade
A recreation of the starship U.S.S. Enterprise soared over Colorado Boulevard to celebrate 60 years since the launch of the legendary TV series “Star Trek,” which debuted on Sept. 8, 1966.
“Stark Trek” brought the stars, notably original series star George Takei, who played Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu. Takei was joined by Strange New Worlds‘ Rebecca Romijn (Una), Discovery and Starfleet Academy actor Tig Notaro (Jet Reno), and Starfleet Academy newcomer Karim Diané (Klingon cadet Jay-Den Kraag).
@the.socal.local A recreation of the starship U.S.S. Enterprise soared over Colorado Boulevard to celebrate 60 years since the launch of the legendary TV series “Star Trek,” which debuted on Sept. 8, 1966. “Stark Trek” brought the stars, notably original series star George Takei, who played Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu. Takei was joined by Strange New Worlds‘ Rebecca Romijn (Una), Discovery and Starfleet Academy actor Tig Notaro (Jet Reno), and Starfleet Academy newcomer Karim Diané (Klingon cadet Jay-Den Kraag). Find more Rose Parade coverage at the link in our bio. #roseparade #pasadena #startrek #sulu
Your favorite marching band’s favorite marching band
The Rose Parade is known almost as much for its marching bands as it is its roses, made possible in part by the hard work of band directors across the country every year.
This year, joining the parade was The Band Directors Marching Band. As the name implies, the all-adult ensemble features music educators from across the United States and Mexico — retired and current band directors and music education graduates who have collectively mentored hundreds of thousands of students.
What’s the parade without a mishap?
Almost every year, at least something goes awry during the floral spectacle. Despite the rain, most things were pretty smooth, unless you were on the Downey Rose Float Association float.
The float needed a tow truck shortly before making its turn onto Colorado Boulevard during the 2026 Rose Parade.
@the.socal.local The Downey Rose Float Association entry “The Glow of Achievement” needed a tow truck shortly before making its turn onto Colorado Boulevard during the 2026 Pasadena Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. : Christina Merino, SCNG @thedailychristina_ #roseparade #pasadena #2026roseparade #roseparade2026 @Rose Parade #pasadenaroseparade
Nonetheless, it was still a stellar day for the folks from Downey. The city’s lush entry snagged the Founder Trophy, recognizing the top float built and decorated by volunteers from a community or organization.
Another award-winner, Apple TV’s “Shrinking” float, also got a tow at the end. The creative entry earned the Crown City Innovator honor for “most outstanding use of imagination, innovation and technology.”
Magic to do
NBA Hall of famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson was a perfect grand marshal on a day when folks braving the gloomy weather needed a reason to smile.
The former Laker and part-owner of the Dodgers also served as emcee for the kickoff of the parade.
Johnson had to reach out from the window of his classic car so parade attendees could see more than his waving hand — but as the weather improved, the top came down, much to fans’ delight.
Big morning for Bishop
Brassy pop star Bishop Briggs shook off the raindrops and gave fans an electric opening performance. Clad in scarlet with a crew of synchronized dancers in matching gear, she performed her hits “River” and “Champion” with tons of energy.
Briggs is a 33-year-old singer-songwriter from London. Her real name is Sarah Grace McLaughlin, but, worried that she might be confused with famed Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, McLaughlin eventually changed her stage name to Bishop Briggs, in honor of the Scottish town of Bishopbriggs, where her parents were raised.
Grace befitting a queen
Serena Guo, the 137th Rose Queen, managed to look stylish and regal despite the showers. So did her Royal Court.
Donning transparent ponchos over their lavish gowns — white for the queen and deep forest green for her princesses — the young women weathered the storm with grace, serenity and big, bright smiles.
Bands with bravado
As usual, the bands were big, bold and brassy. Among those getting big responses from the crowd:
–Cheers of “Viva!” and applause greeted the Delfines Marching Band from Veracruz, Mexico, the crowd showing its appreciation for the folklorico dancers’ effusive choreography and colorful outfits as well as the band’s shoulder-shaking moves.
–Cheerleaders with the Japanese “Golden Bears” Green Band tested their strength along the route, tucking their pom poms between their legs to carry white stars and white stripes above there heads to create an American Flag visual. The marching band had already begun to turn heads even before the parade, donating $7,000 to Eaton and Palisades Fire victims.