The 137th Rose Parade kicks off New Year’s Day in Pasadena with a festive mix of music, floats and tradition. Despite forecasted rain in Southern California, thousands of fans and TV audiences across the US are tuning in to watch performers bring energy to the iconic New Year’s celebration. The parade begins at 8 am Pacific Time (11 am ET) on January 1 along Colorado Boulevard, with vibrant acts scheduled from start to finish.
This year’s theme, “The Magic in Teamwork,” reflects the spirit of collaboration behind floats, bands and performers — and ties perfectly to this year’s Grand Marshal, NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
Rose Day 2026: Opening Act Bishop Briggs Sets the Tone
The music portion of the parade begins with Bishop Briggs, known for her hit songs like “River” and “Champion.” She kicks off the event with what organisers describe as an Opening Spectacular featuring her powerful vocals backed by dancers and pageantry.
Her performance welcomes parade viewers as floral floats roll by and marks a spirited start to the celebration despite early-morning rain showers.
Rose Day 2026: Key Performer List
- Bishop Briggs — Opening performance
- Charlie Worsham — Mid-parade act
- John Foster — Mid-parade act
- Capital Cities — Grand Finale
- DEK of Hearts — Grand Finale collaborator
Rose Day 2026 Mid-Parade Performances: Country & Pop Mix
As the procession continues, two mid-parade performances are slated to bring variety to the stage:
Charlie Worsham
Country music singer Charlie Worsham performs during the parade segment presented by Visit Mississippi. His upbeat style adds a lively touch midway through the procession, engaging early viewers and families.
John Foster
American country artist John Foster, known for his rich vocal style and performances on stages like the Grand Ole Opry, entertains the crowd during another mid-parade segment.
Rose Day 2026 Grand Finale Performers: Capital Cities & DEK of Hearts
The parade’s entertainment reaches its peak in the Grand Finale with standout acts:
Capital Cities
The Grammy-nominated pop duo Capital Cities closes out the parade with high-energy songs, bringing a celebratory mood as the event transitions into pre-Rose Bowl festivities.
DEK of Hearts
Emerging vocal group DEK of Hearts, winners of NBC’s “Mic Drop” from The Voice, join Capital Cities for the finale. Their inclusion adds fresh, contemporary voices to the closing performance.
This mix of established and rising performers gives the Rose Parade a balanced musical lineup that appeals to a wide audience.
Rose Day 2026 Grand Marshal: Magic Johnson Leads the Parade
Adding to the excitement, Earvin “Magic” Johnson serves as Grand Marshal for the 2026 parade. The NBA legend and philanthropist is a fitting lead figure for a theme celebrating teamwork, and he will ride at the front of the procession before performances begin.
Johnson’s presence is expected to delight both sports and parade fans, and he also participates in the Rose Bowl Game ceremonies that follow the parade.
Rose Day 2026: Rain & Parade Plans
Forecasts of rain for January 1 could make this one of the first wet Rose Parades in nearly 20 years, but organisers say this won’t dampen spirits. Volunteers and viewers alike are gearing up for a memorable procession, cheering on performers and viewing floats under any weather.
Spectators lining the streets often arrive early, even overnight, for the best views of performers and displays. The two-hour procession winds through the heart of Pasadena and airs live on major networks for audiences nationwide.
Rose Day 2026 Live Streaming: How to Watch & What to Expect?
If you’re catching the Rose Parade from home, broadcasts begin around 11 a.m. ET across networks like ABC, NBC, Fox and CNN, with pre-show coverage leading into the musical performances and float procession.
Whether watching in person or on TV, the music lineup, from Bishop Briggs to Capital Cities and DEK of Hearts, promises a joyful soundtrack to welcome 2026 in traditional Rose Parade style.
