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Rose Parade 2024: Your ultimate guide for watching from home

How to watch it, the float lineup, musical performances and more

Donate Life’s float, “Lifting Each Other Up” makes its way along Colorado Boulevard during the 134th Rose Parade  in Pasadena on Monday, January 2, 2023. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Donate Life’s float, “Lifting Each Other Up” makes its way along Colorado Boulevard during the 134th Rose Parade in Pasadena on Monday, January 2, 2023. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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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.

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.

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A float IMPOSIVE participates in the 133rd Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, January 1, 2022.  (Photo by RINGO CHIU/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

President Biden Hosts The White House's Juneteenth Concert On The South Lawn
Audra McDonald performs during a Juneteenth concert on the South Lawn of the White House on June 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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.

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A marching band participates in the 131st Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, January 1, 2020. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images)

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.