Pasadena Tournament of Roses
Backstage Experience
Join us for one of the most fun, exciting, and unique experiences of the world-famous Rose Parade!
A Unique Immersion with CalFest at the Iconic Rose Parade
Every New Year’s Day, while millions of viewers around the globe marvel at the glorious floats, spirited marching bands, and equestrian teams parading down Colorado Boulevard, a select group of festival enthusiasts enjoys an unparalleled vantage point: the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Backstage Experience, orchestrated by the California/Nevada Festivals and Events Association (CalFest). This is more than a parade—it’s an insider’s journey into the artistry, teamwork, and tradition that have made the Rose Parade a national treasure for over a century.
Rose Parade Backstage Experience is limited to 30 participants.
The CalFest Rose Parade Backstage Experience
What sets the CalFest Backstage Experience apart from a regular Rose Parade visit? It’s the exclusive access, curated programming, and camaraderie among festival and event professionals who share a deep appreciation for what it takes to orchestrate live celebrations.
This experience is tailored for members and friends of CalFest, an organization dedicated to the advancement and support of festivals and special events throughout the region. By joining the Backstage Experience, participants step into a world usually reserved for float builders, parade organizers, and broadcast insiders.
A Day in the Life: The Backstage Itinerary
Monday ~ Tour a float barn and take part in decorating a float: Arrive at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Monterey Park and board the CalFest van to head to one of the float barns to witness the final stages of float preparation. Get up close to the intricate floral work and participate by decorating a float.
Tuesday Morning ~ Attend Bandfest. See below for Bandfest information.
Float Barn Tour
Dinner & Tour of the Tournament House
Behind the scenes tour of the historic Rose Bowl Stadium.
Attend the Rose Bowl Bash.
Attend the Float Judging at Rosemont
Parade Morning: Rise early to board the CalFest van to the TV corner, sipping coffee or hot chocolate and enjoy a donut as the city buzzes with anticipation. Settle into your reserved VIP seat and prepare for a front-row view of the nation’s most spectacular parade.
Backstage Tours: The Magic Behind the Scenes
The highlight of the CalFest Rose Parade Backstage Experience is the behind-the-scenes exploration. Before the floats roll out onto the streets, participants are granted rare access to the float barns and decorating pavilions. Here, hundreds of volunteers and professional float builders labor around the clock in the days leading up to the parade, meticulously applying roses, orchids, seeds, and other botanical materials.
Guided tours reveal the intricate process of float construction:
Float Engineering: Learn about the frameworks, hydraulics, and moving parts that bring static designs to life.
Floral Design: Watch artists and volunteers as they “petal” the massive structures, using glue, pins, and scaffolding to create vibrant, living mosaics.
Bandfest
Bandfest is a multi-day event, held at Pasadena City College’s Robinson Stadium, where the marching bands selected to participate in the Rose Parade give full-length field performances. While the Rose Parade itself allows only a brief marching segment for each band, Bandfest provides a unique opportunity for these ensembles to demonstrate the breadth of their musical talent, precision marching, and intricate pageantry. Audiences are treated to complete show routines, allowing both connoisseurs of marching arts and the general public an up-close immersion into the world of marching bands
VIP Parade Seating: The TV Corner Advantage
At the heart of this tour is a coveted ticket: a VIP seat at the famous “TV corner,” the intersection of Orange Grove Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard. This is where the parade turns onto its main route and where television cameras capture the most iconic shots. From this prime location, guests enjoy close-up views of the floats as they round the corner, musicians giving their all, and equestrian teams executing their choreography for the cameras. The energy here is electric, the crowds enthusiastic, and the experience unforgettable.
See you soon…
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EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
- VIP Seating and Lunch and BandFest
- Guest Dinner at Tournament of Roses House, hosted by the Tournament of Roses
- Tour of the Tournament House
- Tour of Phoenix Decorating
- Behind the scenes tour of the historic Rose Bowl Stadium
- Tour and float decorating at Artistic Entertainment Services
- Float Judging Viewing
- Attend the Rose Bowl Bash event
- VIP Seating, Light Breakfast, and Free Program at the Rose Parade
- Local Transportation to All CalFest Experience EventsTOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Air or other transportation to Southern California
- Meals, unless specified, other tours, gratuities and anything not mentioned in the “Tour Includes” section
- Tickets to the Rose Bowl Game -
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS
Courtyard by Marriott (MAP)
555 N. Atlantic Blvd.
Monterey Park, CA 91754
626-656-4056Reservations must be made by November 20, 2025, to secure the discounted rate of $194 for King Standard. Reservations canceled within 48 hours of arrival date are subject to a one-night (1) room and tax cancellation fee. Self-parking is available for $14 per night, per vehicle. A credit card and valid ID are required upon check-in.
For questions or to make reservations over the phone, call 626-656-4056. It is imperative to identify yourself as part of CalFest to obtain the group rate.
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REGISTER FOR THE EXPERIENCE
Up to 30 attendees.
$700/person CalFest members**
$875/person non-members**Membership is on an individual basis.
50% Deposit, per person, due with registration. Only those who are fully paid will be considered registered.
There will be no refunds. Substitutions are allowed and encouraged.
