The 124-year-old Tournament of Roses, which comprises the Rose Parade (Jan. 1, 8 am) and the Rose Bowl football game (Jan. 1, 1:30 pm), isn’t just an opportunity to broadcast evidence of our awesome winter weather and flourishing flora to the world. These Pasadena festivities are some of L.A. County’s most popular annual events. One million tournament-goers are set to descend on Pasadena for the parade, featuring marching bands, equestrian units and an astonishing array of flower-bedecked floats that hew to this year’s theme, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” The Rose Bowl sees top college football teams go head to head at Rose Bowl Stadium. Excitement grows leading up to the game and parade with events such as Bandfest and Equestfest, and floats can be admired up close during the post-parade showcase.
Info: Float decorating, Bandfest, Equestfest, Rose Parade (Jan. 1, 8 am), Rose Bowl (Jan 1, 1:30 pm). Free curbside viewing of parade on first-come, first-served basis; grandstand seats $45–$90. Rose Bowl $150–$185 plus fees. Fees for other events vary. Rose Parade: Orange Grove, Colorado and Sierra Madre boulevards, Pasadena, 626.795.4171; Rose Bowl Stadium: Orange Grove Boulevard, Lida Street and Fair Oaks and Linda Vista avenues, Pasadena, 213.365.3675. tournamentofroses.com