Long Beach To FloatFest 2025

What Is Floatfest?

Floatfest is an opportunity for the public to view Rose Parade floats up close. The event takes place Jan 1, 2 & 3 of 2025. Tickets are free for kids and $25 for adults. The floats or on a lot located at Eaton Dr & Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

Floatfest tickets can be purchased from the Floatfest website.

Taking The Blue Line from Long Beach To FloatFest

Los Angeles Metro is Celebrating the Season with $10 Holiday Pass, Special New Year’s Day Rose Parade Service

LOS ANGELES – Metrolink, Southern California’s six-county regional passenger rail provider, is offering a convenient and affordable way to travel this holiday season with a $10 Holiday Pass available on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. To accommodate those attending the 2025 Rose Parade in Pasadena, Metrolink is also bringing back special early morning and afternoon train service on New Year’s Day.

The $10 Holiday Pass provides unlimited rides on the day of purchase and is available on the Metrolink mobile app or at any station ticket machine under the "Special Event Tickets" option. Metrolink ticketholders enjoy free transfers to many local public transit operators, including LA Metro buses and rail lines. On Jan. 1, customers can connect to Metro’s A Line at LA Union Station for easy access to Pasadena and the Rose Parade route.

Holiday Service

On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, Metrolink will operate on a normal weekend schedule across the Ventura County, Antelope Valley, San Bernardino, Orange County, 91/Perris Valley, and Inland Empire-Orange County lines. Metrolink trains will not run on the Riverside Line, which does not operate on weekends.

Special New Year’s Day Service for Rose Parade Attendees

To provide parade-goers from around the region an alternative to sitting in traffic, navigating blocked-off streets and searching for parking near the parade route, on Jan. 1, Metrolink is adding early-morning trains on the Ventura County, Orange County, and 91/Perris Valley lines, and adjusting service on the Antelope Valley and San Bernardino lines so that trains arrive at LA Union Station between 7 and 7:30 a.m. From there, customers can conveniently transfer for free to the Metro A Line to reach Pasadena. Early afternoon trains have also been added to help event attendees get home following the parade. The full Rose Parade service schedule is available below.

• The closest metro station to Eaton Dr & Sierra Madre Blvd is the Sierra Madre Villa Station.
• From the Long Beach Station at Pacific and 4th it takes 1 hr 41mins to reach the Sierra Madre Villa station in Pasadena taking the A line (Blue line) with no transfers.
• There is a free shuttle that takes people from the Pasadena City College Extension Lot to the Floatfest location (the shuttle schedule is further down on the page).
• The PCC extension lot is only a 12 minute walk from the Sierra Madre Villa Station.
• There are also buses one can take.
• There is also a Metro Bike rental station right at the Sierra Madre Villa station.
• There is also a 31 minute walk from the Sierra Madre Villa station to Eaton Dr & Sierra Madre Blvd if you're up to it.
• LA Metro TAP cards can be used to purchase fares on Pasadena transit and to rent LA Metro Bikes (to rent bikes using TAP card you must enroll in LA Metro Bike Share first).
• LA Metro TAP cards are available for purchase all over Long Beach, California.

After checking out the floats there are a number of cool places to eat in Old Pasadena. From the Sierra Madra Villa station it is a 16 min Metro A Line ride to Old Pasadena.

Visitor Tips At Floatfest

• Clear Bag Policy: For security, only clear bags are allowed. Please be prepared for a bag check upon entry.
• Bag and Stroller Checks: All strollers, backpacks, purses, and bags will be inspected before you enter the venue.
• No Wheels Allowed: Skateboards, roller skates, bikes, tricycles, Segways, and wagons are not permitted. Strollers may be tough to navigate due to the terrain.
• Service Animals Only: No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome.
• Comfortable Shoes: Since there are no trams, wear comfy walking shoes. Expect to walk about 2.5 miles and spend at least two hours viewing the floats at a leisurely pace. The venue can get crowded!
• Venue Map: Grab a brochure with a map of the layout at the entrances or at Park-N-Ride locations.
• Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of water, especially on hot days.
• Food and Drinks: There will be many food vendors, but you can bring small amounts of food and non-alcoholic drinks (no coolers, please).
• Meeting Spot: Before you start, agree on a meeting spot in case you get separated from your group. A good option is the Guest Services tent at Sierra Madre and Washington boulevards.
• Recycle: Please dispose of recyclable items in the marked bins throughout the venue.
• ASL Interpreters: American Sign Language interpreters will be available for guests with hearing impairments. Inquire at the entry gates or follow signs for more info.

Floatfest Shuttle Information

With nearly 150,000 visitors expected at Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase, street parking near the event is very limited. To enhance your experience, the Tournament of Roses Association provides free shuttle service from two convenient locations in Pasadena. Plus, guests who take the shuttle enjoy priority access through a dedicated entrance!

Thanks For Reading

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