The float will highlight Santa Monica’s coastal setting, cultural attractions, public art, sustainability initiatives and diverse community.
Santa Monica will return to the Tournament of Roses Parade in 2027 after the City Council approved plans Tuesday for a city-sponsored float designed to promote the city’s tourism, local businesses and ongoing economic recovery efforts.
The vote authorizes the city to move forward with development of a float for the 138th Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2027, under the parade’s theme, “Welcome.”
City officials said the float will highlight Santa Monica’s coastal setting, cultural attractions, public art, sustainability initiatives and diverse community while reaching a global television audience of millions.
“The parade’s theme reflects who we are as a community,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said during the announcement. “Santa Monica has always been a place that brings people together.”
The decision follows several months of planning that began after the council directed staff in January to explore participation in the parade. According to the city, preparations included submitting an application to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, evaluating float builders, developing fundraising plans and assessing operational requirements.
City staff selected Artistic Entertainment Services, a Pasadena-authorized Rose Parade float builder, as the project’s production partner.
Concept development is expected to begin later this month. Community outreach and fundraising efforts are scheduled to launch July 23 during Santa Monica’s State of the City event in Ocean Park.
Float design, engineering and construction are expected to continue through the second half of 2026. City officials said residents will have opportunities to participate in decorating the float before the parade.
The float will make its debut during the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day and will remain on display during Floatfest, the annual post-parade showcase held Jan. 1-3, 2027.
