SANTA MONICA—On June 10, the city of Santa Monica announced that the Santa Monica City Council on June 9 approved the city’s participation in the 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade, moving forward with a city-sponsored float.
Tuesday’s decision follows months of staff planning that included completing the Tournament of Roses application process, evaluating float builders, developing a fundraising strategy and conducting operational assessments. The council originally authorized staff to begin the planning process in January of this year.
The 2027 Rose Parade theme, “Welcome,” aligns with Santa Monica’s identity as an inclusive and innovative coastal destination.
“The 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade is an incredible opportunity to showcase Santa Monica to millions of people around the world,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said. “The parade’s theme, ‘Welcome,’ reflects who we are as a community. Santa Monica has always been a place that brings people together, and today we are building on that tradition as we revitalize our city, support local businesses, and prepare to welcome visitors from around the globe. I look forward to working with residents, community organizations, and business leaders to create a float that captures the creativity, beauty and spirit of Santa Monica.”
Santa Monica will start concept development later this month, and community engagement and fundraising efforts will begin July 23 at the State of the City event on Main Street in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park Neighborhood. Float engineering, fabrication and production will take place from August through December 2026, including an opportunity for volunteers to help decorate the float at the end of December.
The float will celebrate iconic landmarks, oceanfront setting, sustainability efforts, public art, cultural diversity and welcoming community. The city selected Artistic Entertainment Services as the official float production partner based on the company’s experience, operational capabilities and authorization by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association to design and build official parade floats.
The float will make its debut in the 138th Rose Parade on January 1, 2027, followed by Floatfest from January 1-3, where spectators can view the float up close after the parade.
By Danny Jones