Tournament of Roses Hosts Community Open House
Nearly 500 guests attended the eighth annual event at Tournament House, where the 2027 Rose Parade theme was also unveiled.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy
The Tournament of Roses hosted its eighth annual Community Open House at Tournament House on Sunday afternoon, drawing nearly 500 guests. The event, presented with the Pasadena Community Coalition, also featured the unveiling of the 2027 Rose Parade theme, "Welcome."
Why it matters
The gathering reflects the Tournament's effort to connect with residents of Pasadena and its surrounding communities ahead of the 138th Rose Parade. Partnerships with local community organizations and transportation services are part of that outreach.
The eighth annual Community Open House drew nearly 500 guests, while the Tournament of Roses counts 935 volunteers supporting its events. The source does not report how the event's attendance compares with earlier years.
The players
Tournament of Roses
The Pasadena-based organization that produces the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game and has run the Rose Parade since 1890.
Terry Madigan
The Tournament of Roses president who unveiled the 2027 Rose Parade theme and has volunteered with the organization since 1993.
Gerald Freeny
The Tournament's first African American president, who helped launch the community gathering before his death in September.
Pasadena Community Coalition
The local partner organization that co-presented the Community Open House with the Tournament of Roses.
Foothill Transit
The regional public transit agency whose buses transported residents to the event under a partnership with the Tournament.
The details
Residents were transported to Tournament House by Foothill Transit buses wrapped in large red roses, departing from the Jackie Robinson and Villa Parke community centers. The Foothill Transit partnership began nearly a decade ago, with Rose Court advertising inspired by artist Maxfield Parrish, and another specially decorated bus with a Rose Bowl theme is planned.
Timeline
September: Gerald Freeny, the Tournament's first African American president, died.
Eight years ago: Freeny helped launch the community gathering.
Nearly a decade ago: the Foothill Transit and Tournament bus partnership began.
Sunday afternoon: the Community Open House was held at Tournament House.
Jan. 1, 2027: the 138th Rose Parade and 113th Rose Bowl Game are scheduled.
Philanthropy Context
The Community Open House is an annual edition of an outreach series the Tournament of Roses launched eight years ago. The 2027 theme "Welcome" arrives as the 138th Rose Parade approaches on Jan. 1, 2027.
Residents of the Jackie Robinson and Villa Parke community center areas could ride Foothill Transit buses to the event at no separate cost to attend. The partnership shows how transportation can make local Tournament events reachable for neighborhood residents.
The takeaway
Community outreach events like the Open House give residents direct access to the organizations that stage Pasadena's major annual celebrations. Attending or volunteering can offer a closer look at how the Rose Parade is planned.
What happens next
The 138th Rose Parade and 113th Rose Bowl Game are scheduled for Jan. 1, 2027, and another Rose Bowl-themed Foothill Transit bus is planned.
Further reading
For more on community giving in the area, explore Philanthropy coverage.
