Santa Monica to Enter Float in 2027 Rose Parade
The city's first Rose Parade float since 1979 carries the theme "Waves of Welcome" and is open to public donations, roses, volunteers and sponsors.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Civic
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The City of Santa Monica will field a float in the January 1, 2027 Rose Parade, its first appearance since 1979. The city is inviting residents to donate, dedicate roses, volunteer and sponsor the float through online sign-up pages.
Why it matters
The float gives Santa Monica a visible role in the parade and creates several ways for residents to take part in building it. Sponsorship levels also determine whether participants can ride the float or walk beside it during the parade.
The city's announcement cites 1979 as the last year Santa Monica entered a Rose Parade float, and residents may dedicate one or a dozen roses. The total construction budget and fundraising target were not disclosed.
The players
City of Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a coastal city in Los Angeles County, California, known for its beach, pier and public waterfront attractions.
Artistic Entertainment Services
Artistic Entertainment Services is a Southern California firm that designs parade floats and other large-scale entertainment productions.
The details
The float, themed "Waves of Welcome," was debuted at the State of the City event and designed by Artistic Entertainment Services. Its design features the beach, the Solar Ferris Wheel, the Pier sign and the Santa Monica carousel.
Timeline
November 12, 2026: The float debuted at the State of the City event.
January 1, 2027: The float appears in the Rose Parade.
January 1-3, 2027: Floatfest runs.
Season Trajectory
The city's return to the Rose Parade follows its 1979 float, marking a gap of nearly five decades between appearances. The Waves of Welcome float positions Santa Monica's landmarks, including the Solar Ferris Wheel and the Pier sign, in the parade for the first time in that span.
Residents can donate, dedicate one or a dozen roses, volunteer, or sponsor the float through online sign-up pages. Higher sponsorship levels allow participants to ride the float or walk beside it during the parade.
The takeaway
Residents who want to be part of the 2027 parade can donate, dedicate a rose, volunteer, or sponsor the float before it reaches the streets. Sponsorship is the only option that offers a place on or beside the float itself.
What happens next
The float will appear in the Rose Parade on January 1, 2027, and at Floatfest, which runs January 1-3, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more local government and community news in the Civic section for Santa Monica.
More information
Support the effort through the Santa Monica Rose Parade float donation page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Canyon News.
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