First look at Cal Poly Universities, Downey Rose Float Association, La Cañada Flintridge, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Travel South Dakota.
PASADENA, Calif. (October 23, 2025) – The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® is unveiling another round of floral wonder with its third Sneak Peek of the 2026 Rose Parade® presented by Honda. This preview features five imaginative entries from Cal Poly Universities, Downey Rose Float Association, La Cañada Flintridge, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Travel South Dakota. On January 1, 2026, millions around the world will experience these breathtaking works of art during the 137th Rose Parade, themed “The Magic in Teamwork.”
Cal Poly Universities – “Jungle Jumpstart” – Float builder: Self-Built
A creative collaboration between Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the student-built “Jungle Jumpstart” float explores the harmony between nature and technology through the story of rainforest animals working together to repair and restore a friendly robot. Lemurs, frogs, monkeys, and a jaguar unite to bring their mechanical companion back to life, illustrating how teamwork and innovation can achieve incredible results. Cal Poly Universities’ breakthrough animation system will bring the float to life, dazzling audiences at every turn. The robot is decorated with a blend of blue corn grits and dusty miller accented with patches of high magic roses that echo the jungle palette of greens, reds, and yellows. Around it, the jungle animals are brought to life through material choices— bronze chrysanthemums and pampas grass create textured fur, while orange and lemon peels depict vibrant bird feathers. Reflecting Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” spirit, the float captures the parade theme “The Magic in Teamwork” with dazzling motion, glowing features and vibrant floral detail symbolizing the power of collaboration and imagination to help both nature and technology thrive.
Downey Rose Float Association – “Festival of Lanterns” -Float builder: Self-Built
The Downey Rose Float Association celebrates unity, tradition, and cultural beauty with its float “Festival of Lanterns.” Inspired by the Indian Lantern Festival, Diwali, the design showcases five radiant lanterns hanging from floral-adorned trees, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. At its center glows a grand Diya, an illuminated lamp representing hope and renewal, surrounded by vibrant Indian architecture and majestic peacocks stretching the length of the float. The float is filled with vibrant color, thanks to the long-lasting statice filler flower, orange Mokara orchids, orange fire opals, light pink daylilies, pink roses, and hot pink orchids for layers of warm, floral tones. The torch flame, symbolizing an everlasting candle, will glow with gold marigolds, white sweet rice, and yellow button mums. Below the flame, the base will reflect the essence of water through blue and white iris and clusters of blue and white hydrangeas. Created by volunteers through Downey’s long-standing community spirit, this self-built entry captures “The Magic in Teamwork” through artistry, collaboration and the celebration of cultural connection.
La Cañada Flintridge – “Goin Nutz” – Float builder: Self-Built
The La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association’s 47th self-built float, “Goin’ Nutz,” dives into the forest where a team of clever critters and Rube Goldberg-style engineers rally together to deliver acorns from their emergency nut supply to community members in need. Inspired by the resilience and unity shown after the Eaton Fire, the whimsical design celebrates cooperation and problem-solving as forest friends use inventive gadgets and teamwork to navigate a playful woodland adventure. The float includes in a variety of creative decorating materials, with a bunny covered in bunny tails, cotton, and pink rose petals, a vibrant hummingbird brought to life with a variety of rose and gladiola petals, a helpful snake covered in red, white, and dark purple carnations, a skunk with fat choy and white mums, and squirrels covered with palm fiber and pampas grass. True to La Cañada Flintridge’s tradition of humor, creativity, and community spirit, “Goin’ Nutz” captures The Magic in Teamwork in full bloom.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance – “Giant Strides Together” – Float builder: Artistic Entertainment Services
Elephants are the architects of the earth, moving trees and carving corridors used by people and other wildlife across the savanna. It’s a beautiful balance between all who inhabit this dynamic landscape and celebrate the magic in teamwork. In early 2026, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park will celebrate the grand opening of Elephant Valley. As guests walk among the herd, they will experience transformative moments and breathtaking views across rolling savannas teeming with wildlife. From the thunderous trumpeting of elephant matriarch Swazi to the playful antics of little Mkhaya tugging on the trunk of her mom, Umngani, to the soft and gentle footsteps of Swazi’s daughter Nisa sauntering behind—the magnitude of these soulful connections touches the heart, inspiring hope for the future. Crowned cranes Goldie and Taji prepare to take flight beside you, while zebras Holly and Leia gallop down a lush hillside as water rushes beneath. Each of these life-changing moments brings the power of conservation to life as generations are immersed in the vibrant wonder of the world’s wildlife—making giant strides together—for the future of the planet we all share.
Travel South Dakota – “Carved in Stone: A Legacy of Teamwork” – Float builder: Artistic Entertainment Services
The State of South Dakota’s float, “Carved in Stone: A Legacy of Teamwork,” celebrates the state’s landscapes, wildlife and traditions with a rich palette of floral and natural materials. Mount Rushmore rises in shades of light lettuce seed, sesame seed, and ground brown lentil, accented with tall, long-needle pine for natural depth and texture. Additional touches of state pride include the legendary jackalope, crafted from tan uva grass, cream pampas grass, and grey ming moss. Bold banners and stars sparkle in red cranberry seed, white coconut, blue statice, white button mums and white pumpkin seed. The float pays tribute to the enduring spirit of collaboration and national pride through a breathtaking depiction of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Surrounded by golden wheat, vibrant sunflowers and roaming bison, the design celebrates the state’s natural beauty, agricultural heritage, and Native American culture. The Dignity of Earth and Sky statue honors Native American women, while a cowboy on horseback represents the pioneering spirit of the Old West. With flowing waterfalls and rich floral artistry, the float captures how teamwork, past and present, has shaped South Dakota’s identity and the nation’s shared legacy.
With each Sneak Peek, the magic continues to build toward January 1, when millions around the world will experience the floral wonder of the 137th Rose Parade® and the 112th Rose Bowl Game®.
Stay tuned, as the floral magic continues to unfold!
