What to KnowBandfest presented by REMODec. 29 at 2 p.m. (Bandfest 1) and 30 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Bandfest 2 and 3), 2025Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College$26.50 general admission (price is per program); children 5 and under will be admitted freePurchase your ticket online (no in-person sales available)
Cute carols, in-home sing-alongs, and vintage songbook classics humming from your grocery store’s speakers: The second-to-last week of December is awash in aural magic as we listen to the tunes that raise our seasonal spirits.
Dec. 29 and 30 are also extremely musical ’round Pasadena in particular, but the themes are brass, and percussion, and a particularly rousing and rosy spirit: It’s Bandfest presented by REMO, one of the traditional before-the-parade events that Rose Parade fans dearly treasure.
The reason is as clear as a bell, or a triangle, if you prefer: The bands set to appear in the New Year’s Day procession will gather at Pasadena City College’s Robinson Stadium to show off their very best on-the-field music, moves, and moxie.
We said “tradition” before and we’re going to truck it out again: As with many Rose Parade happenings, tradition is one of the keys, and Bandfest always arrives in three programs.
That means you’ll need to buy a ticket — and you’ll buy it online, do note, not at PCC — for the program you’d like to enjoy. A single ticket is good for one select program, not the entire event.
The Pasadena Herald Trumpets are will open the proceedings at the start of each Bandfest, a stirring and celebratory call of the most clarion variety.
Troupes from across the country, and globe, are set to appear, with Bands of America Honor Band of Indianapolis appearing during Bandfest 2 and the Mino Jiyu Gakuen “Golden Bears” Green Band of Toyonaka, Japan playing at Bandfest 3.
The full roster of 2026 Rose Parade bands joining Bandfest are listed under their specific programs at this site.
Can’t make Bandfest this time around? Check out all of the drumming delights and tuba-strong melodies on Colorado Boulevard on the morning of Jan. 1, 2026.