Experience the breathtaking Rose Parade on a special Family & Friends journey to cheer on the Bowling Green State University Falcon Marching Band as they march in this iconic New Year’s celebration. Held annually in Pasadena, the Rose Parade is a dazzling showcase of spectacular floral floats, world-class marching bands, and unforgettable pageantry filled with energy, tradition, and community spirit.
This Escorted Tour is designed to provide a seamless, full-service experience so you can simply enjoy every moment. Once you make your way to Southern California, GMT takes care of the rest. You’ll stay in a full-service hotel in beautiful Long Beach, conveniently located near waterfront dining, shopping, and attractions. Each day begins with a delicious breakfast buffet, with additional meals included throughout the tour for added convenience.
Relax and enjoy the experience while private motorcoach transportation handles the navigating, parking, and Los Angeles traffic for you. Many featured attractions are included, along with coveted Bandfest and Rose Parade tickets, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this extraordinary event. The experience concludes with a special Celebration Dinner alongside the band and fellow travelers as everyone celebrates this unforgettable achievement together.
Throughout the journey, you’ll be accompanied by a dedicated GMT Travel Director who will assist every step of the way, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
As you take in the festivities together, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking floral creations made from thousands of fresh flowers, accompanied by the excitement of music, performance, and celebration. This is a unique opportunity to support your BGSU performer while sharing in one of America’s most treasured New Year’s traditions with family and friends.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and pride on display while creating lifelong memories during this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Travel to Los Angeles.
Arrive in Los Angeles on own
Check into your Long Beach area full-service hotel.
Join us for a warm welcome reception, where fellow travelers come together to share stories and excitement about the adventures ahead. Enjoy light refreshments as you mingle and make new friends before embarking on your journey. Don’t miss this chance to kick off your trip with camaraderie and joy!
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel (included).
Attend the BGSU Falcon Band Rehearsal.
Lunch (on own).
Attending Bandfest at the Tournament of Roses offers an exhilarating preview of the upcoming Rose Parade, showcasing over 20 world-class marching bands from around the globe. Held at Pasadena City College's Robinson Stadium, this two-day event allows attendees to experience high-energy field shows featuring intricate choreography, vibrant uniforms, and synchronized performances. The Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band & Herald Trumpets traditionally open each session, setting the tone for the diverse lineup that includes both domestic and international groups . Bandfest is an unmissable celebration of music, culture, and the spirit of the Rose Parade.
Enjoy the BGSU Falcon Marching Band's Bandfest performance.
Enjoy a boxed dinner at the Float Barn (included).
Join your BGSU Family and Friends travelers and the BGSU Falcon Band for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help put the finishing touches on floats that will appear in the 138th Rose Parade!
Working on the construction of the Rose Parade floats is a hands-on, creative experience that blends artistry, engineering, and teamwork. Volunteers and designers spend months bringing elaborate floral visions to life, meticulously covering every inch of the floats with fresh flowers, seeds, and natural materials. The process takes place in massive float barns, filled with the scent of blooms and the buzz of activity. It's a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation’s most iconic New Year’s Day traditions, where dedication blossoms into breathtaking beauty.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel (included).
A visit to Santa Monica Beach and Pier offers a quintessential Southern California experience. The 3.5-mile stretch of beach features soft sands, bike trails, and the iconic pier, which houses Pacific Park—a free-admission amusement park with rides like the solar-powered Ferris wheel and the West Coaster roller coaster. Underneath the pier, the Heal the Bay Aquarium provides educational exhibits on marine life, while the surrounding area boasts restaurants such as Pier Burger and The Albright, offering oceanfront dining options. Whether you're seeking relaxation on the beach or thrills at the amusement park, Santa Monica delivers a memorable coastal getaway.
Enjoy a performance by the BGSU Falcon Marching Band (tentative).
A trip to Hollywood offers a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of the entertainment industry, from iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the TCL Chinese Theatre. Cruise past historic studios, famous film locations, and scenic views of the Hollywood Sign.
A visit to the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles offers a delightful blend of history and flavor. Established in 1934, this iconic market features over 100 vendors, including specialty grocers, artisan shops, and diverse food stalls serving global cuisines from Korean BBQ to Brazilian churrasco. Adjacent to the market is The Grove, an upscale outdoor shopping center designed to evoke a nostalgic "Main Street" atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, catch a live performance, or ride the vintage-style trolley that connects the two destinations, making for a perfect outing.
Lunch (on own).
Enjoy dinner today at one of many local restaurants (on own).
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel (included).
Experience the magic of Universal Studios Hollywood, where you can step into your favorite movies and TV shows! Enjoy thrilling rides like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and meet beloved characters from classic films. Don't miss the behind-the-scenes studio tour, which gives you a glimpse into the filmmaking process. With live entertainment, delicious dining options, and unique shopping experiences, there's something for everyone. Make unforgettable memories as you explore this iconic destination!
Your entrance to the park is included in your package.
Enjoy lunch and dinner inside the park today (on own).
Boxed breakfast (included).
Attending the 138th Rose Parade from reserved seating along the parade route offers a front-row experience to one of the most iconic New Year’s Day celebrations. Elevated seats provide clear views of the elaborately decorated floral floats, high-energy marching bands, and equestrian units as they make their way through Pasadena. Guests enjoy the comfort of designated spots, nearby restrooms, and early morning access. With the parade kicking off at 8 a.m., it's a spectacular way to ring in the new year surrounded by music, color, and tradition.
Cheer on the BGSU Falcon Marching Band from your reserved grandstand seats!
Lunch (on own).
This evening, enjoy an exclusive Celebration Dinner with the BGSU Falcon Marching Band, where you will have a fabulous meal complete with dancing that will make this night truly unforgettable (included).
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel (included).
Enjoy an included one-day park hopper pass to Disneyland and watch the BGSU Falcon Marching Band perform in the Disney Parade.
A visit to Disneyland offers an unforgettable journey through immersive lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where guests can pilot the Millennium Falcon, and Fantasyland, home to classics like Peter Pan’s Flight and “it’s a small world.” Thrill-seekers can brave Space Mountain or race through Radiator Springs on Cars Land’s Radiator Springs Racers. Magical parades, nightly fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle, and character encounters around every corner bring the Disney magic to life. With themed dining, dazzling shows, and nonstop excitement, it’s a dream destination for all ages.
Enjoy lunch and dinner inside the park today (on own).
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel (included).
Check out of your Long Beach Area Hotel.
Depart Los Angeles with memories of a great trip!
Depart Los Angeles on own
ESCORTED PACKAGE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING*:
Deluxe motorcoach transportation in California, per itinerary. Deluxe motorcoach transportation in California does NOT include transfers from and to the airport on arrival and departure days.
Hotel accommodations for 6 nights at full-service hotel in Long Beach, CA area
Welcome reception at the hotel on arrival day
Box dinner at the float barn
Breakfast at the hotel daily (box breakfast on day of parade)
Celebration Dinner Dance with the band on January 1
Admission to Bandfest (general admission seating)
Enjoy an opportunity to volunteer as a float decorator and experience the magic of the floats before they make their debut in the Rose Parade
Visit Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Visit Ovation Hollywood, TCL Chinese Theater, Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign.
Visit the Original Farmer’s Market and the Grove
One-day prepaid ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood
Reserved Grandstand seating for the 2026 Rose Parade
One-day/Two Park – Park Hopper prepaid ticket to Disneyland on January 2nd.
Official Rose Parade program
Luggage tags & personal itinerary
GMT Travel Director throughout program in Los Angeles
Bus driver gratuity
*Tours are based on availability, and the itinerary is subject to change. Package rates are estimates based on the itinerary provided. Max occupancy is 4 individuals per room (including children).
$500 at Registration
$500 by June 28, 2026
$500 by August 28, 2026
Trip balance by October 28, 2026
Credit card payments will incur a 3% processing fee. There are no processing fees if paying by Bank Transfer or mailing in a check. Please make checks payable to Grueninger Music Tours. A $35 late fee will be charged for payments overdue. A $30 fee will apply for disputed credit card transactions on any previously authorized amount.
Cancellations from initial deposit - June 30, 2026 will incur a $100 per person cancellation fee.
Cancellations July 01, 2026 - August 29, 2026 will incur a 15% of full trip cost cancellation fee per person.
Cancellations August 30, 2026 - September 28, 2026 will incur a 25% of full trip cost cancellation fee per person.
Cancellations September 29, 2026 - October 28, 2026 will incur a 50% of full trip cost cancellation fee per person.
Cancellations October 29, 2026 - November 12, 2026 will incur a 75% of full trip cost cancellation fee per person.
No refund for cancellations after November 12, 2026.
If minimum number of 40 travelers is not met and the trip is cancelled by Grueninger Music Tours, cancellation fees will NOT apply.
In order to avoid penalties, we strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance (offered through Travel Insured International) to cover the non-refundable amount of your tour. This will cover you in the event of an approved accident or illness. Cost of the travel protection plan depends on the cost of the tour purchased. Don't forget to inquire about CANCEL FOR ANY REASON Travel Protection through Travel Insured.
For detailed policy questions, please contact Travel Insured International at 866-684-0218.
Travel Insurance – Grueninger Music Tours strongly recommends that travelers purchase a travel protection plan. Travel protection safeguards your travel investment, your belongings and most importantly, you. Your travel protection plan should cover, at a minimum, cancellation, curtailment, medical, emergency travel and personal accidents, and damage or loss to personal belongings. Travel protection with Cancel for Any Reason coverage is available, as well. The cost of the travel protection plan depends on the cost of the tour package purchased.
Though you may purchase travel insurance through any travel insurance company, Grueninger Music Tours works with Travel Insured International. Click on the link below to get a quote. For detailed policy questions, please contact Travel Insured International at 866-684-0218.
Payments will appear on bank and credit card statements as - "WT* Bowling Green State"; some individuals may also see "San Francisco" next to the WT, depending on the financial institution
GMT does not provide a roommate matching service; Family and Friends travelers are responsible for finding roommates
GMT reserves the right to adjust final packages to reflect the final number of adults in a room based on information provided at registration
9 AM - 5 PM Eastern, Monday - Friday
317-581-1122
9011 N. Meridian Street
Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46260
317-218-0815