Experience the magic and pageantry of the world-famous Rose Parade as you travel to California to cheer on the Bowling Green State University Falcon Marching Band during this unforgettable New Year’s celebration. Each year, Pasadena comes alive with spectacular floral floats, award-winning marching bands, equestrian units, and an atmosphere filled with excitement, pride, and tradition.
This specially designed “Independent” Family & Friends Tour gives you the freedom to create your own California experience while still enjoying many of the most important parade inclusions already arranged for you. Travel on your own schedule and explore Southern California your way, while we handle the essentials that make attending the parade easier and more enjoyable.
Your package includes:
Hotel accommodations (six nights) in the Long Beach/Los Angeles area
Continental Breakfast daily
Admission to the exciting Bandfest performance event
Reserved seating with fellow BGSU Family & Friends at the Rose Parade with parade program
A reserved parade parking pass so you can avoid the stress of finding parking on parade morning
The Celebration Dinner with the band on January 1 following the parade festivities
Without the expense of airfare or motorcoach transportation, this option provides a more budget-friendly way to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience while still sharing unforgettable moments with your student performer.
Celebrate the New Year surrounded by family, friends, music, and tradition as you witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and pride that make the Rose Parade one of America’s most beloved events. From the excitement of Bandfest to the unforgettable sight of the BGSU Falcon Marching Band stepping proudly down Colorado Boulevard, this journey promises memories you’ll treasure for years to come.
Travel to Los Angeles
Arrive in Los Angeles on own
Rental car not included in tour package.
Check into your Long Beach area limited-service hotel.
Enjoy a continental breakfast at the hotel (included).
BGSU Falcon Band Rehearsal (Optional)
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 continental breakfast at the hotel (included).
The BGSU Falcon Marching Band will be at Santa Monica Pier & Beach and Hollywood today.
Enjoy dinner today at one of many local restaurants (on own).
Enjoy a continental breakfast at the hotel (included).
The BGSU Falcon Marching Band will be at Universal Studios Hollywood today.
Enjoy dinner today at one of many local restaurants (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!
Parade parking pass included
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.
Enjoy a continental breakfast at the hotel (included).
The BGSU Falcon Marching Band will be at Disneyland & Disney California Adventure today.
Lunch & dinner (on own).
Enjoy a continental 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
INDEPENDENT PACKAGE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING*:
Hotel accommodations for 6 nights at a limited-service hotel in Long Beach airport area
Continental Breakfast daily
Admission to Bandfest (general admission seating)
Reserved Grandstand seating for the 2027 Rose Parade
Reserved car Parking Pass for the Rose Parade
Celebration Dinner Dance with the band on January 1
Official Rose Parade program
Luggage tags & personal itinerary
*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). Triple room could be a king bed + pullout couch/rollaway
$250 at Registration
$250 by June 28, 2026
$350 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 1, 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 13, 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