Your guide to the Fiesta Bowl Parade in Phoenix: Route, best views and more

Everything to know about the annual sports-related event on Saturday.

December 27, 2024

Image: A person in a costume interacting with the public.

The Fiesta Bowl mascot, Spirit, will be on hand for the Fiesta Bowl Parade. Courtesy of the Fiesta Bowl

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Sending 2024 out with a bang, the annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe will take place this Saturday, Dec. 28.

The 52nd annual parade kicks off the festivities leading up to the football game, which this year features Penn State v. Boise State at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Dec. 31. The event "will celebrate the tradition of Arizona's vibrant community groups, thrilling marching bands and one-of-a-kind floats," according to the organization.

Here's what you need to know about the 2024 Fiesta Bowl Parade.

When is the Fiesta Bowl Parade?

The 2024 Fiesta Bowl Parade is on Saturday, Dec. 28.

What time is the Fiesta Bowl Parade in Phoenix?

The parade begins at 10 a.m.

What’s the theme of this year’s parade?

The theme of the 2024 Fiesta Bowl Parade is A New Era, which the Fiesta Bowl organization said signifies "the Fiesta Bowl Parade's heightened fan experience and pageantry, the transition into an expanded college football playoff and the organization's brand refresh into the Fiesta Sports Foundation."

Who is the grand marshal?

This year’s Fiesta Bowl Parade grand marshal is 2011 NCAA Wrestling champion Anthony Robles. A graduate of Mesa High School and Arizona State University, Robles was born without his right leg and went on to be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Arizona Hall of Fame and ASU Sports Hall of Fame. His story is the subject of the new film "Unstoppable."

Does it cost money to attend the parade?

There is no cost to watch the parade in person, but grandstand tickets that offer a better view can be purchased for $30 each.

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Fiesta Bowl Parade route

The parade will start at Central and Montebello avenues, continue down Central to Camelback Road, turn east onto Camelback and finish at Camelback and Seventh Street.

Phoenix street closures for the Fiesta Bowl Parade

The path of the parade will be off-limits to outside traffic.

Parking for the Fiesta Bowl Parade

Free parking is available on city streets near the parade route on a first-come, first-served basis. Nearby businesses and private lots may offer paid parking.

What’s the weather going to be like?

The forecast for Saturday calls for partly cloudy skies and a high of 69 degrees.

Where is the best spot to watch the Fiesta Bowl Parade?

Great views are available along the entire parade route, but spots are first-come, first-served. Show up early to stake out a good spot. Or, you can watch the parade on television on Arizona's Family 3TV.

Will restrooms be available?

Portable restrooms will be located along the parade route.

Jennifer Goldberg is the Senior Editor of Culture at Phoenix New Times. She joined the New Times staff in February 2016. In her role, Jennifer writes and publishes profiles of both local and regional musicians, previews upcoming performances and provides guides on the best of Phoenix’s entertainment scene. She also oversees the Best of Phoenix. Jennifer previously worked for Jewish News of Greater Phoenix. During her career, Jennifer has received awards from the Arizona Press Club, the Arizona Newspaper Association and the American Jewish Press Association. She holds a bachelor’s of arts in English from Arizona State University.

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