When is the Fiesta Bowl Parade? The 54th annual Phoenix Children's Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe steps off Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027, at 10 a.m. in Central Phoenix. It starts at North Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue and runs about 1.5 miles. It's free to watch, and it airs live on Arizona's Family 3TV.
What's new this year: Phoenix Children's is the parade's new title partner, and this time the parade closes bowl week rather than leading into the game as it did in January 2026, following the Fiesta Bowl's College Football Playoff Quarterfinal on Dec. 30. Here's everything you need to plan the morning.
Data note: 2026-27 details are from the Fiesta Sports Foundation's Oct. 7, 2026 announcement and parade page, and State Farm Stadium's Fiesta Bowl event page. Route, closure, parking and restroom details for the January 2026 parade are from Phoenix New Times (Jan. 2, 2026) and Arizona's Family (Jan. 2, 2026), shown as a guide only. Read November 11, 2026.
Fiesta Bowl Parade 2027: Quick Facts
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027
- Start time: 10 a.m.
- Start point: N. Central Ave. and Montebello Ave., Phoenix 85012
- Length: about 1.5 miles
- Cost: free for all attendees
- Participants: more than 3,000 people and animals each year, per the foundation
- Features: giant balloons, floats, marching bands, community groups and animals
- TV: live on Arizona's Family 3TV, Arizona's Family Sports Network and digital platforms
The Route
The foundation has posted a 2026-27 route map on its parade page; check it for the final route.
For reference, the January 2026 parade:
- Started at Central and Montebello avenues, just south of Bethany Home Road
- Headed south on Central Avenue to Camelback Road
- Turned east on Camelback toward Seventh Street
- Ran from 10 a.m. to about 1 p.m.
Last year's street closures (6 a.m. to about 2 p.m.)
- Central Ave. from Rose Lane to Camelback Road
- Seventh St. from Colter St. to Indian School Road
- Missouri Ave. and Bethany Home Road from Seventh Ave. to Seventh St.
- Camelback Road from Seventh Ave. to 16th St.
Expect similar closures this year, and watch for City of Phoenix traffic advisories closer to the date.
Parking, Restrooms and Getting There
- Parking: in January 2026, free street parking near the route was first-come, first-served, and nearby businesses and private lots offered paid parking
- Restrooms: portable restrooms were placed along the route
- Light rail: Valley Metro Rail has stations along Central Avenue near the route; check Valley Metro for parade-day service changes
- From Scottsdale: arrive early and allow for closures that reached as far east as 16th Street last year
Best viewing tips
- Every spot is first-come, first-served, so arrive early
- Bring chairs, layers and water; January mornings start cool
- If the crowds aren't your thing, watch the broadcast from home
The 2026-27 Bowl Week Schedule
The parade is the finale of seven days of bowl-season events:
- Sat., Dec. 26: Cactus Bowl in Tempe
- Wed., Dec. 30: Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, CFP Quarterfinal, 5:30 p.m. MST, State Farm Stadium, Glendale
- Sat., Jan. 2: Phoenix Children's Fiesta Bowl Parade, Central Phoenix
Who's playing? The 12-team CFP field will be announced Sunday, Dec. 6, with first-round games Dec. 18-19. State Farm Stadium recommends buying parking in advance and notes its clear-bag policy.
Why Phoenix Children's
Phoenix Children's and the Fiesta Sports Foundation have partnered since 2011, with nearly $1 million in foundation contributions toward pediatric emergency and trauma care, inclusive play and patient experiences. This year's Phoenix Children's entry will feature a new custom float.
More Valley Holiday Traditions
“The Fiesta Bowl Parade is one of those Valley traditions that makes Central Phoenix feel like a small town for a morning. The route runs past some of Phoenix's most established neighborhoods, and if you've been curious about living near Central Avenue or Camelback, parade day is a fun way to see the area on foot.”
— Elizabeth Vijan, Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Fiesta Bowl Parade?
Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027, at 10 a.m. in Central Phoenix.
What is the Fiesta Bowl Parade route?
It starts at Central and Montebello avenues. Last year's route went south on Central, then east on Camelback.
Is the Fiesta Bowl Parade free?
Yes, free for all attendees.
When is the 2026 Fiesta Bowl game?
Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. MST at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
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Sources: Fiesta Sports Foundation: Parade set for Jan. 2, 2027 (Oct. 7, 2026) · Fiesta Sports Foundation: Fiesta Bowl Parade page and route map · State Farm Stadium: Vrbo Fiesta Bowl · Phoenix New Times: 2026 parade route and closures · Arizona's Family: 2026 parade guide · Valley Metro
Disclaimer: Event details are set by the organizers and may change; confirm route, closures and parking before you go. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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