How To Watch the 2026 Fiesta Bowl Parade Live

The Fiesta Bowl Parade is a long-running Phoenix tradition, with the 2026 edition rolling through Central Phoenix on Saturday, January 3, at 10:00 a.m. MT. Led by Grand Marshal Nikki Bella, this season’s event features floats, marching bands, massive balloons, and community groups celebrating the spirit of college football.

Unlike the Fiesta Bowl game, the parade doesn’t air nationally on ESPN. Instead, coverage is exclusive to local broadcaster Arizona’s Family (KTVK 3TV). That regional focus can make it tricky for fans beyond the Grand Canyon State to tune in.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to access Arizona’s Family coverage, whether you’re local or tuning in from outside the Phoenix area. I’ll also break down what to expect on parade morning so you don’t miss a moment.

What channel is the Fiesta Bowl Parade on?

You can watch the 2026 Fiesta Bowl Parade exclusively on Arizona’s Family (3TV) and Arizona’s Family Sports if you’re in the Phoenix area. While the parade is closely associated with one of college football’s biggest bowl games, it’s a separate civic celebration rather than a nationally televised sports broadcast.

Fortunately, viewers nationwide can still stream the entire event live on the Arizona’s Family website. You can also tune in on your TV or mobile device by downloading the Arizona’s Family app.

Best TV plans for watching the Fiesta Bowl Parade

If you’re in the Phoenix metro area, a basic antenna setup is the easiest way to watch for free. Since the parade airs exclusively on Arizona’s Family (3TV), you can pick up the broadcast over-the-air with a quality digital antenna. It’s the most cost-effective option for locals who want to skip the streaming lag.

For Phoenix residents who prefer a streaming bundle, live TV services like DIRECTV and Fubo carry 3TV in their local channel lineups. This is a solid route if you want to record the parade to watch later via DVR. Just keep in mind that these local feeds are geo-restricted, so you won’t see the channel if you’re tuning in from outside the Arizona market.

For everyone else, the best “plan” is actually free. If you live outside Arizona, skip the paid subscriptions and download the Arizona’s Family app (AZF+) on your streaming device (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV). It’s the most reliable way to catch the official livestream. Plus, it doesn’t require a cable login and gives you the same coverage as the local Phoenix channels.

For the 2026 edition, WWE Superstar and Arizona native Nikki Bella leads the way as Grand Marshal. But beyond the celebrity appearance, there are a few specific things you should watch for.

• Balloons: Expect giant helium balloons floating above the Phoenix skyline. In previous years, these have included fan favorites like the Goodyear cactus and the signature “Sunburst.”
• Award competition: High school marching bands from across the country compete for the “Best in Parade” prize. Other honors up for grabs include Best Costume Design and the Crowd Favorite Award.
• Party animals: The route features prestigious equestrian units, including riding groups and western performers that highlight the state’s cowboy culture.
• Spirit of the Fiesta: Keep an eye out for the elaborate floats designed by local community groups, which often feature intricate mechanical elements and live performers.

How to watch the Fiesta Bowl Parade FAQ