For the parade do buy reserved seating and reserved parking. As a first time attendee do not try to drive up and find a place to park and a place on the sidewalk to view the parade Last time we had out of town guests we found tickets were a little less along the last half of the route. It’s the same parade but a little less band music. Don’t bother trying to be where the TV cameras are located. Set your DVD and watch when you get home. Pay the money and enjoy the experience. As a SoCal local I keep praying for rain so Pasadena does not look like paradise to the rest of the snowbound country.
Also for two days after the parade the floats are on display near the end of the route. No music or movement but the aroma is something you don't get watching from the sidelines. Parking $10 and very busy.