Annual Music Festivals in Long Beach

Long Beach has a rich musical heritage, one that’s added to every summer through a wide array of music festivals. These single and multi-day events not only offer a wide selection of music–jazz, pop, house, country–but food, wellness and community. Listen up!

LONG BEACH JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration founder Carl Kemp said he wants this event, held June 17 at Rainbow Lagoon Park (400 E. Shoreline Dr.), to be about “joyfully celebrating Black culture.” That celebration once again will be provided by multiple entertainers and performers, headlined by platinum selling artist Kelly Price. Also performing will be the Greater Los Angeles Cathedral Choir, which has performed alongside Peabo Bryson, Stephanie Mills and Jon Secada. There will be DJs and a Black Greek step show featuring local fraternities and sororities.

DAY TRIP

LOVE LONG BEACH

Featuring more than 50 DJs and live musicians performing on multiple stages, Love Long Beach (July 22-23), which takes place at Shoreline Aquatic Park (200 Aquarium Way), is a festival aimed at the whole person. Beyond musical talent, the weekend encompasses a diverse experience that also offers yoga, meditation, sound healing as well as arts and crafts at the Healing Arts Village & Sanctuary. There’s also food trucks, vendors and fully stocked bars.

Credit: Dark Matter Photographs

LONG BEACH JAZZ FESTIVAL

LONG BEACH PRIDE

Music is central to Long Beach Pride (Aug. 4-6), attracting a star-studded roster of major musical talent over the years including Dreamgirls (Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson) and disco icons (The Village People, KC and the Sunshine Band), as well as musicians representing a wide swath of styles: Bangles to Queen Latifah to Gloria Trevi. Performing on multiple stages at Marina Green Park (386 E. Shoreline Dr.), this year’s lineup has yet to be announced, but will represent an eclectic mix, from pop to hip hop, country to Tejano.

COASTAL COUNTRY JAM

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Steve Lowery