Cultural Festivals in Long Beach

Long Beach is one of the nation’s most diverse cities, and you can experience celebrations of these diverse cultures through festivals all summer. If you love the idea of enjoying hula performances at the Aquarium, salsa dancing at an all-day picnic, or dancing the hora with the local Greeks, you can enjoy all this and more at Long Beach’s annual summer cultural festivals.

CALIFORNIA TURKISH FEST

June 1

Organized by the Association of Turkish Americans of Southern California, the fourth annual California Turkish Fest will be held at ShoreLine Aquatic Park (200 Aquarium Way) on June 1, from 11 AM to 5 PM. This showcase of Turkish culture, history, and food will feature traditional folk dancing, live music, Turkish coffee and cuisine, highlighting the community’s small business owners. Admission is free. Visit atasc.org for more information.

PACIFIC ISLANDER FESTIVAL

June 7-8

The Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, with its annual Pacific Islander Festival usually held on one of the first weekends in June. 2025 marks the festival’s 22nd year celebrating Pacific Islander cultures, including Chamorro, Fijian, Hawaiian, Māori, Marshallese, Tahitian, Tongan, and Samoan. The festival on June 7 and 8 is included with general admission to the Aquarium, so visitors will be able to enjoy live music and dance, vendors, and other festival elements along with seeing their favorite ocean animals and exhibits.

Aquarium of the Pacific

LONG BEACH JAPANESE CULTURAL FESTIVAL

June 28

The Long Beach Japanese Cultural Center (1766 Seabright Ave) will host its 75th annual summer festival on June 28, featuring martial arts demonstrations, taiko drums, ondo dancing, and Japanese food like udon, teriyaki, shave ice, and cha siu bao. The festivities take place from 3 to 9:30 PM. Community members practice ondo dancing, a style of traditional Japanese communal dancing, for many weeks leading up to the festival.

DIA DE SAN JUAN PUERTO RICAN FESTIVAL

June 29

Held on June 29 from 10 AM to 7 PM in Rainbow Lagoon Park (400 Shoreline Dr), the Día de San Juan Puerto Rican Festival is a massive salsa dancing party celebrating Puerto Rican culture in the Los Angeles area. Children under age 10 receive free admission and can enjoy free kids zone activities and games. Bring your blanket, chairs, and picnic to enjoy the outdoor festivities, emceed by Erika Rivera, with DJ Diana Sandoval and performers including “Las Damas de la Salsa.” Bands playing at the festival include Fiestalegre All Stars, Bobby Escoto y su Conjunto Afro Son, Orquesta Latin Sounds, Grupo Invasion Latina, and Sabroso Latin Orchestra.

LONG BEACH GREEK FESTIVAL

Aug 30-Sept 1

Each year on Labor Day Weekend, a Greek village pops up for the annual Long Beach Greek Festival (5761 E Colorado St) featuring traditional Greek food, music, dancing, and more. Festival attendees can tour the Greek Orthodox Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church, enjoy carnival rides and games, and purchase gyros, dolmades, baklava, and more delicious Greek food. Experience this beloved local tradition to close out your summer in Long Beach. The festival opens at 12 noon each day and free shuttles are available from the VA Hospital parking lot.

CREDIT: Long Beach Greek Festival

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for over 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.