The Best of Long Beach—

Cultural Festivals at the Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific has hosted cultural festivals for more than two decades, connecting visitors with global communities while highlighting their relationship with our ocean planet.

The aquarium’s festival season kicks off in September and features live performances, cultural displays and demonstrations, as well as vendors selling unique items.

FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s (100 Aquarium Way) festivals are held on weekends, from 9 AM to 5 PM, both Saturdays and Sundays. Activities include music and dance performances in the Honda Pacific Visions Theater and interactive sessions like drum circles or educational shows for children. During festivals, the aquarium’s Great Hall is lined with vendors, cultural displays, and children’s craft tables. Festivals are included with aquarium general admission, and tickets can be purchased online in advance.

MOOMPETAM AMERICAN INDIAN FESTIVAL

Experience storytelling, music, dance, and cultural craft demonstrations at the aquarium’s 22nd annual Moompetam American Indian Festival on September 12 and 13, 2026. This event celebrates California’s Indigenous cultures, including Tongva, Chumash, Acjachemen, Costanoan, Luiseño, and Kumeyaay, and their connection to and stewardship of the ocean. At past festivals, exhibitors have displayed a traditional Tongva canoe called a ti’at, the type of vessel that was originally used to cross the channel between Long Beach and Catalina Island.

BAJA SPLASH CULTURAL FESTIVAL

The aquarium’s Baja Splash Cultural Festival celebrates cultures from Mexico, Central and South America and beyond in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Held on September 26 and 27, 2026, the 25th annual Baja Splash will feature performances and educational programming in both Spanish and English. Festival highlights include a ceremonial procession by Danza Azteca Cultural Ketzaliztli with pounding drums and dancers, and interactive music programs led by teaching artist Martin Espino.

SOUTHEAST ASIA DAY

Southeast Asia Day is the Aquarium’s celebration of the cultures of Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, India and Laos. The 22nd annual edition will be held on October 17, 2026. Visitors will be able to see traditional music and dance performances, traditional festive clothing, and cultural craft demonstrations like decorative fruit carving techniques.

AUTUMN FESTIVAL

At the aquarium’s Autumn Festival, experience exciting live performances like taiko drumming and lion dancers in celebration of the cultures of Japan, China, Korea, and the Philippines. The 25th annual Autumn Festival will be held on November 21 and 22, 2026, with traditional craft demonstrations, music, dance, storytelling, and cultural arts exhibits representing Asian and Asian American culture.

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.

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