The Best of Long Beach—

Guide to Summer in Long Beach

Summer is here in the LBC! Be sure not to miss all the great activities and events, from music festivals to concerts in the park. Vans Warped Tour will be back in Downtown Long Beach, and the new Long Beach Amphitheater opens on June 6, 2026, with Snoop Dogg & Friends.

Summer Food Festivals

Long Beach heats up in summer with a lineup of food and drink festivals showcasing the city’s amazing and fun culinary scene. From festivals with delicious barbecue and craft beer to eclectic tastings and street-style bites, these events bring together top chefs, brewers and the community for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a casual foodie or dedicated enthusiast, these festivals offer the perfect way to savor bold flavors, discover local talent and generally enjoy yourself. Dig in!
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WATER TAXIS

Service begins May 22, 2026

During the summer, Long Beach Transit offers two water taxis: the AquaLink and the AquaBus. You can ride the AquaLink from Alamitos Bay Landing to the Aquarium and the Queen Mary for $5. The AquaBus carries passengers to stops around Rainbow Harbor, including the Aquarium, Shoreline Village, and the Queen Mary. Tickets are $1 and one full round trip lasts about 20 minutes.

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Summer Concert Series in Long Beach

Long Beach is alive with the sound of music all summer long, as an array of free outdoor concert series take place throughout the city. These events occur all over–from public parks and the nature center to shopping malls and parking lots–featuring all types of music produced by all types of bands; from the venerable Long Beach Municipal Band to tribute groups. So grab a chair, blanket and something comfortable to groove in while enjoying another music-filled summer in the city.
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Fleet Week on the Battleship IOWA

LA Fleet Week 2026 is Southern California’s largest Memorial Day weekend event, celebrating the U.S. military services and honoring those who have served.
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CREDIT: Long Beach Greek Festival

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.
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Celebrate Juneteenth in Long Beach

In Long Beach, Juneteenth is celebrated through events honoring freedom, history and community. From a lively festival at Martin Luther King Jr. Park—filled with music, food and local vendors—to the reflective program at Aquarium of the Pacific, the city offers meaningful ways to commemorate emancipation while uplifting African American culture.
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LBC Beach Guide

It’s arguable that no California city with a beach to call its own, presents as many iterations of that beach as Long Beach. Yes, though its name would suggest one, continual, uninterrupted shoreline, the fact is that Long Beach beaches are a diverse collection of environments and vibes, attracting people looking for very distinct experiences, i.e. the reason you go to Mother’s Beach is something different than why you head to Bayshore or Rosie’s. Here’s a quick rundown of where to go and what to expect once you get there.
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Credit: Richard Grant

Affordable Summer Fun in Long Beach

Perhaps the only word as magical as “summer” is “free, and in Long Beach, you don’t have to spend a dime to make some unforgettable memories. Whether enjoying a movie under the stars, taking in live music at a local park, or simply soaking up the sun with your family, there’s something for everyone. From beachfront bike rides to kid-friendly shores and art-filled afternoons, here’s your guide to some of the best free things to do in Long Beach this summer.
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Coming Soon to the Long Beach Amphitheater

The new Long Beach Amphitheater’s upcoming first season promises several exciting headliners, with genres spanning rock, country, rap, hip hop, cumbia, emo, and reggae. Set on the waterfront, against the backdrop of the city’s skyline, these concerts will showcase Long Beach as a key stop for major national touring acts and reflect the city’s legacy as a hotbed of musical talent.
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Upcoming Music Festivals

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.