This Weekend in Long Beach: Events & Things to Do

Here are our top picks for weekend events and activities in Long Beach this February! Enjoy!

1. One Love Cali Reggae Fest 

When: Friday, February 8th - Sunday, February 10th, 2019

This 3-day festival comes to the Queen Mary Events Park for a weekend packed with beloved contemporary musical acts in the long standing reggae tradition, including Sublime with Rome, Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, and Dirty Heads. Passes are available for single day, 2 day, and all weekend admission. Parking for the festival is off site, and access to the park will be provided by a free shuttle. This event is for all ages, and children 5 and younger get in for free. Whether rain or shine, the good vibes will fill Long Beach at this event celebrating unity through music.

2. Annual Belmont Shore Chocolate Fest

When: Saturday, February 9th, 2019

The 15th Annual Chocolate Festival returns to the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach. This local tradition is a great way to lead into Valentine's Day. Chock full of sweets to share with your sweetheart, the festival includes the Homemade Chocolate Dessert Contest and Hof's Hut Chocolate Pie Eating Contest! Entrance is free, but tasting tickets are a dozen for $10, available at Chase Bank (5200 E. 2nd) on the day of the event. Sample the delicious wares of more than 25 participating restaurants, like Pietris Bakery, La Creperie, The Pie Hole, Creamistry, and more. 

3. RESOUND Mozart!

When: Saturday, February 9th

Martin Haselböck, the conductor of this production, first gained acclaim for the performances of Mozart's most famous operatic works which he staged using instruments authentic to the period when they were first composed. His staging of Don Giovanni resulted in the City of Prague bestowing the Mozart Prize upon him, one of many accolades he has received for his work in bringing the operatic and orchestral pieces of his fellow Austrian to modern audiences. His production of RESOUND Mozart! features the soaring Soprano vocals of Sherezade Panthaki and the violin prowess of concerto soloist Ilia Korol. The concert includes a duet between Panthaki and Korol, along with some of Mozart's timeless arias and symphonies.   

4. Valentine's Dinner Cruise

When: Saturday, February 9th and Thursday, February 14th, 2019

Set sail with Harbor Breeze Yacht Charters and Cruises and enjoy a relaxing, romantic trip around Rainbow Harbor either on the Saturday prior to Valentine's Day or on the holiday itself. The cruise includes a four course dinner and trays of hors d'oeuvres, as well as champagne in addition to soft drinks and coffee. There will also be an open bar of well liquor (with an option to upgrade to premium liquor). Enjoy a DJ set on the water and under the stars. The event is for couples age 21 and over and boarding for the cruise takes place at 7:00pm.

5. Oliver!

When: Saturday, February 9th, 16th, and 23rd, 2019

Composer Lionel Bart's adaptation of the classic novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens introduced a number of memorable songs to the world, including "Where Is Love?," "Consider Yourself," and "As Long As He Needs Me."  The popularity of these tunes has expanded beyond the appreciation of musical theater enthusiasts. The soundtrack of the musical, and the subsequent Best Picture Oscar winner, has become a beloved set of songs from the time of the show's 1960 premiere in London's West End. Director Jamie Rocco, music director Ryan O'Connell, and choreographer Hector Guerrero bring their version of the show to The Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Davis Gaines, renowned for his stage portrayals as the Phantom of the Opera, Don Quixote, and Inspector Javert, stars as the sympathetic villain Fagin. 

6. Annual Queen Mary ScotsFestival

When: Saturday, February 16th and Sunday, February 17th, 2019

This yearly event aboard the legendary Queen Mary celebrates Scottish heritage in honor of the craftsmanship which first led to the construction of the ship in Clydebank, Scotland almost ninety years ago. ScotsFestival pays tribute to nearly fifty clans from Scotland, with competitions all weekend long in Highland dancing, piping, drumming, among other activities. The festival includes the International Highland Games XXVI, showcasing skills born of Scottish culture such as sheep herding and falconry. The festival is family friendly and offers something to appeal to all ages. Kids can participate in the Wee Highland Games, while their parents can partake of whisky tasting.

7. Tango Caliente!

When: Saturday, February 16th, 2019

The Long Beach Symphony, in collaboration with Tango dancers Tomas Galván & Gimena Herrera of Argentina, bring this lusty style of dance to the Long Beach Arena for a Valentine's weekend with romance in the air. The performance, conducted by Robert Istad, features acclaimed Soprano vocalist Camille Zamora, in addition to Hector Del Cuerto, an internationally renowned master of the bandonéon (don't confuse it with an accordion!) whose career has stretched over more than a quarter century. Remind yourself why you and your partner first fell in love as you fall under the seductive Tango spell.

8. Living Proof Live with Beth Moore

When: Friday, February 22nd - Saturday, February 23rd, 2019

Bible teacher Beth Moore, founder of the Houston, TX based Living Proof Ministries, comes to the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center for two conference events featuring Grammy-winning Christian musician Travis Cottrell leading worship. Moore's work with Living Proof Ministries has offered education on an evangelical lifestyle to women from various walks of life. Her appearance in Long Beach will include a unique message of faith written specifically for the city.

9. Murder Mystery Dinner Show Aboard the Queen Mary

When: Saturdays throughout February

It's murder on the high seas (ok, at least in the port of Long Beach) when the biggest interactive mystery/comedy dinner show in the country comes to the Queen Mary. Every Saturday there's a new chance to solve the crime and have some laughs (not to mention a 4-course meal) while you do so. It's been said that the Queen Mary has many ghosts walking the decks. Be careful not to join their ranks during this combination of fun and fright.

10. Rocky Horror Picture Show

When: Saturdays in February

If the Rocky Horror Picture Show has sat on your list on unseen cult classics year after year then this is a great chance to break that streak and finally take in the movie. However, if you have seen it before it’s also a perfect opportunity to watch the movie in the full immersive style which has come to be readily associated with it in the forty years since its original theatrical release. For those who are not only familiar with the movie, but also well versed in their audience participation rituals, you’ve never seen a crowd, or rather a “shadowcast”, get as wild as the ones in Long Beach. Experience the ultimate interactive break-down-in-the-rain-and-wind-up-in-a-mad-scientist’s-dance-party again… for the first time!

For all upcoming events visit our Event Calendar or check out the This Is Long Beach blog where you can sign up for our email newsletter!