This Weekend in Long Beach

What's Happening in Long Beach, CA This October?

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

THE QUEEN MARY'S DARK HARBOR: THE SPIRITS RISE

When: Through November 2

This fall, as the fog rolls in on Long Beach, the notoriously haunted Queen Mary brings back the legendary Dark Harbor Halloween event.

Dark Harbor is a massive Halloween festival that takes place on The Queen Mary and surrounding harbor. This year’s event will feature haunted mazes, live entertainment, themed bars and lounges, experiences on-board the ship, festive eats and treats and, of course, the return of well known icons characters.

CREDIT: Dark Harbor

Long Beach Open Studio Tour

When: October 5-27

In celebration of Long Beach Arts Month as well as the National Arts and Humanities Month, your local artists will be opening their studios to visitors for the Long Beach Open Studio Tour (LBOST) during four weekends in October. Each weekend is a different area of Long Beach. Come see your local artists in their working environments that are not usually open to the public.

LB Sake Day

When: October 5

LB Sake Day is a chance for you to connect to Japan and celebrate World Sake Day with your fellow Sake Lovers! Come try dozens of Craft Sake brewed in Japan AND locally, along with food and Japanese light bites like Drinking Buddy Artisan Snacks. Celebrate the history of Sake and deepen your understanding of the breadth and depth of flavors Sake can offer. Put down the text books and learn about Sake the fun way, by sampling and discussing Sake with experts and afficionados from all over!

Long Beach Symphony: A New World

When: October 5

Kick off the 2024-2025 season in style with the Long Beach Symphony’s 90th Anniversary celebration! Enjoy an unforgettable evening of classical music, featuring Beethoven’s powerful Egmont Overture—the same piece that launched the symphony in 1934—alongside the West Coast Premiere of Anna Clyne’s Quarter Days and Dvořák’s iconic Symphony No. 9 “From the New World.” Complete with pre-concert talks, live ensembles, and the chance to "Sip & Enjoy" in the stunning Terrace Theater, this is a must-attend event for music lovers!

Long Beach Marathon

When: October 6

Take on the challenge of the Long Beach Marathon, a fast and flat 26.2-mile course starting in Downtown Long Beach and winding past iconic landmarks like the Queen Mary, Shoreline Village, and Belmont Shore. Marathoners will enjoy scenic oceanfront views and a loop through the California State University, Long Beach campus before finishing strong on Ocean Boulevard. With perfect Southern California weather and a Finish Line Festival to celebrate, this event also offers a half marathon, 5K, and bike tour.

Pour on 4th

When: October 6

The 4th Street Business Association is announcing the return of Pour on 4th, where you will enjoy tastings of beer, wine, cider, kombucha and mocktails as you stroll along and celebrate the unique area dubbed “Retro Row” on 4th Street. As part of the event, you'll receive your very own collectable 4th Street Retro Row tasting glass! And as an added bonus, the local shops and independent restaurants will be hosting various tastings for those guests who have purchased a ticket.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Long Beach Playhouse

When: October 12 - November 16

Catch the explosive Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Long Beach Playhouse’s Studio Theater! After a botched operation and broken dreams, Hedwig Schmidt, a fierce and fabulous rocker, reclaims her story and her songs. Left in a Kansas trailer park after a GI’s empty promises, she falls for a young musician who steals her music and rises to fame. But now, it's Hedwig's turn to shine as a rock goddess! This Tony and Obie award-winning show is a wild mix of rock concert, stand-up, and a heartfelt journey of self-love. Don’t miss it—visit the Long Beach Playhouse website for dates and showtimes!

Southeast Asia Day

When: October 12

The Aquarium will celebrate its 20th annual Southeast Asia Day.

The festival’s program will highlight the beauty and diversity of the cultures of Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and Indonesia. Guests can enjoy music, dance, and cultural craft demonstrations.

Image Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

Halloween Hootenanny

When: October 12

The 4th Annual Halloween Hootenanny will feature a curated line-up of craft breweries (from all over the world), local wineries, cideries, and kombucha makers and will include an expanded selection of creepy art vendors, local artists, musical guests, & tasty food vendors! Created by the folks behind Craft Beer LB and Festival Obscura, this friendly Halloween bash is the perfect way to celebrate the season in Long Beach!

Sazon Latin Food Market

When: October 13

The Sazon Latin Food Festival features Latin food, live music and a great time! This is a family friendly with Latin food vendors representing all the best flavors from the Caribbean, Central and South America. There will also be great music and drinks, so make sure you bring your friends and family for a day of fun and celebration.

Image Credit: OurLatinCity.com

Swan Lake

When: October 13

Get ready to be captivated by an extraordinary ballet performance! This fall, prepare to witness the timeless classic "SWAN LAKE" brought to life on stage. Join us at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on October 13th for a mesmerizing four-act production presented by Performing Arts Cultural Exchange (P.A.C.E.) Ballet Theatre and the International Classic Ballet Theatre.

Murder on the Links

When: October 16 - November 3

International City Theatre presents "Murder on the Links," a comic mystery for the stage by Steven Dietz, directed by Jamie Torcellini. Join us for a post-show talkback with the cast on October 27. Experience the intrigue of Hercule Poirot as he solves Agatha Christie’s intricate whodunit with a versatile cast of six actors.

Ain't Misbehavin': The Fats Waller Musical Show

When: October 18 - November 3

Experience the essence of the Harlem Renaissance with Musical Theatre West's production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ - The Fats Waller Musical Show at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Journey back to the vibrant New York jazz scene of the 1920s and 1930s, celebrating the unparalleled talents of Black musicians. Hear timeless classics like “Honeysuckle Rose,” “The Joint is Jumpin’,” and “I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling.” Don’t miss this sassy and sultry show!

Shoreline Village's Zombie Walk & Halloween Party

When: October 19

Shoreline Village's annual Long Beach Zombie Walk + Halloween Party returns Saturday, October 19!

Festivities kick off at 4pm! Join fellow flesh-eaters for an all-day, family-friendly festival.

Night Dive at the Aquarium of the Pacific

When: October 25

Night Dive returns on Friday, October 25. This adults-only event features food trucks, cash bars, DJs throughout the Aquarium galleries, art, and a live band performing on the stage in front of the Honda Blue Cavern. Night Dive will sell out so be sure to purchase your tickets early.

28th Annual Historical Cemetery Tour

When: October 26

Join us for the Annual Historical Cemetery Tour at Long Beach Municipal Cemetery and Sunnyside Cemetery on the last Saturday of October. This all-ages event features graveside performances by community theater actors in period-appropriate costumes, bringing to life the stories of individuals who have shaped the city's history. From political figures to ordinary citizens, everyone has a captivating tale to tell. The tour is self-guided and includes attractions such as Japanese American History, a dia de Los Muertos installation, talks by historians, book signings, and displays of Long Beach history. Don't miss this unique and immersive experience!

Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest

When: October 26

Justin Rudd's Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest will surely "draw" a crowd along 2nd St. in the Belmont Shore neighborhood of Long Beach.Attracting more than 50 seasoned and emergent visual artists, as well as participants from local high schools and universities, the annual Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, presented by Justin Rudd and his nonprofit Community Action Team (C.A.T.), will showcase the works of diverse artists who will use chalk as their medium, and the sidewalks of Belmont Shore for their premium paper canvases.

Scarium of the Pacific

When: October 26

Discover the creatures lurking in the depths at Scarium of the Pacific—a Halloween-themed weekend for the whole family. The Aquarium of the Pacific will celebrate its 25th annual Scarium of the Pacific, a Halloween event for the whole family. The event will feature costume and coloring contests, a vampire magician, underwater pumpkin carving, creepy critters, and more.

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

Fall Fest at The Pike Outlets

When: October 26

The Pike Outlets will host the annual Fall Fest on Saturday, October 26, from 12PM to 3PM, in the Main Plaza. This FREE event will feature an afternoon of festive fun including:

  • Halloween Character Meet & Greets
  • Balloon & Caricature Artists
  • Social Media Costume Contest
  • Kid's Crafts
  • Musical Performances
  • Center-Wide Trick-or-Treating
CREDIT: The Pike Outlets

Howl-O-Ween at Beachwood Brewing

When: October 26

Join us for Beachwood Brewing’s 2nd “Howl-O-Ween” Dog Event at their Bixby Knolls Taproom. FREE for the entire family to attend.

Don’t miss out on the highlighted event and enter your furry friend into the Halloween-themed Dog Costume Contest! $5 donation entry per dog paid at the event between 2-4pm with all proceeds going to spcaLA. Contest judging will take place starting at 4pm.

Day of the Dead Family Festival

When: October 27

MOLAA’s annual Day of the Dead Family Festival features merchants, delicious food stations, beer & wine, and sweets for the kids and the kids at heart. Enjoy live performances and tunes spun all day by DJs, plus face-painting and children's crafts. Come dressed in all your Day of the Dead regalia!

Credit: MOLAA

Trick of Treat on 2nd Street

When: October 31

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the most spooktacular event of the year! Trick or Treating on 2nd Street is a time-honored tradition that you won't want to miss. Keep an eye out for our eerie JACK-O-LANTERN signs displayed in the windows of participating businesses – they'll be the ones handing out the best treats in town.

Credit: Vixen Creative Agency