This Weekend in Long Beach: Events & Things to Do

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

1. JetBlue Long Beach Marathon and Half Marathon

When: Friday October 5th, 2018
Referred to locally as "Run Long Beach", this event gives participants a great view of the city as they start out the race downtown before heading in the direction of the Queen Mary and through Shoreline Village after that. Runners will split off beyond this point, with those running the half marathon heading down Ocean Boulevard while full marathoners follow the route through Belmont Shore and on to Marine Stadium. The same sunlit California locations will also be the setting for anyone coming out to cheer on the runners. More info here.

2. Wicked Delight presents Goldroom High Seas Boat Tour 2018

When: Saturday October 6th, 2018
Local promoters Wicked Paradise and Afternoon Delight have teamed up once again for their third annual party on the water, Wicked Delight At Sea. This year's event features headlining musician Goldroom. Special guests Adam Auburn and Astley join the electronica star in providing jams for dancing the night away against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The four hour trip sets sail from Catalina Classic Cruises. This event is 21 and over. More info here.

3. Festival Obscura Presents: Night of the Living Dead

When: Saturday October 6th, 2018
Festival Obscura was started by Martin Svab and Ryan Hughes of Phantom Carriage Brewery, who have partnered with the non-profit Sunnyside Cemetery (the second oldest in Long Beach) in order to bring events that celebrate the bizarre to the Long Beach community. The latest is a screening of George Romero's 1968 cinematic horror game changer, in honor of the film's 50th anniversary.  Whether it's a personal favorite you've always wanted to see projected on a big screen or a classic you've been too scared to sit through alone, there's no better environment to have an evening of creepy fun with this masterpiece of the genre. The event includes food trucks, a live DJ set, and a showcase of vintage trailers for various other old school zombie movies.

4. Camerata Peace Project 2

When: Sunday October 7th, 2018
Conceived by Dr. James K. Bass, Artistic Director of the Long Beach Camerata Singers, the Camerata Peace Project brings choral music into the community by performing in the unconventional venue of the Long Beach Arena's lobby area. This year is the second of at least three years which the group has committed to. The choral performance will feature narration by Long Beach Councilwoman Suzie Price and will be preceded by a community roundtable discussion. More info here.

5. Cirque Mechanics: 42ft - A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels

When: Saturday October 13th, 2018
A unique variation on the classic circus, Cirque Mechanics put innovation and inspiration at the foreground of their performances. Their show "42ft" features even further development into new realms of big top style entertainment with a rotating tent frame where acrobatics and aerial feats are on display, in addition to the mechanical metal horse capable of galloping. Giddy-up this Halloween season in Long Beach. More info here.

6. 2018 Long Beach Oktoberfest

When: Saturday October 13th, 2018
Two sessions of beer tasting, one from noon to 2:30pm and the next from 3:30 until 6pm, are offered to visitors to this traditional German celebration. Admission to either session includes unlimited tasting, a variety of food vendors, Oktoberfest related activities, and music from DJ Amanda B, who'll be spinning popular hits with some Oom Pah music mixed into the set. Join the fun and don't miss this year's beer stein holding battle. Proceeds will go to the Long Beach Marine Institute and Make-A-Wish. More info here.

7. The Long Beach Zombie Fest

When: Friday October 19th - Sunday October 21st, 2018
The centerpiece of each of Zombie Fest's three nights is, (super)naturally, the zombie walk through Shoreline Village and into the Harbor by way of the Pike. All weekend long, however, there will be different sets of live music to provide the party with some amplified thrills and chills. Original bands and tribute acts alike take to the stage throughout the celebration. Every night also features a workshop where guests can learn the iconic dance movies to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video. In all the fun and excitement don't forget about the contests, one for costumes... and one for eating brains. Get your crave on at this year's Zombie Fest. More info here.

8. Shoreline Village Haunted Maze

When: October 12th - 14th, 18th - 21st, and 25th - 31st
Shoreline Village transforms into a Halloween hamlet for their spooky season of events. Admission to the haunted maze is $6, with proceeds benefiting the local YMCA. Other events at Shoreline Village include the Zombie Walk on the 27th, a blood drive for the Red Cross on the 30th, and Trick or Treating on Halloween Day. More info here.

9. Queen Mary Dark Harbor 

When: Through November 2nd, 2018 The annual tradition returns with more ghoulish fun than ever. As Halloween draws near, the area's premiere ghostly good time comes once again to Long Beach's most famous attraction. More info here. 

10. Murder Mystery Dinner Show and Harbor Cruise 

When: Saturdays in October 
The country's largest Murder Mystery Dinner Show features a cast which is commingled among the guests, without costumes or campy dialogue, to keep amateur sleuths on their toes. The price of admission includes the show, as well as a harbor cruise for two hours, and a four course meal. Just be careful it isn't your last! More info here.

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!