Annual Music Festivals in Long Beach
Long Beach has a rich musical heritage, one that’s added to every summer through a wide array of music festivals. These single and multi-day events not only offer a wide selection of music–jazz, pop, house, country–but food, wellness and community. Listen up!
Cali Vibes Festival
The Cali Vibes Festival will return to Long Beach for the fourth year, set for February 16-18, 2024 at Marina Green Park. The lineup celebrates artists from Southern California, particularly Long Beach (Sublime with Rome is slated to perform the 40oz. to Freedom album). Headliners include Gwen Stefani, Ice Cube, Wiz Khalifa, and The Roots, and over the course of the three-day festival, attendees will have the chance to chill out to reggae, funk, and hip-hop acts on three stages.
LONG BEACH PRIDE
Music is central to Long Beach Pride (May 18-19, 2024), attracting a star-studded roster of major musical talent over the years including Dreamgirls (Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson) and disco icons (The Village People, KC and the Sunshine Band), as well as musicians representing a wide swath of styles: Bangles to Queen Latifah to Gloria Trevi. Performing on multiple stages at Marina Green Park (386 E. Shoreline Dr.), this year’s lineup has yet to be announced, but will represent an eclectic mix, from pop to hip hop, country to Tejano.
LONG BEACH JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration founder Carl Kemp said he wants this event, held in June at Rainbow Lagoon Park (400 E. Shoreline Dr.), to be about “joyfully celebrating Black culture.” That celebration once again will be provided by multiple entertainers and performers, headlined by platinum selling artist Kelly Price. Also performing will be the Greater Los Angeles Cathedral Choir, which has performed alongside Peabo Bryson, Stephanie Mills and Jon Secada. There will be DJs and a Black Greek step show featuring local fraternities and sororities.
Uptown Jazz Festival
Each year, the City of Long Beach and the Office of 9th District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie bring live jazz to North Long Beach at the annual Uptown Jazz Festival. The 13th annual free event takes place on August 3, 2-4 PM at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave), with BJ the Chicago Kid as the headliner. The lineup also includes Katalyst, Ryck Jane, DJ Mr. Quick and Angelo Pagan y La Candela. Over the years, headliners have included Sheila E, Ozomatli, and Stephanie Mills, the original Dorothy from the movie The Wiz.
