Big Bang on the Bay - Labor Day in Long Beach

Big Bang on the Bay makes its highly anticipated return on Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 1, on Alamitos Bay. This beloved community event will once again provide an unforgettable evening of patriotism and pyrotechnics as well as great food, drinks and entertainment. The weekend’s entertainment actually begins Saturday, Aug. 31 with a concert by Jakobs Castle, featuring Jakob Nowell.

Credit: Brandon West

Big Bang on the Bay has been a staple of Long Beach's summer celebrations since 2011, when founder John Morris inaugurated it as a way to mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. This year’s festivities kick off with a benefit concert featuring Jakobs Castle, fronted by Jakob Nowell, son of the late Bradley Nowell of Sublime. The concert takes place at Boathouse on the Bay–doors open at 5PM–and is to honor International Overdose Awareness Day.

The following day’s festivities begin at 4:30PM and feature aircraft flyovers, paragliding displays, a Coast Guard Dolphin Search and Rescue demonstration as well as music provided by DJ Ron. The event concludes with one of Southern California’s best fireworks displays at 8:30PM, a 30-minute extravaganza that will light up the skies of Alamitos Bay, Naples, and the Peninsula.

Credit: Brandon West

Though the event is an entertaining spectacle, from its eye-catching pyrotechnics to its mouth-watering food, it also represents a commitment to community engagement and support. Since its inception, the event has contributed over $1 million to local nonprofits, focusing on organizations that support and uplift Long Beach's youth.

Credit: Brandon West

This year, that spotlight shines brightly on The Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach, the main beneficiary. Proceeds will also support other vital organizations including the Action Sports Kids Foundation, Children Today, Los Altos YMCA, and the Autism Partnership Foundation.

Credit: Brandon West

Because of all of that, Morris, the renowned local restaurateur who owns the popular Boathouse on the Bay and was a founding partner of a little sports pub called Legends, has said it’s “going to be a great weekend. Gonna be phenomenal.”

Credit: Brandon West

And folks can enjoy it all in a variety of ways. “Block Party” tickets come with general seating for entertainment and fireworks, as well as dinner from Naples Rib Co. and access to a cash bar. The “Boathouse” option offers a premium dining experience and seating inside Boathouse on the Bay, offering stunning views of the bay and all the excitement it will have to offer.

Perhaps no one is more excited than Morris, who is obviously happy to bring the Bang back for 2024.

Credit: Brandon West

“I’m hoping everybody gets involved... Let’s make this one the Big One!” - John Morris

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.