Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary Returns to Long Beach

For the first time in five years, the frighteningly popular Dark Harbor Halloween event returns to the Queen Mary with its legendary mix of en-terror-tainments. From Sept. 20 to November 2, the iconic ocean liner–recognized as one of America’s most haunted places–will host all manner of mazes, monsters and immersive attractions as well as plenty of food, rides and hidden lounges. Here’s a look at just some of the fun that’s to die for.

CREDIT: Dark Harbor

HAUNTED MAZES

Dark Harbor initially made its name at the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy) because of its amazingly creative and creepy mazes. It returns this year with five such labyrinths, all of them new or newly imagined and populated by the frighteningly freaky. “Lullaby” takes place in the depth of the ship’s notoriously haunted swimming pool. “Infirmary” is ruled by a sadistic surgeon, while “Feast” tells the tale of one brutal butcher. There are also deranged pumpkin carvers (Big Top Terror) and Samuel the Savage (Breakout).

CREDIT: Dark Harbor

ENTERTAINMENT

Dark Harbor also features a wide variety of live entertainment present on both stage and strolling throughout the ship. Lady Mabel conducts an eerie summoning circle where the veil between the living and dead grows increasingly thin. There are fire spinners, the Voodoo Priestess percussion trio, and magicians and sideshow performers in the Circus area’s Bizarre Bar.

CREDIT: Dark Harbor

RINGMASTER’S RIDES

The Ringmaster’s Rides return with the likes of the Sinister Swings, a giant wave swing ride imported from Germany. There’s Scary Mary’s Ghost Rider, a restored carousel with ghostly white horses with black light responsive eyes. All that and two classic spinning thrill rides called the Black Widow and Rampage Double Wheel.

CREDIT: Dark Harbor

FOOD AND DRINK

There are plenty of places for you to take a break and enjoy festive eats and treats at one of the themed bars and lounges. From the Blue Mermaid in Seaside Village to the Rusty Anchor (Shipyard) to many others, you can find lots to eat and drink. Of course, if you want to find the location of the secret speakeasies planted in and around the mazes and attractions, you’ll have to pay attention to clues and would be well advised to get as close as you can to Lady Mabel the psychic.

CREDIT: Dark Harbor

TICKETS

Tickets to Dark Harbor can only be bought online. Ticket prices, which range from $39.99 to $59.99, vary given the day of your reservation. Also, ticket prices may increase if purchased closer to the day you plan to attend. Buying early is strongly suggested.

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.