Cultural Festivals at the Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) has been hosting cultural festivals for more than two decades, offering visitors the chance to connect with and learn about cultural communities from around the world while highlighting those communities’ connection to our planet. The aquarium’s festival season kicks off in September and features live performances, cultural displays and demonstrations, as well as vendors selling unique items.

Credit: Tom Bonner

FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

The aquarium’s festivals are held on weekends, from 9AM to 5PM, both Saturdays and Sundays. Activities include music and dance performances in the Honda Pacific Visions Theater and interactive sessions like drum circles or educational shows for children. During festivals, the aquarium’s Great Hall is lined with vendors, cultural displays, and children’s craft tables. Festivals are included with aquarium general admission, and tickets can be purchased in advance, online.

MOOMPETAM AMERICAN INDIAN FESTIVAL

September 14 & 15

Experience storytelling, music, dance, and cultural craft demonstrations at the aquarium’s 20th annual Moompetam American Indian Festival on September 14 and 15, 2024. This event celebrates indigenous California maritime cultures, including Tongva, Chumash, Acjachemen, Costanoan, Luiseño, and Kumeyaay, and their connection to and stewardship of the ocean. At past festivals, exhibitors have displayed a traditional Tongva canoe called a ti’at, the type of vessel that was originally used to cross the channel between Long Beach and Catalina Island.

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

BAJA SPLASH CULTURAL FESTIVAL

September 21 & 22

The aquarium’s Baja Splash Cultural Festival celebrates cultures from Mexico, Central and South America and beyond in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Held on September 21 and 22, 2024, the 23rd annual Baja Splash will feature performances and bilingual educational programming. Festival highlights include a ceremonial procession by Danza Azteca Cultural Ketzaliztli with pounding drums and dancers, and interactive music programs led by teaching artist Martin Espino.

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

SOUTHEAST ASIA DAY

October 12

While most aquarium festivals last all weekend, Southeast Asia Day is a one-day celebration of the cultures of Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Laos. The 20th annual edition will be held on October 12, 2024. Visitors will be able to see traditional music and dance performances and cultural craft demonstrations like intricate decorative fruit carving techniques.

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

AUTUMN FESTIVAL

November 16 & 17

At the aquarium’s Autumn Festival, experience exciting live performances like taiko drumming and lion dancers in celebration of the cultures of Japan, China, Korea, and the Philippines. The 23rd annual Autumn Festival will be held on November 16 and 17, 2024, with traditional craft demonstrations, music, dance, storytelling, and cultural arts exhibits representing Asian and Asian American culture.

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for nearly 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.