Summer Festivals in Long Beach

Long Beach is blessed not only with miles of sandy beaches and terrific weather, but an annual lineup of summer festivals–from May to September–celebrating culture, community, music and, oh yeah, fun! Check out these events and start plans for a festive summer in the city.

PACIFIC ISLANDER FESTIVAL

June 1-2, 2024

For the 21st year, the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) will celebrate Pacific Island cultures, including Hawaiian, Tahitian, Samoan, Chamorro, Marshallese and Maori. The Pacific Islander Festival (June 1-2, 2024) offers cultural displays, artisanal craft demonstrations, and live music and dance performances. Guests are also invited to explore the Aquarium’s Tropical Pacific Gallery to get up close with marine life found off the coast of Pacific islands, from colorful reef fish to sea turtles. The event will also include its annual Heritage Award ceremony. Access to the festival, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, is free with general admission to the aquarium.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

June 15, 2024

This daylong celebration of the ending of slavery in the U.S. has quickly become one of the most popular events of the year–thousands attended in 2022. Held Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Rainbow Lagoon (400 E. Shoreline Dr.), its mainstage will be headlined by DJ Pee Wee aka Anderson Paak and feature an array of musical and dance acts, poetry readings, step show and activities specifically designed for kids as well as plenty of food trucks offering a wide variety of cuisines. For more information or tickets, click here.

Day Trip Festival

June 22-23, 2024

This festival is all about House music. Created in 2018, Day Trip (June 22-23, 2024) will be held at Queen Mary Waterfront (1126 Queens Hwy.), adjacent to the Queen Mary itself. Featuring fresh ocean air, sun-soaked vibes and more than 30 DJs on its High Tide and Deep End stages, a lineup that offers the likes of Dombresky, Blond:ish, CID and Archie Hamilton. Day Trip attracts a fun, 21+ crowd that comes to dance, sing and sip on specialty cocktails.

Credit: Insomniac

Love Long Beach Festival

July 20-21, 2024

Featuring more than 50 DJs and live musicians performing on multiple stages, Love Long Beach (July 20-21, 2024), which takes place at Shoreline Aquatic Park (200 Aquarium Way), is a festival aimed at the whole person. Beyond musical talent, the weekend encompasses a diverse experience that also offers yoga, meditation, sound healing as well as arts and crafts at the Healing Arts Village & Sanctuary. There’s also food trucks, vendors and fully stocked bars.

Credit: Dark Matter Photographs

Long Beach Jazz Festival

August 9-11, 2024

In its 35th year, the Jazz Fest (Aug. 9-11, 2024) offers a one-of-a-kind experience for music lovers. Held at Rainbow Lagoon Park (Shoreline Dr. and Linden Ave.), there will be great food, drink and art to enjoy while listening to acclaimed jazz performers. As in year’s past, the festival will put a special emphasis on wellness with its Health and Wellness Pavilion featuring inspirational and expert speakers, treatment areas, vendors and healthy food sampling stations.

Credit: Ellis Moore Photography

COASTAL COUNTRY JAM

September 21-22, 2024

One of the biggest west coast events for country music fans, Coastal Country Jam, now in its sixth year, features an impressive list of top country talent headlined by Thomas Rhett and Jason Aldean. The two day festival–Sept. 21-22, 2024–takes place at Marina Green Park (386 E. Shoreline Dr.) which offers both spectacular views of the Long Beach waterfront as well as the city skyline. Not only will artists perform on multiple stages but the Country Club area is a massive, 50,000-square-foot space for line dancing as well as curated craft food, refreshing beverage options, interactive art installations and, just for fun, a Ferris Wheel!

Credit: Coastal Country Jam

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.