Veterans Day in Long Beach

Several Long Beach attractions will host special Veterans Day events, offering free or discounted admission for veterans and active military personnel. Events will take place on the holiday itself, Monday, November 11, 2024, as well as the weekend before.

Credit: The Queen Mary

QUEEN MARY

To commemorate Veterans Day, the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy) will offer free admission for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families on November 11, from 10AM to 6PM. Attendees can enjoy exclusive meet-and-greets with the ship’s Captain and officers, write letters to active troops, participate in arts and crafts, and listen to inspiring stories from fellow veterans. Entertainment includes Game Time with the USO Girls, strolling performances by the Lucky Lindy’s, GI Boys, and a tribute to The Andrews Sisters. Self-guided tours of the Churchill Exhibit, Engine Room, and other areas will be included with free admission. Reservations are available online.

CREDIT: The Queen Mary

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

Veterans and active military personnel receive free admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) on Veterans Day, November 11, from 9AM to 6PM. Attendees can visit the Aquarium’s newest exhibit, Frogs: Facing a Changing World, and learn how the Aquarium is working to help save endangered species of amphibians. Reservations are required and are available online.

BATTLESHIP IOWA

The Battleship IOWA (250 S Harbor Blvd, San Pedro) is the West Coast’s only battleship open to the public and is located at the L.A. Waterfront. The ship, which served during WWII, the Korean War, and the Cold War, will host a free Veterans Day event on Saturday, November 9, from 2 to 4PM. Attendees will enjoy live music and performances by the Geffen Playhouse Veterans Writing & Performance Project. Food and drink will be available for purchase, and veterans receive a free hot dog and non-alcoholic drink.

BEACH STREETS

On November 9, the City of Long Beach will close streets to vehicle traffic in the Uptown neighborhood of North Long Beach, opening the corridor for pedestrians, cyclists, and more. The annual Beach Streets event features festival hubs along the route, which begins at Atlantic and South Street and runs north to Artesia and east to Cherry Ave. At the Veterans Hub at Houghton Park, participants can check out the city’s annual Veterans Day Celebration featuring live entertainment, a veterans resource fair, food trucks, and activities for kids and families.

VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION

The City of Long Beach’s annual Veterans Day Celebration will be held on November 9 from 11AM to 4PM at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave). The event features a veterans resource fair, live music from Knyght Ryder and Satin Dollz, aircraft flyovers, food trucks and a beer garden. Attendees can try their skills in a boot camp style obstacle course, and kids can enjoy a Skate Zone with skate park demos and skateboarding lessons. The Veterans Recognition Ceremony, taking place at 2PM, will feature an awards presentation for those who have shown exemplary dedication to serving the local veterans community.

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.