Experience Long Beach’s Most Iconic Summer Event

The Sea Festival is one of Long Beach’s longest standing and most beloved summer traditions. The “festival,” founded in 1888, is an umbrella term for events that range from sand castle contests to the world famous Catalina Ski Race. While the tradition lasts, the festival continues to evolve over the years. What was once a small community event is now a regional tourist draw. The best part is most events are free and fun for the whole family.

Various events are put on by Fred Khammer’s Alfredo’s Beach Club, which hosts the now 86 year old Great Sand Sculpture Contest. On the other hand, the city also partners with nonprofit clubs for smaller events and for-profit organizers for large events. 

A couple of the most popular events are the Chinese Dragon Boat Races and the now famous Sprint Nationals Powerboat Races. Also popular are the themed events including the Bayou, Jazz, Crawfish, and lobster festivals. 

Even though the waterfront is the flagship part of Long Beach’s image, many of the events happen inland with the help of the City’s Parks Department. 

The run from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend with several events running every single day. There is no formal website for the overarching festival, but you can find a comprehensive calendar of events at 100daysofsummer.org. 

2019 FESTIVALS WITHIN THE LONG BEACH INTERNATIONAL SEA FESTIVAL 

Art Walk Festival (Broadway and Elm Ave, Jun 8 ) 

Pirate Invasion and Mermaid Festival (Shoreline Aquatic Park, June 29-30) Two days of sword fights, musket battles, a treasure hunt, costume contest, kid’s zone, vendors, DJ entertainment, and a mermaid themed village. 

Queen Mary All American 4th of July (Queen Mary, July 4th, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.) Includes live entertainment, family-friendly activities, carnival games, delicious food, drinks, and a vintage aircraft flyover. 

7th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival (Houghton Park, July 6, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.) Enjoy Jazz, food, and vendors. 

LB Sea Festival: Catalina Ski Race (South Shore Launch Ramp, July 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) Water skiers from across the world flock to Long Beach for a 62-mile open ocean race from Queen Mary to Avalon and back. 

Love Long Beach Festival (Shoreline Aquatic Park, July 27-28) Includes live music and DJ’s, art, volleyball, swimming, running, paddling, yoga, farmers market, organic food court, craft beer, and wine court.

Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival (Marine Stadium, July 27-28) two-day day dragon boat races with food, music, arts, crafts, and Chinese acrobats.

Kids Fishing Rodeo Fest (Somerset Park, August 3) A free fishing event for boys and girls under age 16. 

For more information and a full comprehensive schedule of events click here.

There’s no better place to be in the summer than in sunny Long Beach, California. When considering your stay in this amazing city, check out our amazing room packages. For a complete list of other things you can do throughout the year, make sure you navigate to our attractions page.  Make your experience unforgettable and book with Hotel Current!