Local Traditions & Customs in Long Beach, California, United States
1. Annual Queen Mary New Year's Eve Fireworks
A dazzling fireworks display over the historic Queen Mary ship to welcome the New Year.
- Iconic Location: Held on the waterfront, a unique setting for a New Year's celebration.
- Community Gathering: Attracts thousands of locals and visitors, fostering a sense of community.
- Long-standing Tradition: A cherished annual event that has been taking place for over 40 years.
2. Lobsterfest Long Beach
Celebration of all things lobster, featuring cooking competitions and live music.
- Local Seafood Delicacy: Highlights the local seafood industry and its signature dish.
- Community Bonding: Fosters a sense of unity through friendly competition and entertainment.
- Culinary Experience: Offers visitors the opportunity to taste authentic local lobster dishes.
3. Long Beach Jazz Festival
Three-day event showcasing jazz musicians from around the world.
- Music Heritage: Honors Long Beach's rich jazz history and its contributions to the genre.
- Cultural Exchange: Brings together artists from diverse backgrounds, fostering cultural exchange.
- Entertainment Hub: Creates a lively atmosphere for locals and tourists alike.
4. Rose Parade Float Exhibit
Displays intricately designed floats from the Pasadena Rose Parade.
- Artistic Showcase: showcases creativity and craftsmanship in float design.
- Community Pride: Symbolizes the community's pride and spirit.
- Historical Context: Provides a glimpse into the history of the Rose Parade.
5. Carnation Festival & Parade
Springtime event celebrating the city's history and floral beauty.
- City Identity: Emphasizes Long Beach's identity as 'The City of Signs and Flowers.'
- Community Celebration: Brings the community together for a fun-filled event.
- Floral Appreciation: Highlights the city's love for flowers and gardening.
6. Naples Island Canals Holiday Boat Parade
Boats decked out in holiday lights parade through the Naples Island canals.
- Holiday Cheer: Spreads holiday cheer and excitement throughout the community.
- Community Spirit: Encourages neighborhood camaraderie and collaboration.
- Unique Venue: Takes place on the picturesque Naples Island canals.
7. Racing at Long Beach Grand Prix
Annual auto racing event featuring IndyCar and other motorsports competitions.
- High-speed Action: Offers thrilling, high-speed racing action.
- Motorsports History: Honors Long Beach's history as a motorsports destination.
- Fan Experience: Provides an immersive experience for racing enthusiasts.
8. Long Beach Seafood Gumbo Festival
Celebration of gumbo and seafood, with cooking competitions and live music.
- Local Cuisine: Highlights the city's love for seafood and gumbo.
- Community Bonding: Fosters a sense of unity through friendly competition and entertainment.
- Culinary Experience: Offers visitors the opportunity to taste authentic gumbo and seafood dishes.
9. Long Beach Greek Festival
Celebration of Greek culture with food, dance, music, and art.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes understanding and appreciation of Greek culture.
- Community Celebration: Brings the community together for a fun-filled event.
- Authentic Experience: Offers visitors an immersive, authentic Greek experience.
10. Bike the Bay
Annual bike ride along the Long Beach coastline and surrounding areas.
- Active Exploration: Encourages active exploration of the city's beautiful coastal areas.
- Community Engagement: Supports local charities and encourages community involvement.
- Scenic Routes: Offers riders picturesque views of the Long Beach coastline.
11. Taste of Californias Food Festival
Festival showcasing the diverse food and flavors of California.
- Culinary Variety: Offers visitors a taste of the rich culinary diversity within California.
- Community Celebration: Brings together local chefs, restaurants, and food enthusiasts.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes understanding and appreciation of California's cultural diversity.
12. Long Beach Pride Parade & Festival
Celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a parade and festival.
- Community Support: Provides support, visibility, and unity for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Entertainment Hub: Creates a lively atmosphere for locals and tourists alike.
13. Night of 10,000 Lights
Annual holiday event featuring illuminated boats along the marina.
- Holiday Cheer: Spreads holiday cheer and excitement throughout the community.
- Community Spirit: Encourages neighborhood camaraderie and collaboration.
- Unique Venue: Takes place on the picturesque marina.
14. Long Beach Tanukichi Okami Obon Festival
Celebration of Japanese culture with music, dance, and food.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture.
- Community Celebration: Brings the community together for a fun-filled event.
- Authentic Experience: Offers visitors an immersive, authentic Japanese experience.
15. Long Beach Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
Holiday boat parade showcasing decorated boats along the Long Beach harbor.
- Holiday Cheer: Spreads holiday cheer and excitement throughout the community.
- Community Spirit: Encourages neighborhood camaraderie and collaboration.
- Unique Venue: Takes place on the picturesque Long Beach harbor.