Ventura Harbor Village Invites Families, Furry Friends and Witches to Celebrate Halloween By the Sea

Halloween gets a coastal twist this October as Ventura Harbor Village welcomes families, witches, zombies, four-legged companions and Halloween enthusiasts to celebrate Fall with a festive lineup of Seaside Halloween happenings.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Ventura Harbor, this year’s Halloween festivities feature a dog costume contest, family-friendly trick-or-treating, Halloween entertainment and activities, and the colorful spectacle of costumed witches and warlocks paddling across the harbor. Visitors can also enjoy waterfront dining, shopping, harbor views and attractions throughout Ventura Harbor Village.

“Ventura Harbor Village is the perfect place to celebrate Halloween with a seaside twist,” said Marketing Manager, Jennifer Talt Lundin of Ventura Harbor Village. 

Here’s what in story for the bewitching month:

HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest 2026

Saturday, October 24 | Noon–2 PM | At Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn

Halloween isn’t just for humans! Canine companions are invited to dress up for the HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest 2026 on Saturday, October 24.

The festive event celebrates creative, spooky and sea-worthy costumes, with prizes recognizing categories including Best in Show, Spookiest, Most Sea-Worthy, Most On-Trend and Most Creative.

HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest 2026 At Ventura Harbor Village

The event is designed for dog lovers and spectators alike, making it a fun opportunity to enjoy Halloween with the entire family.  Ventura Harbor Village Events (look here for online entries) There are 75 maximum entries available beginning October 16, 2026, and some available on the day of the event. 

Seaside Trick or Treat 2026

Friday, October 30 | 4–6 PM | Free | At Ventura Harbor Village

Something spellbinding is brewing by the sea, as visitors put on their favorite costumes and get ready for Seaside Trick or Treat 2026 throughout Ventura Harbor Village on the eve of Halloween, Friday, October 30.

This free community Halloween celebration invites visitors of all ages to dress up and explore participating Village shops and restaurants for treats. Look for the distinctive witch hats with green twirling hair that identify participating treat stops. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own trick-or-treat bags, with treats and complimentary activities available while supplies last.  New this year, a Witches Night Market will take over the lawn with vendors, curious finds, and even more treats.

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Seaside Trick or Treat 2026 At Ventura Harbor Village

The afternoon’s Halloween entertainment and activities include:

  • Monster Mash Dance Party
  • Village Skeleton Hunt
  • Roaming magician
  • Professional pumpkin carving
  • Halloween hearse featuring a Día de los Muertos photo display
  • Face painting/Vendors
  • Halloween Crafts
  • Scarlors performance – (New!)
  • Witches & Warlocks Paddle – 4-5:30 PM
  • Thriller Zombie Flash Mob – 5:45 PM
  • Witches Night Market (New!)

Participating treat stops currently include Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market,

Barefoot Boutique, Baja Bay Surf N Taco, Boba by the Sea, Brophy Bros., On The Alley, Casa De Regalos, Deep Sea Wine, Frenchies Modern Nail Care, Hats Unlimited, Island Packers, Lost in Socks, Rowan Boutique, Margarita Villa Mexican Restaurant, Mermaid Gallery, The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood, Treasure Cove, Ventura Pottery Gallery and Ventura Swimwear. Ventura Harbor Village Events 

Need a last-minute finishing touch? Stop by Hats Unlimited or Lost in Socks for costume accessories

8th Annual Ventura Harbor Witches & Warlocks Paddle 2026

Friday, October 30 | 4–5:30 PM | At Ventura Harbor

As Halloween festivities unfold throughout Ventura Harbor Village, a spellbinding spectacle will take place on the water during the 8th Annual Ventura Harbor Witches & Warlocks Paddle 2026 on Friday, October 30.

Don’t miss the group photo! Witches, warlocks and other costumed paddlers will gather at 3:30 PM on the promenade near the Ventura Harbor sign for a group photo, before launching the paddle at 4 PM.

Participants can bring their own paddleboard or kayak or arrange a rental through Ventura Boat Rentals. The paddle lasts approximately one to one-and-a-half hours. Those bringing their own equipment may launch from several locations around the Harbor, including “C” Dock in the Village courtesy area, Harbor Cove Beach or the public launch ramp. Spectators are welcome too, with plenty of prime viewing spots along the Ventura Harbor Village promenade.

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8th Annual Ventura Harbor Witches Paddle 2026 at Ventura Harbor Village

The Annual Witches & Warlocks Paddle began as a local tradition initiated by Christie Moorehouse and Susan Stuart and has grown into an annual Halloween attraction at Ventura Harbor. Spectators are invited to watch the costumed flotilla from the Ventura Harbor Village promenade.  

Advance RSVP is required for those participating in the paddle, and witches and warlocks must register using the below link, and sign an online wavier:

https://forms.monday.com/forms/de335c3cf001b981e74f213910f74743?r=use1

All paddlers must wear a life vest, paddle with a buddy and participate at their own risk.

Visitors are encouraged to check the Ventura Harbor Village events calendar for the latest updates. Ventura Harbor Village Events

Thriller Zombie Dance 2026

Friday, October 30, 2026 |5:45 – 6 PM | At Ventura Harbor Village

Get ready for a Halloween spectacle as a ghoulish gathering of zombies takes over the Main Lawn at Ventura Harbor Village for a special live performance of Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” dance on Friday, October 30.

From 5:45 to 6:00 p.m., the Main Lawn will come alive with a spooky, high-energy performance sponsored by FitZone Ventura, bringing one of Halloween’s most recognizable dances to the waterfront as part of Ventura Harbor Village’s Spooktacular Halloween weekend.

Halloween fans of all ages are invited to watch the performance — or join in the fun. Those who want to learn the legendary “Thriller” choreography are encouraged to participate. Costumes are encouraged, making the event an opportunity for families, friends and Halloween enthusiasts to dance alongside the zombies

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Thriller Zombie Dance 2026 At Ventura Harbor Village

Whether you’re a longtime Halloween fan or simply looking for a fun way to celebrate the season, the “Thriller” performance promises to bring plenty of spooky spirit, music and movement.

Halloween Haunted History Cruise (New!)

Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 10 AM–4 PM | Ventura Harbor

This Halloween, trade the traditional haunted house for a thrilling and memorable adventure on the Santa Barbara Channel during the Halloween Haunted History Cruise, a special one-day-only, non landing cruise, departing from Island Packers in Ventura Harbor on October 31.

Visitors will remain comfortably aboard an Island Packers vessel while exploring the scenic waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. The approximately five-hour, non-landing cruise combines maritime history, dramatic coastal scenery, wildlife viewing and fascinating stories inspired by the Channel’s mysterious past with a distinctive Halloween adventure surrounded by the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel.

As the vessel travels along the Channel, guests can hear tales connected to the region’s remote islands, historic shipwrecks, seafaring legends and maritime heritage. As part of the adventure on the water, guests enjoy a five hour sightseeing experience aboard Island Packers; interpretive narration and stories inspired by Channel Islands history, scenic views of remote islands and dramatic coastal formations; opportunities to photograph marine wildlife (dolphins, whales, California sea lions, pelicans and seabirds; in addition to coastal landscapes.  Space is limited for this special one-day Halloween cruise. www.islandpackers.com

From adorable pups in costume to children collecting treats and witches gliding across the harbor, Ventura Harbor Village offers a memorable way to experience Halloween against the backdrop of the Southern California coast. Visitors can make an afternoon or evening of their visit by enjoying waterfront dining, browsing Village boutiques and galleries, picking up Halloween treats and gifts, and taking in the harbor views before or after the festivities. With multiple events taking place, visitors can experience the unique combination of costumes on land and witches on the water — all within the vibrant Ventura Harbor setting. For a complete list event information and the latest schedule of Fall events and happenings, visit the Ventura Harbor Village events calendar: Ventura Harbor Village Events

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Makes a Haunting Return for Its 13th Season

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor returns for its 13th season, opening September 18 and running select nights through November 1. Tickets start at $50.99 on select nights. This fall, the world’s most haunted vessel summons guests back into the fog with six terrifying mazes, including the all-new Shipwrecked: Brace for Impact and reimagined versions of Lullaby, Infirmary, and Big Top Terror. Across the ship and surrounding harbor, guests will encounter Dark Harbor’s infamous spirits, live entertainment, hidden secret speakeasies, carnival rides, games, themed bars and devilish bites.

Produced by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, a leading producer and operator of immersive experiences, Dark Harbor brings the haunted history of the Queen Mary to life through maritime disasters, restless spirits and the characters that have long defined the event.

“Dark Harbor’s 13th season is an exciting milestone, and we’re celebrating by introducing new ways for guests to experience the haunted history of the Queen Mary,” said Star Romano, General Manager of Dark Harbor. “This year’s new mazes, rides, secret speakeasies and theatrical encounters expand the stories and experiences that make Dark Harbor unlike any other Halloween event.”

Mazes at Dark Harbor include:

  • Shipwrecked: Brace for Impact — New for 2026! During a blackout voyage, a single command sealed the fate of hundreds. Step aboard the Queen Mary and relive the ship’s most chilling collision as drowned sailors return from the depths to haunt the vessel that left them behind. As the ship descends into chaos, guests will navigate flooding corridors, shattered hulls and restless souls demanding revenge.
  • Lullaby: Teddy’s Revenge — Reimagined for 2026! In the depths of the Queen Mary’s first-class swimming pool, the sinisterly playful ghost of Scary Mary rises to accost passengers and guide them toward a watery abyss. The vortex leads to a chilling underworld where guests must listen carefully or risk hearing their final lullaby.
  • Infirmary: The Siren Song — Reimagined for 2026! The wicked spirits of sadistic surgeon Dr. Edwin Masters and his accomplice Graceful Gale torment the living with ghastly echoes of their gruesome procedures. While the spectacle of the doctor’s specialized surgeries dazzles spectators in the operating theater, a revolt builds below in the third-class corridors.
  • Big Top Terror: Carnival of Chaos — Reimagined for 2026! Step right up and uncover the terrors lurking in the shadows of a Halloween carnival built as a deadly labyrinth of jack-o’-lanterns. Discover the tale of the Pumpkin Carver, witness death-defying stunts and avoid the Ringmaster’s Henchies at all costs.
  • Voodoo: The Queen’s Curse A ruthless Priestess rises from a decayed bayou to seize the Queen Mary’s power by commanding Loa, raising the dead and marking anyone who strays too close. She has spent years stalking the ship, binding pirates to her will and building an army to storm Long Beach.
  • Breakout! Maximum Security The mystery of the infamous stateroom B340 continues. Samuel the Savage has been arrested, dragged off the ship and thrown into a prison cell, but the rusted shackles inside this seaside village jail may not be strong enough to contain him.

Beyond the mazes, Dark Harbor’s 2026 lineup unleashes new rides, haunting theatrical experiences, twisted carnival games and more. The new Alien Abduction ride traps guests inside a spinning spacecraft filled with eerie sounds and immersive lighting, while Blacklight Bumper Cars brings neon mayhem to an arena inspired by Dark Harbor’s infamous legends. Returning rides include Sinister Swings and the Rampage Double Wheel, with an Unlimited Carnival Rides add-on also available.

The darkness continues aboard the Queen Mary with new and reimagined theatrical experiences. Lady Mabel Presents: Scary Mary’s Dark Séance invites guests to join an intimate attempt to contact Scary Mary before the paranormal investigation spirals into a terrifying encounter. In the reimagined Gale’s Requiem, guests descend into the belly of the ship following Infirmary to witness a haunting confrontation between Graceful Gale and Dr. Edwin Masters.

Throughout the carnival, guests can test their luck and skill at the Ringmaster’s Games of Chance, including the Wheel of Misfortune, Head Hunter, Ring of Ruin and Big Top Axe Alley. They can also race against the clock in Five-Minute Escape Games or take a break from the frights with the S’mores Package.

Lady Mabel returns with five secret speakeasies throughout Dark Harbor, including four new bars and a one returning favorite. Guests can unlock access with a valid VIP badge or one of Lady Mabel’s mystic tokens. Lady Mabel’s Foresight Four Pack includes a group astrology reading and four tokens, while individual tokens will be available for purchase at the event, subject to availability. Aboard the Queen Mary, Spirits of Dark Harbor explores the paranormal encounters and ghost sightings that inspired the event’s stories and characters, complete with cocktails and mocktails from the Spirits Bar.

Live entertainment unfolds throughout the night at Ringmaster’s Halloween Carnival and the ShipYard, with sideshow performers, fire performers, drag queens and nightly sets from DJ KILLtrina. Each evening also features the Maiden Voyage Launch Party at 8:08 p.m. and the Final Voyage dance party beginning one hour before the festival closes.

Dark Harbor’s themed food and beverage lineup includes standout offerings from Big Top Smokehouse, Voodoo Fries, Diablo’s Tacos, and Freak Show Funnel Cake, along with monster ice cream shakes and more. Guests can also visit themed bars located throughout the event.

Guests looking for an upgraded experience can also book an RIP Guided Tour, which includes early entry, a personal guide, one-time immediate entry into all six mazes, Evil Express access, admission to Lady Mabel’s Speakeasies, select additional experiences and a discount on Dark Harbor merchandise.

For more information and event updates, visit www.darkharborhalloween.com and follow Dark Harbor on Facebook and Instagram. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor is located at 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802.

Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns Illuminates South Coast Botanic Garden With More Than 10,000 Carved Pumpkins

More than 10,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns will illuminate South Coast Botanic Garden this fall as Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns returns to Palos Verdes. Presented by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, a leading producer and operator of immersive experiences, the family-friendly Halloween event will welcome guests on select nights from September 18 through November 1.

Set along a mile-long walking trail, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns transforms the garden’s winding pathways into a glowing landscape filled with pumpkin artistry, radiant light displays and larger-than-life scenes. This year’s illuminated trail brings the garden to life with a whimsical circus scene, a colorful Día de los Muertos tribute and an enchanting journey under the sea.

A synchronized pumpkin light show will illuminate the event every 30 minutes, while towering inflatables, interactive activities and seasonal photo opportunities offer more to discover throughout the trail.

“We’re thrilled to bring Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns back for another unforgettable season at the South Coast Botanic Garden,” said General Manager Norberto Urrea. “This year’s show features thousands of hand-carved pumpkins along a beautiful trail, with radiant light displays and immersive scenes at every turn. It’s the perfect way to kick off the Halloween season with family, friends, little ones, and the people you love.”

Guests can enhance their visit with 3D Jack O’Lantern Glasses, which transform points of light into glowing pumpkin images, or gather around the fire with a tasty S’mores Package. The Fun Zone also invites children and adults to enjoy a massive pumpkin-shaped bounce pad and oversized pumpkin-themed slides. Food and beverages will also be available throughout the event. A low-sensory night will take place on Sunday, September 27th, offering a modified experience for guests who may benefit from reduced sensory stimulation. 

Tickets start at $29.99 for adults at $24.99 (including fees) for kids on select nights and are on sale now. Visit www.magicofthejackolanterns.com to secure your tickets while supplies last. 

For additional information, including event specifics, ticket pricing, and more, please visit magicofthejackolanterns.com/la/ or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

Credit: Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group.

Aquarium of the Pacific debuts first HoloTheater® on the U.S. West Coast

Pictured: New HoloTheater® at the Aquarium of the Pacific Photo Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Ocean Theater has transformed into a brand-new immersive experience that opens on September 4, making it the first HoloTheater® on the U.S. West Coast. Developed by BASE Xperiential, a live entertainment and media company based in Houston, Texas, the HoloTheater® installation uses six projection surfaces in a custom-designed theater to bring creatures, their environments, and stories to life.

The new space combines panoramic projection, holographic imagery, and spatial audio, allowing up to 132 guests to get an up-close-and-personal glimpse of the ecosystems of past and present. No glasses, VR headsets, or other wearable technology is required to experience the films in 3-D.

The new HoloTheater® is opening with Dinosaur Discoveries: A Holographic Adventure, where dinosaurs appear to come alive on a stage in front of the screen. This twenty five-minute film produced by BASE Xperiential in partnership with Paquin Entertainment Group, and distributed in collaboration with MacGillivray Freeman Films, transports audiences across prehistoric landscapes to encounter some of the most extraordinary creatures to ever walk the Earth. It is an educational journey that tells the evolving story of paleontological discoveries and scientific revelations that gave us what we know today about these remarkable creatures.

“We are looking forward to having the first HoloTheater® experience on the West Coast as a new immersive experience for our guests. We hope they leave inspired to learn more about ocean animals that lived on our planet at the same time as dinosaurs and are still with us today from sea jellies to sharks,” said Nicole Meek, Aquarium of the Pacific senior director of visitor operations.

Multiple HoloTheater® shows will run daily at the Aquarium, and tickets can be purchased with Aquarium admission on-site or in advance online. Later this fall, Ocean Giants Revealed will debut in the Aquarium’s HoloTheater®, where guests can submerge themselves into the world of the deep sea where few have traveled and witness the beauty and diversity of marine species both past and present, including whales, sea jellies, megalodon, and other prehistoric sea creatures.

“HoloTheater® was created to transform how audiences experience stories,” said Brian Becker, founder and CEO of BASE Xperiential. “Partnering with Aquarium of the Pacific allows us to bring our methodology to one of the nation’s premier aquariums, bringing established technologies together to create an experience that is both spectacular and meaningful. Our goal is simple: inspire curiosity by making guests feel like they’ve stepped inside the story.”

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Lights, Camera, Long Beach! The Inaugural Long Beach Film Festival Unveils Full Festival Lineup for Aug 28-30

Long Beach is getting ready for its close-up! The Long Beach Film Festival (LBFF) is pleased to unveil the full lineup for its inaugural festival weekend, bringing together independent filmmakers, emerging voices and movie lovers for two days of screenings, conversations, and special events. The festivities kick-off with an Opening Night Party aboard the Queen Mary on Friday, August 28, followed by two full days of cinema at the Art Theatre of Long Beach, August 29–30.

The Festival spans four feature films and four curated short-film programs, with stories ranging from dark comedy and horror to science fiction, drama and deeply human stories of second chances. Throughout the weekend, screenings will be complemented by filmmaker Q&As, panel conversations and programming in the LBFF FilmLounge, giving audiences the opportunity to meet filmmakers, hear the stories behind their work and continue the conversation beyond the screen.

The weekend begins Friday, August 28, with the LBFF Opening Night Party aboard the Queen Mary. From 6 to 9 p.m., guests will walk the red carpet inside one of Long Beach’s most iconic landmarks for an evening celebrating the filmmakers, artists and community behind the city’s newest film festival. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson will join the celebration to share a few words and lead a special toast marking the official kickoff of the inaugural festival.

On Saturday, August 29, the festival moves to the Art Theatre of Long Beach for its first full day of screenings. The day begins at noon with “Out of This World!”, a collection of five short films exploring different worlds, dimensions and some of life’s biggest questions. At 3 p.m., writer, director and actor Emily Robinson, known for Eighth Grade, brings “Ugly Cry” to the screen. The darkly comedic feature follows an actor whose “ugly cry” costs them their dream role and sends them spiraling down a dangerous path toward perfection.

Saturday evening continues at 6 p.m. with “Again Again,” written, directed by and starring Mia Moore and executive produced by Lilly Wachowski. The film follows Agatha, who has spent 10 years reliving the same day in a torturous time loop, only to unexpectedly wake up to something even more frightening: a brand-new day.

Closing Saturday night at 9 p.m. is “Nightmares on 4th Street,” a 90-minute collection of eight horror shorts promising campy fun, scares and plenty of reasons to keep the theater lights on a little longer.

The festival returns Sunday, August 30, beginning at 11 a.m. with “The Pursuit of Happiness,” a collection of six short films examining change, risk and the forces shaping modern life around the world. At 1:30 p.m., LBFF brings the story home with “Rescued,” written, directed by and starring Long Beach filmmaker DJ Hale. The feature follows a homeless man who finds the motivation to turn his life around after a stray dog befriends him and refuses to leave his side.

At 4:30 p.m., “21st Century Problems” turns its attention to the complications of modern adulthood, with seven short films exploring love, friendship and life in times of crisis through stories ranging from comedic to dramatic.

The inaugural screening program concludes Sunday at 7 p.m. with director Danny Madden’s “Downbeat.” The feature follows a troubled drummer who moves in with his sister in Boston and rediscovers his passion through street performing, only to find his newfound stability threatened by his own reckless choices.

Beyond the screenings, LBFF is creating opportunities for audiences to engage directly with the people behind the films. Filmmaker Q&As and panel conversations will take place throughout the weekend, while the LBFF FilmLounge will serve as a gathering place for filmmakers, industry professionals and festivalgoers.

The festival is also making room for its youngest future filmmakers. On Sunday, from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., LBFF StoryLab will invite children ages 8–12 into the FilmLounge for a hands-on introduction to filmmaking. Young storytellers will explore camera basics, visual storytelling and how filmmakers turn an idea into something audiences can experience on the big screen, with an emphasis on creativity, confidence and finding their own storytelling voice.

Festivalgoers can experience LBFF in several ways. Individual screening tickets begin at $10, while the $75 All Festival Pass provides unlimited access to screenings Saturday and Sunday. The $150 VIP Pass offers the festival’s most complete experience, including all film screenings, Friday’s Opening Night Party, the Saturday Soiree, Festival Afterparty, panel talks and other FilmLounge events. All festival passes include complimentary popcorn at the Art Theatre.

2026 LONG BEACH FILM FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE

Friday, August 28
6–9 p.m. — Opening Night Party | Queen Mary

Saturday, August 29
12:00 p.m. — Out of This World! | Short Film Block

2:00 p.m. — Industry Panel Talk | In the FilmLounge
3:00 p.m. — Ugly Cry | Feature Film

6:00 p.m. — Again Again | Feature Film
9:00 p.m. — Nightmares on 4th Street | Short Film Block

Sunday, August 30
9:00 a.m —  StoryLab

11:00 a.m. — The Pursuit of Happiness | Short Film Block
1:30 p.m. — Rescued | Feature Film
4:15 pm. — “Rescued in Real Life” panel talk | In the FilmLounge

4:30 p.m. — 21st Century Problems | Short Film Block

7:00 p.m. — Downbeat | Feature Film

9:00 p.m. — LBFF Afterparty | In the FilmLounge

Weekend festival passes are available now. To purchase tickets and learn more visit www.longbeachfilmfestival.org. Follow @longbeachfilmfest on social media. 

Credit: The Long Beach Film Festival (LBFF)

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition at the California Science Center closes September 7, 2026

The California Science Center will be closing Mummies of the World: The Exhibitionon Monday, September 7, 2026.

The exhibition brings together naturally and intentionally preserved human and animal mummies from South America, Europe, and ancient Egypt, including a new selection of specimens never-before-seen in Los Angeles.

Guests can explore the science of natural mummification in varied environments from glaciers and deserts to underground European crypts and will learn about the methods used to intentionally preserve animals and people in cultures ranging from ancient Egypt and Peru to modern day medical studies

Additionally, this exhibition includes CT scans (computed tomography) of full-body mummies, burial objects, mummification tools, and interactive audio-visual programs on the stories revealed by scientific analysis. Through the lens of science, guests can appreciate how mummification preserves irreplaceable physical and biological evidence and discover how the scientific study of mummies provides a window into the lives of ancient peoples, past civilizations, and our ever-changing world.

Since its world premiere at the California Science Center in 2010, Mummies of the World: The Exhibition has been seen by millions of visitors worldwide. This is the last chance to experience this powerful journey into the past before the artifacts and mummies return to their lending museums and institutions from around the world.

Guests can enhance their experience with the IMAX movie Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs. Part historic journey and part forensic adventure, Mummies 3D follows researchers and explorers as they piece together the archeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies.

This documentary is the perfect complement to the exhibition, exploring the history of mummification, ancient Egyptian beliefs, new discoveries, and the application of forensic science in the study of mummies.

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition and Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs will both close on Monday, September 7, 2026.

WHERE:   

California Science Center 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037

Parking is available at the California Science Center visitor parking in the Blue Structure. (Enter visitor parking at the Blue Structure on Figueroa Street and 39th Street/Exposition Park Drive.)

All tickets for Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, its accompanying audio guide, and the IMAX movie Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs can be purchased online, by calling 213-744-2019 or by visiting the Science Center box office (please note that in person sales have no additional service fees):

Exhibition tickets: $23.95 for adults and $15.95 for children. Audio guide: $5.00. IMAX movie tickets: $11.00 for adults and $9.00 for children. Combination tickets for both the exhibition and IMAX movie are $31.95 for adults and $21.95 for children.

 A service fee of $4 per person will apply to all online or telephone purchases. The fee is waived for California Science Center Members and in-person sales.

Discounted tickets and audio guides are available for Members, groups of 15 or more people, and private events. Full details can be found on the website here.

Gift certificates are also available for purchase in any amount by calling 213-744-2019 or by visiting the box office and can be redeemed in person at the Science Center.

The box office is open in person daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

IMAX Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs Run Time: 40 minutes.
For further information on Mummies 3D, can be found HERE.

Credit: The California Science Center.

PLAZA MEXICO A Place for Everyone “Sueños y Esperanza” (Dreams and Hope) Providing Community and Space for People with Special Needs Every Friday from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm

For years now Plaza México has been providing a safe space for the special needs community, a place where they can meet up with old friends, or make new friends as sing karaoke dance the night away and just enjoy life!

Each Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Plaza México in Lynwood, CA., hosts Sueños y Esperanza (Dreams and Hope) a non-profit organization providing a sense of community with planned social activities for persons with Down Syndrome, Autism, and any other forms of neurodivergence. It’s a blast!

Sueños y Esperanza Organization:
Socialization for people with Down Syndrome, Autism, and other realities of human development. Sueños y Esperanza  place for everyone.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbtvlq3kXfg/

American Born Chinese Foundation, Supporting Children’s Bilingual Literacy and in Partnership with the City of West Hollywood Presents 4th Annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival


The 4th Annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival (LAKBF) returns to West Hollywood Park on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This free-to-the-public event celebrates early childhood education, bilingualism and multiculturalism for young children and their families. Fostering a love for reading, this year’s Los Angeles Kids Book Festival is presented by the American Born Chinese Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting children’s bilingual literacy and in partnership with the City of West Hollywood and proudly sponsored by the Los Angeles Clippers.

The 4th Annual LAKBF promises an unforgettable day of storytelling, performances, and interactive educational fun for families with young children.

This year’s Festival with increased focus on local and community partnerships includes:
– 100+ Exhibitors including Children’s Authors and Illustrators: Local and national creators

– Author & Industry Panels: Learn how to write children’s books and explore the kids’ content industry in sessions held at the West Hollywood Rec Center

– Play2Progress Chill Zone hosts an indoor Stim/Quite Room, offering a calming space for children who need a break from the excitement, along with a nursing station

– Sponsors Include: Los Angeles Clippers, City of West Hollywood, McComb Orthodontics, Los Angeles Chargers, LA Kings, Pizza Hut, IDW Publishing, Athens Services, I’m The Chef Too, Liquid Death, the West Hollywood Library, and more

– Foam Party: The festival’s epic closing celebration

– All-Day Storytimes: Featuring diverse books and bilingual readings

– Live Performances, Food Trucks, Face Painting & More: A full day of family-friendly activities and performances from BeatBuds; Chloe and Maud’s Sole Talks (Syncopated Ladies Junior Group); Rebelot Italian Bilingual Children’s Puppet Theater; Live Calligraphy demonstrations; IDW Drawing Demonstrations; Special Appearance by Blippi and Meekah; Special Guest Book Reader, Raleigh Stewart, illustrator of Lauren Sanchez Bezo’s “The Fly Who Flew” series; and much more

The American Born Chinese Foundation is a vibrant public nonprofit organization (501c3) presenting the Los Angeles Kids Book Festival supporting cultural events and bilingual resources, fostering inclusivity and a lifelong love of learning. The ABC Foundation promotes positive AAPI identity from childhood by supporting AAPI children in the U.S. With a focus on inclusion, diversity, bilingual education, cultural preservation, and Asian representation in children’s books.  

Our work addresses the shortage of bilingual books for multicultural kids, ensuring that bookstores reflect our community. We provide free bilingual books to families, publish new titles, and support bilingual creators. 

“Our goal is to make literacy and multicultural education accessible and joyful for all families,” says Bonnie Hyde, Founder & CEO of LAKBF. “With new panels, performances, and sensory-friendly spaces, this year’s festival is our most inclusive yet!”

About the Los Angeles Kids Book Festival:

LAKBF is a free, annual event celebrating early literacy, bilingualism, and multiculturalism for children and families. Founded in 2023, it is a program of the American Born Chinese Foundation. Learn more at https://www.americanbornchinesefoundation.org/

WHEN: Sunday, August 23, 2026; 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

WHERE:  West Hollywood Park, 647 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

PARKING: 
Parking Lot A: West Hollywood Park 5-Story – 625 N San Vicente Blvd
• 1st hr free, 6 am-6 pm; 1 hr additional validation for park and rec center patrons.  Validation is inside the building.

Parking Lot B: West Hollywood Library (Municipal Structure #3) – 625 N San Vicente Blvd
• 3 hrs free with Library validation

Parking Lot C: Pacific Design Center Gallery – 8687 Melrose Ave
• Garage entrance for Pacific Design Center is located on Melrose Avenue, just east of San Vicente Blvd
• There is also additional street-metered parking surrounding the park

MORE INFORMATION:
• Free Admission: Visit https://lakidsbookfestival.com/tickets to register for tickets and receive festival updates and stay up to date with the latest list of exhibitors and activities.

• To learn how to become an Exhibitor or Vendor: Apply now at https://www.lakidsbookfestival.com

• Tag us: #LAKidsBookFest

• Full list of exhibitors can be found here: https://www.lakidsbookfestival.com/2026-exhibitors-

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakidsbookfest
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakidsbookfestival   
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/los-angeles-kids-book-festival   
• For more information: info@lakidsbookfestival.com; 310-795-5312