Santa Monica Place Invites the Community to Enjoy Line Dancing, Family Movie Nights and Rooftop Entertainment This August 

Makers Hive Market. Courtesy of Santa Monica Place.

Santa Monica Place invites locals and visitors to make the most of the final weeks of summer with a variety of entertainment, dining and family-friendly experiences throughout August. From complimentary line-dancing lessons in Center Plaza to after-hours family movie nights and rooftop dining experiences, guests can enjoy something new throughout the month just steps from the beach.

WESTERN WEDNESDAY AT SANTA MONICA PLACE

Western Wednesday returns to Santa Monica Place throughout August, inviting guests to grab their boots and enjoy a complimentary evening of country-inspired fun on the coast. Each week features line-dancing lessons led by professional instructors, along with complimentary giveaways available while supplies last. The experience is open to beginners and seasoned dancers alike. Guests can make a night of it with pre-dance happy-hour offerings at participating Santa Monica Place restaurants, including LouLou Restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory and The Curious Palate.  The complimentary series will take place August 5, 12, 19 and 26.

WHEN:

Every Wednesday in August

6–8 p.m.

WHERE:

Center Plaza, Level 1

Santa Monica Place

395 Santa Monica Place

Santa Monica, CA 90401

THE MAKERS HIVE MARKETPLACE

The Makers Hive Marketplace returns to Santa Monica Place on August 9, bringing together a curated collection of local makers, artists and small businesses in Center Plaza. Guests can shop one-of-a-kind goods, discover independent brands and support Southern California creatives during an afternoon of community-focused shopping.

WHEN:

Sunday, August 9

12–5 p.m.

WHERE:

Center Plaza, Level 1

Santa Monica Place

395 Santa Monica Place

Santa Monica, CA 90401

SOUNDS OF SANTA MONICA

Enjoy live music all weekend long as Sounds of Santa Monica returns with complimentary performances featuring a mix of live musicians and DJs performing in Center Plaza, creating the perfect soundtrack for a summer day of shopping, dining and entertainment.

WHEN:

Friday, August 14

  • Averi Mazi:12–3 p.m.
  • DJ Abbiana: 3–6 p.m.

Saturday, August 15

  • Trevan: 12–3 p.m.
  • Ish D: 3–6 p.m.

Sunday, August 16

  • Mason Rygh: 12–3 p.m.
  • Kallitechnis: 3–6 p.m.

WHERE:

Center Plaza, Level 1

Santa Monica Place

395 Santa Monica Place

Santa Monica, CA 90401

THE SOURDOUGH STARTER CLASS

Whether you’re an experienced home baker or just beginning your sourdough journey, this hands-on class covers everything you need to know about creating, feeding and maintaining a healthy sourdough starter. Guests will make their own starter to take home, learn creative ways to use sourdough discard and enjoy demonstrations of delicious sourdough-inspired recipes.

WHEN:
Sunday, August 16
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

WHERE:
The Gourmandise School
Santa Monica Place, Level 1
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401

COFFEE TASTING & SOURCING

Go beyond your morning cup with an immersive coffee tasting led by Nick Monica, Founder & CEO of Gnarwhal Coffee. Guests will explore how coffee-growing regions, processing methods and sourcing practices shape flavor while enjoying a guided tasting, Q&A session and homemade coffee cake.

WHEN:
Sunday, August 16
10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

WHERE:
The Gourmandise School
Santa Monica Place, Level 1
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401

CAKE DECORATING WORKSHOP

Learn professional cake decorating techniques with Chef Tracy Saltzman during this hands-on workshop. Participants will practice creating smooth frosting finishes, piping designs and elegant decorations before taking home their own beautifully decorated six-inch Italian Meringue Buttercream vanilla cake.

WHEN:
Sunday, August 23
10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

WHERE:
The Gourmandise School
Santa Monica Place, Level 1
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401

FARMERS MARKET TOUR & CLASS

Join Chef Rose Wilde, author of Bread & Roses, for a guided tour of the Santa Monica Farmers Market before returning to The Gourmandise School to create a delicious mezze-style lunch out of the seasonal finds that you hand-pick yourself! Each participant will also receive a custom tote bag to take home.

WHEN:
Saturday, August 29
9 a.m.–12 p.m.

WHERE:
Meet near the Santa Monica Farmers Market, then continue to:
The Gourmandise School
Santa Monica Place, Level 1
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401

WELLNESS ON THE WESTSIDE

Wellness on the Westside, presented by AI Wellness, brings a full day of movement, recovery, self-care and community to Santa Monica Place. Guests can participate in yoga, Pilates and fitness classes led by local instructors; explore recovery and biohacking experiences such as massage, compression therapy and red light therapy; sample healthy food and beverages; shop a curated wellness marketplace; and hear from experts in health, fitness, nutrition and longevity.

The event will feature leading local wellness brands and Santa Monica Place tenants, including Club Studio, The Gourmandise School, Good Body Pilates and Caspian Coffee, along with Restore Hyper Wellness, BOD – Body Overview Data, LA Dance Fit, Shefa Yoga, Spry Fitness, FaceGym and more. Guests who complete the experience can also receive a complimentary Wellness Passport and gift bag, while supplies last.

Early bird tickets start at $30 and include access to wellness experiences throughout the festival and entry into reserved classes. Class reservations are required, and select experiences will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are available at WellnessOnTheWestside.eventbrite.com.

WHEN:

Sunday, August 23

10 a.m.–3 p.m.

WHERE:

Center Plaza, Level 1

Santa Monica Place

395 Santa Monica Place

Santa Monica, CA 90401

CAYTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM SUMMER FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHTS

Cayton Children’s Museum continues its Summer Friday Movie Nights throughout August, combining an after-hours museum experience with family-friendly films, hands-on play and activities. Movie snacks and drinks are included with all ticket packages. The August movie schedule includes:

August 7: Ratatouille

August 14: Hook

August 21: Coco

August 28: Matilda

Tickets and additional information are available through Cayton Children’s Museum.

WHEN:

Every Friday through August 28

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Movies begin at 6 p.m.

WHERE:

Cayton Children’s Museum, Level 3

Santa Monica Place

WEEKLY SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES AT LOULOU

LouLou Restaurant Rooftop & Lounge offers an ongoing lineup of dining and entertainment experiences throughout the week. Programming includes weekday lunch specials and Golden Hour, Jazz A Go Go on Wednesday evenings, Saturday Rosé Brunch with DJs and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and the restaurant’s festive Pardon My French! Sunday brunch. Guests can enjoy rooftop dining, live entertainment and sweeping coastal views throughout the month. Certain experiences are limited to guests ages 21 and older.

WHEN:

Weekly throughout August

WHERE:

LouLou Restaurant Rooftop & Lounge, Level 3

Santa Monica Place

For the latest event information, visit SantaMonicaPlace.com/events.

Media interested in additional information, photography or interviews may contact Carly De Girolomo at carly@theaceagency.com.

Credit: Santa Monica Place.

 Summer Fun Awaits at Bella Terra with Can’t-Miss Events

Summer is in full swing at Bella Terra, with a vibrant lineup of community-focused experiences designed to make the most of the season. From The Great Summer Dash and weekly Dog Haus Trivia Nights to Bella Beats, Bella Terra invites guests of all ages to gather, celebrate, and create unforgettable summer memories. 

Check out some of the August happenings below!

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The Great Summer Dash | June 15 – August 14

Get ready to explore, shop, dine, and play your way through summer at Bella Terra with The Great Summer Dash! From June 15 – August 14, complete fun challenges, earn points, and enter for chances to win prizes all summer long. Whether you’re discovering new stores, grabbing a bite at your favorite restaurant, attending events, or sharing your experiences, every activity brings you one step closer to rewards.

New challenges and weekly winners will be announced every Friday, so there’s always a new way to play! 


How to Dash & Win

  • Complete the Challenges: Click the link to see the mission.
  • Rack Up the Points: The more fun tasks you tackle, the more points you score.
  • Score Epic Prizes: Every single point boosts your chances of taking home the gold!

Gather your friends and family and get ready to make this your most rewarding summer yet!

Registration for this event is free.

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Dog Haus Trivia Night | Every Tuesday starting at 7:00 PM

Put your knowledge to the test at Dog Haus Trivia Night, hosted every Tuesday by Thinky Drinky.

Bring your friends and compete in multiple rounds of trivia for a chance to win prizes. Teams of up to six players are welcome, and the top three teams spin the prize wheel for a chance to win giveaways provided by Dog Haus.

Whether you’re a trivia pro or just in it for the fun, it’s the perfect midweek hangout with great food, drinks, and friendly competition!

This is a free event.

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Bella Beats on the Green – KYNG | August 8 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM

Enjoy live music at Bella Terra as part of Bella Beats, our signature live music series featuring talented local artists in our most vibrant outdoor spaces. Unwind in The Garden with a laid-back afternoon of live music surrounded by your favorite dining spots.

Bella Beats is Bella Terra’s signature live music series, bringing live performances to The Garden and The Green each week.

Additional upcoming dates for Bella Beats:

Bella Beats in the Garden – Natalie Clark | August 9 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Bella Beats in the Garden – Tyler Simmons | August 16 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Bella Beats Summer Nights: Beach Party Night Featuring Surf’s Up – Beach Boys Tribute August 21 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM

This is a free event.

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Summer Fest Market | August 8 from 1:00 to 9:00 PM

☀️ Celebrate the season at our Summer Fest Market! ☀️

Spend the day shopping from a curated selection of local artisan vendors while enjoying live music, family-friendly activities, and summer fun on The Green.

Guests can enjoy:

  • Curated Local Artisan Vendor Market
  • Live Music
  • Free Kids Craft Zone
  • Meet & Greet from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Bring your family and friends and enjoy a fun-filled summer day of shopping, entertainment, and community at Bella Terra.

This is a free event.

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Bella Terra Kids Club: Superhero Training | August 10 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Get ready for an action-packed morning at Bella Terra Kids Club as we transform The Green into a superhero training academy filled with fun activities, special surprises, and family-friendly entertainment.

Attendees will enjoy:

  • Storytime with Barnes & Noble
  • Complimentary snacks, beverages, and giveaways from participating Bella Terra retailers, including Costco, Islands Restaurant, and more! (while supplies last).
  • Superhero Training workout guided by Orangetheory Fitness.

Additional activity details and participating retailers will be announced soon!

This is a free event.

Festival of Arts Runway Fashion Show Returns August 9 Transforming Trash & Recycled Materials into Couture Fashion

Model Allison Adams wears creation by Festival Exhibiting Artist Anne Moore at 2025 Festival Runway Fashion Show

What happens when painters, photographers, sculptors and jewelers swap their studios for the runway? Find out on Sunday, August 9, when the Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach‘s annual Runway Fashion Show returns, inviting visitors to experience one of the Festival’s most imaginative traditions. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., eight Festival of Arts exhibiting artists will trade their traditional artistic mediums for fashion design, transforming recycled, reclaimed and repurposed materials into one-of-a-kind couture creations.

Months in the making, Festival exhibiting artists design and construct one-of-a-kind couture garments using only recycled, reclaimed, and repurposed materials. Promising to be a captivating blend of creativity, sustainability, and high fashion, the annual event offers a visually stunning showcase where artistic innovation meets eco-conscious design.

“This is one of our favorite traditions because it gives guests the opportunity to experience our artists’ creativity in an entirely new way,” said Christine Georgantas, Director of Exhibits and Events for the Festival of Arts. “For 16 years, our exhibiting artists have amazed audiences by transforming recycled materials into imaginative couture. We’re also proud that this event provides a meaningful way for our guests to support the important work of Working Wardrobes. By donating gently used clothing, attendees can enjoy the Festival while helping empower individuals on their journey to meaningful employment.”

For the third consecutive year, the Festival of Arts is supporting Working Wardrobes through a community clothing drive held in conjunction with the Runway Fashion Show. Guests who donate one gently used clothing item at the Festival entrance on August 9 will receive complimentary admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show. One donated clothing item equals one free Festival admission, with all donations benefiting Working Wardrobes’ mission of empowering individuals on their journey to meaningful employment through career development and professional wardrobe services.

This year’s featured artists include:

  • Mika Denny (Mixed Media)
  • Valerie Killeen & Jonathan Boyd (Sculpture / Woodworking)
  • Becky Ryan (Painting)
  • Carole Boller (Painting)
  • Dylan Howard (Sculpture / Woodworking)
  • Anne Moore (Printmaking)
  • Sharon Whalen (Photography)
  • Elizabeth McGhee (painting)

Returning to host this year’s event is Emmy Award-winning production designer Nelson Coates, whose award-winning career spans film, television and theater, including The Morning Show, Hocus Pocus 2, Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights and On the Basis of Sex. Coates brings his passion for design and storytelling back to the Festival’s runway celebration.

Designs will be judged by a panel that includes Laguna Beach arts leader Pat Kollenda, former Festival exhibiting artist and Pageant scenic artist W. Bradley Elsberry, and former Festival of Arts Special Events Director Susan Davis.

The Runway Fashion Show will take place on Sunday, August 9, from 12 to 2 p.m. and is included with Festival admission. The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show continues daily through September 3, featuring 120 award-winning Orange County artists exhibiting original paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, glass and mixed media. Guests can also enjoy daily live music, art demonstrations, hands-on activities and special events throughout the summer season. 

To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts, follow the Festival on social media at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com. 

GENERAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION

DATES & TIMES

July 7 – September 3, 2026

Monday – Friday: 4 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION

General Admission: Monday – Friday $10, Saturday & Sunday $15

Students & Seniors: Monday – Friday $7, Saturday & Sunday $11

Children 6 – 12:   Daily $5

Free Admission for Children 5 and under, Military, and Laguna Beach Residents.

Festival of Arts Membership:

Upgrade your summer by becoming a Festival of Arts member! Members receive free admission to the fine art show for themselves and a guest all summer long, plus invites to exclusive events and other VIP perks. Membership starts at $60. To view the membership levels and for more information, visit www.foapom.com/support/membership

Passport to the Arts:

Passport to the Arts for only $29. Includes one-time admission to the Festival of Arts, the Sawdust Art Festival and Laguna Art-A-Fair. Enjoy works of art by more than 500 artists, hands-on workshops, dozens of special events, plus a one-time, all-day free parking pass with each Passport purchased. Passports are available for purchase on-site at each festival location during the summer. Offer excludes the Pageant of the Masters.

SPONSORS

The Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters are sponsored in part by

Volvo Cars, City of Hope Orange County, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, and KOST Radio 103.5.

LOCATION

Festival of Arts Grounds
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS

(800) 487-3378

www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org

PLAZA MEXICO PRESENTS ‘BACK TO SCHOOL FIESTA’ 12:00 pm -4:00 pm August 7 * Free backpack distribution

Plaza Mexico is ready to help you prepare for the new school year! Join us for a special Back-to-School event featuring free backpacks filled with school supplies, valuable community resources, and a fun-filled day of activities, support, and family-friendly entertainment.

ABOUT:
Plaza Mexico would like to thank many of the ‘mercado’ tenants for their support and our community partners:  Curacao and 360 Behavioral Health.

Throughout 2026, Plaza Mexico will be your go-to spot for programming a variety of events—from lively festivals and artisan markets to kids’ activities, live music, and community celebrations.

https://www.plazamexico.com/events-1/back-to-school-fiesta-family-event-at-plaza-mexico

https://www.plazamexico.com/
WHERE: Plaza México
3100 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262
Entrance + Parking: Free
Bring your lawn chair

See whales off the SoCal coast with the Aquarium and Harbor Breeze Cruises

Pictured: Blue whale / Photo Credit: Cheryl DeMatteis 

The Aquarium of the Pacific and Harbor Breeze Cruises invite the public to set sail on an ocean adventure in search of whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, and other animals. Learn about marine life on one of the two daily three-and-a-half-hour whale watch excursions from the Aquarium’s naturalist team, who will be on board to answer questions and talk about how warming waters off the Southern California coast can affect marine mammals. They will also share what to do if you see a stranded marine mammal. You can explore marine life and learn with the Aquarium’s naturalists by purchasing a combo ticket for a day at the Aquarium and a trip at sea in search of whales.

Ticket purchases for the whale watch help support the non-profit Aquarium of the Pacific and its conservation and education initiatives, including its Whale Photo I.D. program. The Aquarium has been documenting endangered and non-endangered whales and dolphins through its Whale Photo I.D. program since 2010. Aquarium staff photograph and record sightings of each whale during the Aquarium’s daily public whale watch outings aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises. After this, they log the species, upload the photos, add GPS coordinates, record animal behavior, and note the weather conditions on the water. This data is used by scientists to better understand these whales and even resulted in moving a shipping line in the past since it was being frequented by whales.

WHEN:          Twice daily at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:        Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Harbor Breeze Cruises: 100 Aquarium Way, Dock #2 on Rainbow Harbor

COST:            Combo ticket with whale watch cruise and Aquarium admission: $92.95 per adult (ages 12+), $66.95 per child (ages 3-

                    11), and $82.95 per senior (ages 62+)

                      Whale watch cruise for Aquarium members: $45 per adult (ages 12+), $32 per child (ages 3-11),

                    and $38 per senior (ages 62+)

                        Reservations required 

INFO:            (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/education/info/whale_watch

AQUARIUM:  The non-profit Aquarium of the Pacific is dedicated to world-class conservation, outstanding animal welfare, and connecting people to nature through more than 12,000 animals and one hundred exhibits, including Jelly Dreamscapes. In addition to its public education programs for all ages, the Aquarium is involved in numerous conservation efforts, including breeding endangered animals for release, rehabilitating rescued species, community science programs, and more. The Aquarium is home to the only sea turtle rehabilitation program in Greater Los Angeles. To make a donation to help support the Aquarium, please visit the donation webpage. To visit, reservations are required and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Christmas in July / Heritage Square Museum / July 25 + 26

Storyland Productions, the creators of Wander Through Wonderland and Babes in Toyland, is excited to announce their newest immersive experience, Christmas in July, at Heritage Square Museum (3800 Homer Street, Los Angeles, California 90031). Performances will take place Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets available for purchase via Eventbrite.

Experience a 90-minute immersive holiday adventure where historic Victorian homes are transformed into festive, storybook-inspired settings under the California sun.

Storybook Houses
Step inside interactive, photo-ready homes featuring beloved characters:

  • Santa’s Tropical Summer House: Holiday cheer meets palm trees, flamingos, and festive decor.
  • Goldilocks & the Three Bears’ Enchanted Christmas House
  • Little Red Riding Hood’s Winter Cottage
  • Little Bo Peep’s Christmas Dollhouse
  • Hansel and Gretel’s Gingerbread House

Themed Lands

  • Candyland: Features a life-size gingerbread house, the Gummy Bear Lounge, a strolling lollipop table, and oversized sweets.
  • Toyland: See busy elves and toy soldiers prepping in Santa’s workshop, and enjoy a 30-minute theatrical performance inspired by Babes in Toyland, presented by the Pasadena Civic Ballet.

Festive tropical Christmas attire, storybook costumes, and Candyland-inspired looks are encouraged!

Salute Summer At Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm In Lompoc, California In Santa Barbara County To Celebrate 3rd  Annual Lavender Festival In July 11, 18 & 25, 2026

Just in Time For Summer, Explore Lompoc is inviting travelers, including couples, grandparents, families with children of all ages, including  toddlers and teens, from near and far to celebrate the season with a sojourn to Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm for its  3rd Annual Lavender Festival, July 11th, 18th, and 25th 2026, Noon to 5 PM in the bucolic Santa Rita Hills in Lompoc, California located in Santa Barbara County. https://explorelompoc.com/events/
In celebration of this year’s bloom, Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm has planned a FREE to the public Lavender Festival when the lavender is at its peak! Come and join the Farm as they open the field with a celebration of lavender in all its splendor! Parking is also FREE.

Highlighted will be a local vendor market, featuring regional artisans selling handmade lavender goods that include lavender sachets and pillows, and variety of lavender bath and body products. As part of the Festival, there will be artisans selling custom leather goods, wood carvings, jewelry, homemade bread and jams and jellies. Local 

food trucks will prepare  a wide variety of  lavender delicacies. Live music will be provided by several  musicians; Mark Bouras on the 11th, Dave Tate on the 18th, and Daniel Vera on the 25th. Be sure to sign up for one of the Farm’s Lavender Wreath Making classes ($55 including all supplies) and Lavender Essential Oil Distillation Demonstration (Free) scheduled throughout the three weekends to create a personalized lavender wreath using flowers from the field! To sign up on the 11th click here, to sign up on the 18th click here, and to sign up on the 25th click here. Base ticket includes one 10″ wreath frame with all materials and instruction. 

The Farm also produces and sells its handmade lavender products that include a estate grown and distilled essential oil, and culinary lavender products such as lavender coffee salt, sugar, olive oil, Balsamic vinegar and honey.https://www.santaritahillslavender.com/full-catalogThe event this year is FREE to attend and visitors can obtain tickets by signing up here. 

FREE Parking is also available onsite. Visitors are asked to wear closed toed shoes and be aware that the Farm’s lavender also attracts bees, so prepare accordingly. We are on sandy soil so those that have physical handicaps we recommend coming on a different day so we can accommodate you appropriately. 

ABOUT SANTA RITA HILLS LAVENDER FARM:

Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm is nestled on 8.5 acres and boasts stunning views of the valley out to the Pacific Ocean from the Farm. The Farm is a labor of love created by 

mother/son team Denise and Lucas Neumann, and was established in May 2020 at the height of the pandemic. The Farm grows 3000+ lavender plants which produces 20,000 

bundles of lavender and over 5 gallons of lavender essential oil. Denise has credentials as a Master Gardener and has created a 1/4 acre of seasonal cut flowers! The 

lush lavender fields are surrounded by pomegranate, crab apples, blackberries, pears, medicinal herbs using regenerative farming practices. 

While on the farm you can also see a wide variety of California native plants and wildlife.

Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm is open from 10 AM to 5 PM daily, except Tuesdays with hours subject to change, and is located at 1900 Tularosa Road in Lompoc California. 

For more information about Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm in Lompoc’s new Summer events in July, 2026, visit www.santaritahillslavender.com  or 

https://www.goldenstateapothecary.com/  or contact Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm at 805-395-6568.

Credit: SANTA RITA HILLS LAVENDER FARM

The Queen Mary’s 4th of July Celebration Returns for America’s 250th Birthday and Iconic Ship’s 90th Anniversary Year

Tickets On Sale Today for “Cheers for 250 Years” with WW2 Aircraft Flyover, Strolling Performances, Multiple Stages, Delicious Food, and the Best Fireworks Show on the West Coast

Stars, stripes, and a celebration 250 years in the making! The Queen Mary in Long Beach is gearing up to welcome guests aboard for an unforgettable Independence Day as its signature 4th of July event returns on Saturday, July 4, 2026. This year’s festivities mark a rare moment in history, honoring America’s 250th birthday alongside the iconic ship’s 90th anniversary year, bringing two milestone celebrations together for one spectacular day on the waterfront. Tickets are on sale now.

“This year’s 4th of July celebration is especially meaningful as we honor the 250th birthday of the United States of America,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director, The Queen Mary. “We’re bringing together the best of what makes this holiday so special: history, entertainment, community, and family,  all set against the backdrop of one of the most iconic destinations in the world, the Queen Mary.”

From 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the historic ocean liner will transform into a high-energy tribute to the moments, traditions, and cultural icons that define America. This year’s theme, “Cheers to 250 Years!”, sets the tone for a full day of immersive entertainment featuring live performances across multiple stages, strolling entertainers, interactive games, and a lineup of food and beverage offerings inspired by all-American favorites.

Guests can explore themed experiences throughout the ship’s decks and venues, each highlighting elements of American culture that have become household names. From classic summertime fun and live performances to festive activities designed for all ages, the celebration offers a dynamic, patriotic atmosphere from start to finish. Adding to the excitement, a special 250th anniversary WWII aircraft flyover will take to the skies, honoring the nation’s history and the Queen Mary’s own storied legacy. 

As the evening builds, anticipation turns skyward for the grand finale with a fireworks spectacular that is widely regarded as the best on the West Coast. Set against the Long Beach waterfront, this year’s display will be the longest firework show to date, lighting up the night across the bay for 20-minutes synchronized to patriotic music, delivering a show-stopping close to an unforgettable day.

The Queen Mary’s 4th of July celebration runs from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with tickets starting at $75 for general admission and $45 for children . VIP admission is $225 per person for ages 4+ and includes additional access to the Grand Salon Buffet, the Verandah Grill, Britannia Salon, Secret Speakeasy, and premium firework viewing. Hotel packages and reserved tables are also available. 

Tickets are available now at https://www.queenmary.com/fourth-of-july.htm, with early purchase encouraged as the event is expected to sell out. For more information, upcoming events, programming, and more, visit www.queenmary.com/seasonal-events.htm and queenmary.com/whatsondeck, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.

Credit: The Queen Mary.