May Events
May-hem of Fun
With warmer days and a full calendar of outdoor happenings, May is an ideal time to get outside and experience the community. The city comes alive with events like the Long Beach Pride Festival, bringing music, art, and vibrant performances to the waterfront, while Memorial Day offers a meaningful moment of reflection paired with family gatherings and local celebrations. Altogether, the month creates a lively blend of connection, culture, and seasonal energy.
Saint’s Spring Fiesta + Market | 3:00PM - 7:00PM | 5.02.26
Join St. Anthony Parish School for the Saints Spring Fiesta & Market on Saturday, May 2 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM in Long Beach. This family friendly community celebration will feature local vendors, delicious food, music, a beer and cocktail garden, cake walks, playground fun, and activities for all ages. Bring your friends, bring your family, and come enjoy a festive spring afternoon with the Saints community.
Paws on the Promenade | 6:00-7:00PM | 5.05.26
Join this dog-friendly meet-up happening the first Tuesday of every month! Meets will happen at various locations along the Promenade, this month will be at Dog Haus Biergarten. Bring your pup, meet fellow dog lovers, and enjoy a group walk through DTLB. It’s the perfect way to socialize your furry friend and connect with your community!
Big Boy’s Comedy Fiesta | 6:30PM | 5.05.26
This Cinco de Mayo, laughter will take center stage as Big Boy’s Comedy Fiesta comes to the Long Beach Terrace Theater on May 5, 2026 for a night of unforgettable stand-up comedy featuring some of the biggest names in comedy. Headlining the event is legendary comedian and actor George Lopez, joined by a powerhouse lineup including Alfred Robles, Martin Moreno, Justin Silva, Eric Blake, and J. Valentino, with additional special guests to be announced. The Cinco de Mayo celebration will also feature live mariachi, creating a festive atmosphere that blends culture, comedy, and entertainment for a one-of-a-kind evening in Southern California.Big Boy’s Comedy Fiesta promises a night packed with high-energy performances, sharp humor, and non-stop laughs.
Taste The Shore | 1:00PM- 4:00PM | 5.09.26 & 5.23.26
Join the guided walking adventures through Belmont Shore’s vibrant 2nd Street, where you’ll sample delicious bites from local favorites, meet the faces behind the flavors, and discover the stories that make our beachside district so unique. Come hungry — and ready to fall in love with the Shore, one bite at a time.
5.09.26 — TACO TOUR!
We’ll be stopping for a taco at Zarape Cocina & Cantina, Panama Joe’s Grill & Cantina, Viaje, Legend’s Sports Bar, Dogz Bar & Grill (formerly Belmont Station), Taco Shore, and Super Mex! The tour will include 1 taco, shared apps and non-alcoholic drink at each stop. You can purchase cocktails, beer, wine directly at each location.
5.23.26 — Tour includes visits to 7 stops; Colossus Bakery, Zarape Cocina & Cantina, The Second Owl, Liv’s Seafood, Simmzy’s, Chagee Tea House, Sweet Jills. SPACE IS LIMITED, get your tickets quickly!
Both tours are from 1pm-4pm. Starting location will be sent to you with your ticket confirmation
Mother’s Day Picnic at the Aquarium | 10:00AM-3:30PM | 5.10.26
Indulge in a unique Mother’s Day experience by enjoying a delicious meal served on the outdoor Veranda dining area with picturesque views of Rainbow Harbor. While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Aquarium and marvel at the magnificent ocean animals while creating cherished memories. All mothers will receive a complimentary mimosa or soft drink.
Reservations are available from 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. with each reservation lasting one hour, beginning at your selected time. For parties of 7 or more:
Please contact our Guest Support Center at (562) 590-3100 to make your reservation, so we can accommodate your group with appropriate seating.
The Mother’s Day Menu will consist of:
Composed Berry Salad with Chopped Romaine, Spring Mix, Arugula, Fresh Strawberries, Blueberries, Feta Cheese Crumbles and Candied Sunflower Seeds with a Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Vegetarian Frittata with Sauteed Onions, Peppers, Mushrooms, Spinach, Asparagus, and Cheddar & Jack Cheese with a Chipotle Cream Sauce
Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausage
Applewood Smoked Bacon
Cottage Potatoes with Sauteed Onions, Peppers, and Mushrooms
French Toast Sticks with Maple Syrup, Blackberry Coulis, and Confectioners Sugar
Water & Lemonade Included
Full Cash Bar
2026 Long Beach Pride Celebration | 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM | 4.09.26
The Long Beach Pride Festival is one of Southern California’s most vibrant celebrations of LGBTQ+ culture, community, and resilience. Held annually in Long Beach, this multi-day event brings together thousands of attendees for a weekend filled with live entertainment, local vendors, food, art, and immersive experiences that highlight the diversity of the community.
Taking place May 16–17, 2026, at Marina Green Park, this year’s festival embraces the theme “Fearless and Free,” encouraging attendees to celebrate identity, love, and visibility in the face of ongoing social challenges. From music stages and drag performances to interactive activations and community resources, the festival creates an inclusive space where people of all backgrounds can connect and express themselves.
More than just a celebration, Long Beach Pride has deep roots in advocacy and education. Established in 1984, it has grown into one of California’s largest Pride events, dedicated to promoting equality, fostering understanding, and supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives year-round.
At its core, the festival is a powerful reminder that Pride is both a joyful celebration and an ongoing movement—one that continues to uplift voices, build community, and inspire future generations.
HS Battle of the Bands | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 5.23.26
Cheer on local high school bands as they compete for the coveted title of the best high school band. This exciting event will feature 6 to 10 student bands across genres such as rock, alternative, and pop. Each band will showcase three songs for both the audience and a panel of judges. The event will be held at the Shell Amphitheatre. Come and enjoy a fantastic evening of music!
Long Beach BBQ Festival | 12:00PM - 9:00PM | 5.23.26- 5.24.26
Join the ultimate BBQ adventure at the 2026 Long Beach BBQ Festival-the biggest BBQ festival in California!! Celebrating National BBQ Month!! 2 Days of Food, Friends, Family and FUN- at Rainbow Lagoon Park in gorgeous Long Beach, Ca!!
Step into the heart of Long Beach and experience the 4th Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival, hosted by Axiom Kitchen in collaboration with NoahS’s Arc Foundation. Join us Memorial Day Weekend for two unforgettable days of world class barbecue, live music, live fire cooking, craft beverages, and community celebration along the beautiful waterfront at Rainbow Lagoon.
This year’s festival is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 4 year anniversary of Axiom Kitchen, the barbecue company behind the festival. What began as small pop ups fueled by passion has grown into a nationally recognized brand known for bold flavors, live fire cooking, and unforgettable food experiences. We are proud to celebrate this milestone by bringing together some of the best pitmasters, chefs, and live fire cooks in the region.
Guests will enjoy incredible barbecue from top pitmasters representing the diverse and evolving BBQ scene across Southern California and beyond. From traditional slow smoked favorites to innovative live fire techniques, the festival highlights the craft, culture, and creativity that make barbecue one of the most exciting culinary experiences today.
🔥 Live Fire Experience presented by Titus Smokers and Chef Jennifer Lowry will showcase the art of cooking with fire in its purest form. Titus Smokers will present Long Beach’s first whole steer cook on a custom fabricated cross rig built specifically for the festival, creating a truly rare and unforgettable visual and culinary experience.
Throughout the weekend, guests can explore a vibrant lineup of food vendors, specialty exhibitors, craft beverages, and immersive experiences designed to celebrate the flavors and culture of barbecue. Live music will take place throughout the day, including a special performance by The Dove Shack, bringing iconic West Coast energy to the waterfront stage.
This family friendly event brings together food lovers, music fans, and the community for an unforgettable kickoff to summer and a celebration of National BBQ Month.
Steps for Vets | 8:00AM | 5.30.26
Join U.S.VETS Long Beach for the 11th annual Steps for Vets 5K/10K – Run, Walk, Roll at Shoreline Aquatic Park, a peer-to-peer fundraising event supporting our mission to prevent and end veteran homelessness in the United States. We warmly invite you, your colleagues, family, and friends to take steps for our homeless veterans.
Steps for Vets – Run, Walk, Roll is U.S.VETS’ annual peer-to-peer fundraising event in support of our mission to prevent and end veteran homelessness in the United States. Participants can run, walk, or roll at their own pace, while honoring and reflecting upon the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans. This is an opportunity to make a positive impact, show solidarity, and share the experience with a nationwide community.
Register as an individual or team captain and get your friends, family, and colleagues to take steps with you. Every dollar raised supports our programs and services and every step you take will help veterans live with dignity and independence!