Located in the South Bay area on the southern side of Los Angeles, Long Beach is one of the area’s most representative cities and hosts many exciting events. From the Toyota Grand Prix to the Lobster Festival, there are plenty of annual happenings locals look forward to, drawing crowds of visitors to Long Beach during these times. If you have a chance to visit when these events are held, join in and enjoy them alongside the locals.
1. Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is an event sponsored by Toyota since 1975, reaching its 44th running in 2018. Held every April, this street circuit race takes place on public roads in South Bay’s Long Beach. The same course even hosted an F1 race in 1983. Today, it is part of the IndyCar series. Drivers speed through the 1.968-mile (3.167 km) winding city course, offering a thrilling experience distinct from dedicated racetracks—much like the Monte Carlo Grand Prix in Monaco.
The Long Beach Convention Center serves as the main venue, featuring displays of Toyota vehicles and past championship-winning race cars, along with a family zone where young children can play. The Toyota Grand Prix is a signature event of Long Beach and the South Bay area, eagerly anticipated by many locals each year. If you get the chance, be sure to see it in person!
Name: Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Address: Main Office, 3000 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806
Official/Related Website: https://gplb.com/
2. Long Beach Lobster Festival
The Long Beach Lobster Festival is held annually in early September in Long Beach, South Bay. Having continued for over 20 years, it’s recognized as a summer tradition.
The festival features lobsters flown in from the U.S. state of Maine. You can enjoy a whole lobster, steamed and served with butter sauce—it’s absolutely delicious!
In addition to lobster, there are food stalls selling barbecue, hot dogs, and more. The event also includes live band performances, games, and a playground for kids, making it fun for the whole family. Since eating an entire lobster is a rare treat, this event is a must if you’re in Long Beach at this time of year. A Lobster Festival is also held around the same time in nearby Redondo Beach in the South Bay.
Name: Original Long Beach Lobster Festival
Address: Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach, CA
Official/Related Website: https://www.originallobsterfestival.com/
3. New Year Countdown
Los Angeles has many events to ring in the New Year, but in Long Beach—part of the South Bay—the countdown is held aboard the Queen Mary, a docked ocean liner, followed by a grand fireworks display to celebrate the new year. Inside the ship, glamorous parties take place where you can enjoy drinks while welcoming the new year.
Even if you don’t board the ship, the fireworks can be viewed from nearby restaurants. Downtown Long Beach also hosts countdown parties at pubs and bars. If you visit Los Angeles around the New Year, consider joining one of these celebrations and enjoy ringing in the year alongside the locals!
The Queen Mary also holds fireworks displays for Independence Day in addition to the New Year countdown.
Name: The Queen Mary
Address: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802
Official/Related Website: http://www.queenmary.com/
◎ Summary
Beyond the events introduced here, various others are held in Long Beach and neighboring cities throughout the South Bay. The Long Beach Convention Center, for instance, hosts the Comic Convention twice a year—in spring and fall—featuring exhibits of comics, figures, and toys, with many attendees dressed in cosplay.
Other events include the Travel & Adventure Show, Diving Show, and Easyrider Bike Show. Additionally, antique markets and barbecue festivals can be enjoyed year-round.