The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, is getting ready for one of its most celebrated annual events. The Autumn Festival returns in 2026, bringing a vibrant showcase of Asian and Asian American cultures to families, students, and curious visitors of all ages. If you are planning to attend, this guide covers everything you need to know — from dates and ticket prices to activities, performance schedules, and practical visitor tips.
What Is the Aquarium of the Pacific Autumn Festival?
The Autumn Festival is an annual cultural celebration held at the Aquarium of the Pacific. It spotlights the rich traditions of four Asian cultures: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino. The event draws inspiration from the Mid-Autumn Festival, a centuries-old harvest celebration rooted in Chinese culture.
Each year, the festival brings these traditions to life through live performances, hands-on craft demonstrations, storytelling, and cultural art exhibits. The goal is simple. Visitors should leave having learned something new about the diverse communities being celebrated.
Additionally, the event is family-friendly and fully included with general admission. That makes it one of the most accessible cultural festivals in Southern California.
2026 Autumn Festival Dates and Hours
The 2026 Autumn Festival is scheduled over a three-day weekend in early November.
| Day | Date | Hours |
| Friday | November 6, 2026 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | November 7, 2026 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | November 8, 2026 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
The aquarium opens its doors at 9:00 am each day. Therefore, arriving early is a smart way to enjoy the first performances of the day and avoid long lines.
Ticket Prices and Admission
Festival access is included with general admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific. There are no separate festival tickets required.
| Visitor Type | Ticket Price |
| Adults (ages 12+) | $49.95 |
| Children (ages 3–11) | $34.95 |
| Seniors (ages 62+) | $46.95 |
| Children under 3 | Free |
| Aquarium Members | Free (reservations required) |
Aquarium members enjoy free entry to the festival. However, reservations are still required for all members. Non-members can purchase tickets online through the aquarium’s official website or at the entrance on the day of the event.
Buying tickets online in advance is strongly recommended. The festival draws large crowds, especially on weekends. Securing your spot ahead of time saves you time and stress on arrival.
Where Is It Held?
The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at:
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
It sits on Rainbow Harbor, offering beautiful waterfront views. The venue is conveniently accessible by car, public transit, and even on foot from nearby downtown Long Beach.
Getting There
- By Car: Parking is available near the aquarium, though fees apply. Several lots are within walking distance.
- By Metro: Take the A Line (Blue Line) to the Downtown Long Beach Station. The aquarium is a short walk away.
- By Bike: Long Beach has a well-connected bike path system. Bike racks are available near the entrance.
Festival Performances and Schedule
One of the highlights of the Autumn Festival is its lineup of live cultural performances. These take place throughout each day at two main venues inside the aquarium: the Blue Cavern and the Honda Pacific Visions Theater.
Each performance lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes. All programs are subject to change and may be affected by weather conditions.
Daily Performance Schedule
| Time | Location |
| 10:00 am | Blue Cavern |
| 10:45 am | Blue Cavern |
| 11:30 am | Honda Pacific Visions Theater |
| 12:15 pm | Blue Cavern |
| 1:00 pm | Honda Pacific Visions Theater |
| 1:45 pm | Blue Cavern |
| 2:30 pm | Honda Pacific Visions Theater |
| 3:15 pm | Blue Cavern |
| 4:00 pm | Honda Pacific Visions Theater |
Performances rotate through the day. As a result, visitors who arrive at different times throughout the day will still have plenty of opportunities to catch a live show.
Cultural Activities and Entertainment
The Autumn Festival offers a wide range of activities that go beyond watching performances. Visitors can take an active role in the cultural experience through hands-on workshops and exhibits.
Taiko Drumming
Taiko is a traditional form of Japanese drumming known for its thunderous, energetic sound. Live taiko performances are a crowd favorite. The powerful beats and coordinated movements make for an unforgettable experience.
Lion Dance
The Chinese lion dance is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Colorful, elaborate lion costumes move through the festival grounds to the sound of drums and cymbals. Children especially love this part of the event.
Origami Demonstrations
Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. Festival visitors can watch skilled demonstrators create intricate shapes and designs from a single sheet of paper. Some workshops even allow guests to try making their own origami cranes.
Korean Dance Performances
The Kim Eung Korean Dance Group brings traditional Korean dance to the stage each year. Their colorful costumes and graceful movements reflect centuries of cultural history.
Filipino Folk Dance
Groups such as Kayamanan Ng Lahi showcase Philippine folk dances. These vibrant performances highlight the diverse regional traditions found throughout the Philippine archipelago.
Cultural Storytelling
Storytelling sessions bring the myths, legends, and folklore of East Asia to life. These sessions are especially engaging for younger visitors. They offer a simple, memorable way to connect with Asian cultural heritage.
Cultural Arts Exhibits
Throughout the festival grounds, visitors can explore exhibits that display traditional art forms, crafts, and artifacts from China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.
The Autumn Festival Heritage Award
Each year, the Autumn Festival presents the Heritage Award to an individual, community group, or organization that actively promotes Asian and Asian American culture. Recipients are recognized for their contributions through education, art, cultural outreach, or community service. This award reflects the aquarium’s commitment to celebrating and preserving cultural diversity.
Exploring the Aquarium During the Festival
Beyond the festival programming, the Aquarium of the Pacific itself offers a world-class experience. Visitors can explore more than 50 exhibits and habitats across the aquarium’s 6-acre site.
Some popular exhibits include:
- Shark Lagoon: Get close to several shark species in an open-air touch pool setting.
- Sea Otter Habitat: Watch playful sea otters in a naturalistic environment.
- June Keyes Penguin Habitat: Meet the aquarium’s resident penguin colony.
- Jelly Dreamscapes: Discover the mesmerizing world of sea jellies under vivid colored lights.
- Tropical Pacific Gallery: Explore the colorful marine life of warm tropical waters.
- Pacific Visions: An immersive, multi-sensory experience about ocean conservation and the future of the Pacific.
The aquarium is home to more than 12,000 animals. Therefore, even visitors who have been before are likely to discover something new.
Tips for Visiting With Children
The Autumn Festival is a wonderful outing for families. However, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some practical tips:
- Arrive early. The 10:00 am performance is usually the least crowded.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will do a lot of walking across the aquarium’s campus.
- Bring a light jacket. November mornings near the Long Beach waterfront can be cool.
- Check the schedule. Know which performances you want to see before you arrive.
- Grab food early. The aquarium’s dining options can get busy during peak midday hours.
- Ask about member discounts. If you attend regularly, a membership can quickly pay for itself.
Dining and Shopping
The aquarium offers on-site dining at the Cafe Scuba. It serves a range of casual American dishes, snacks, and beverages. During festival weekends, limited-edition seasonal items may also be available.
Additionally, the Pacific Collections gift store is a great place to pick up souvenirs. From plush marine animals to educational books, there is something for every age group.
Accessibility
The Aquarium of the Pacific is committed to making the festival accessible to all visitors. The grounds are wheelchair accessible, and staff members are available to assist guests with special needs. Sign language interpretation may be available for select performances. Visitors should contact the aquarium in advance at (562) 590-3100 to arrange specific accessibility accommodations.
Contact and More Information
For the most up-to-date festival information, including any schedule changes or new additions, visitors should check the aquarium’s official website at www.aquariumofpacific.org or call (562) 590-3100.
Conclusion
The Aquarium of the Pacific Autumn Festival is one of Long Beach’s most beloved cultural events. Spanning three days — November 6, 7, and 8, 2026 — the festival invites visitors to explore the traditions and arts of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino cultures. From energetic taiko drumming and graceful lion dances to hands-on origami workshops and vivid folk dance performances, there is something meaningful for every visitor.
Tickets are affordable and included with general admission. Aquarium members enjoy free entry with reservations. The event is accessible, family-friendly, and filled with opportunities to learn, celebrate, and connect. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest, the 2026 Autumn Festival promises to be a memorable way to spend a November weekend in Southern California.
Plan ahead, arrive early, and take full advantage of everything the festival and the aquarium have to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the Aquarium of the Pacific Autumn Festival 2026?
The 2026 Autumn Festival takes place over three days: Friday, November 6, Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 2026. The aquarium is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.
Do I need a separate ticket to attend the Autumn Festival?
No. Festival access is included with general admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Adult tickets are $49.95, children’s tickets are $34.95, and senior tickets are $46.95. Aquarium members and children under three can enter for free, but they still need to make reservations.
What cultures are celebrated at the Autumn Festival?
The festival celebrates four Asian cultures: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino. Activities include taiko drumming, lion dances, Korean dance performances, Filipino folk dance, origami workshops, storytelling, and cultural arts exhibits.
Is the Autumn Festival suitable for young children?
Yes, the festival is very family-friendly. Performances are engaging and visually exciting for children. The aquarium also offers many animal exhibits that appeal to younger visitors. Younger children who are three and under enter the aquarium for free.
Where is the Aquarium of the Pacific located, and how do I get there?
The aquarium is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. Visitors can drive and park in nearby lots, take the A Line Metro rail to Downtown Long Beach Station, or cycle using Long Beach’s bike path network.
