Okay, Long Beach. It is OCTOBER. There are skeletons on porches and pumpkin spice in every cup in the city, and we’ve still been sweating through our cute fall fits like it’s mid-August. I did not pull my boots out of storage to watch them melt. So I’m putting it out into the universe: weather, please calm the fuck down. Even a few degrees would do. Let us have one weekend of proper Halloween energy without needing a cooling towel and a fourth iced coffee.
And we especially need it this weekend, because it’s Long Beach Marathon weekend. Things kick off Saturday with the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K, and then Sunday is the main event: the full and half marathons start on Shoreline Drive before sunrise. Half of you are running it and the other half are posted up on a curb with a cowbell and a “Run Like Somebody Just Said ‘Free Tacos'” sign, and we love both of you. The course loops through most of the city, along the water, through Belmont Shore, past Marine Stadium and around Colorado Lagoon, then out through Cal State Long Beach and back down Ocean Boulevard. Translation: pick your cheer spot early, and plan around road closures if you’re driving anywhere Sunday morning. Runners, we are SO proud of you. Please be safe.
When the medals are around your necks (or you’re done screaming for your people), there’s plenty more going on. If you’re hunting for things to do in Long Beach this weekend, we’ve got pumpkin patches, a whole day for our blockhead babies, a night of screaming 2005 lyrics into a stranger’s face, a post-race party, and a rare after-hours night at the Aquarium. As always, hydrate, wear sunscreen, and let’s go. Here are the best events in Long Beach this weekend.
ALL WEEKEND
Pumpkin Patch Adventure at El Dorado Frontier
When: Friday–Sunday, Oct 9–11 | 11am–7pm (and every weekend through Halloween)
Where: El Dorado Frontier, 7550 E Spring St (inside El Dorado Park East)
Price: General admission is $5 and includes the patch, fall photo ops, and pumpkin shopping. The $25 Pumpkin Fun Pass adds a printed photo booth pic, a mini pumpkin, a treasure hunt with a toy prize, and a popcorn-filled pumpkin bucket.
Little Wild West theme park, big fall energy. There’s also a $50 VIP pass with unlimited rides on the train, carousel, Runaway Wagon, 110-foot slide and bounce houses, or a $29 unlimited ride wristband if you just want the rides. And if this weekend’s already packed, no stress. The patch runs every weekend until Halloween, so you’ve got time to find your perfect pumpkin. Pro tip: enter through the Spring Street entrance of the regional park (not the Nature Center), and budget $8 for weekend park parking. Go later in the day when the sun chills out.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
Pit Bull Appreciation Day
When: Saturday, Oct 10 | 10am–3pm
Where: Marina Vista Park, 5355 E Eliot St
Price: Free
October in Long Beach means we celebrate the blockheads, and Blockhead Brigade (a 501c3) is throwing them a whole party. Pack walks, a scavenger hunt, photo booth, games, a raffle, adoptions, pet portraits, craft coffee, vendors, and a Day of the Dead Pet Memorial Altar (bring the tissues). Zoom Room, K9 Kismet, Bullies & Buddies and Long Beach Animal Care will be there too. All breeds welcome. One rule: it’s a no-contact event, so no dog intros, please. Raffle tickets and merch are on their website if you want to support their mission of keeping dogs in their homes.
Emo Night Live! featuring No Hard Feelings
When: Saturday, Oct 10 | 8pm
Where: B’s Cocktails / Boomer’s Cocktail Lounge, 5456 Del Amo Blvd
Dust off the eyeliner and the studded belt. Cover band No Hard Feelings is bringing three-plus hours of nostalgic emo and pop-punk to a cozy local bar. It’s nighttime, so the heat can’t touch you. You will cry to at least one song. That’s the point.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11
The Finish Line Day Party: LB Marathon Weekend
When: Sunday, Oct 11 | 5pm–8pm
Where: Steady Brewing, 2950 Clark Ave
Price: $35, 21+
Whether you ran, cheered, or just like a good party, this one’s for you. Your ticket covers your first drink (N/A options available), artisan pizza and salad, SusieCakes desserts, and DJ Steezy Jabzee spinning R&B and hip hop. Proceeds support the local brewery, pizza spot and DJ behind the event, so you get to dance and support local businesses at the same time. Wear something you can move in.
Photographers Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific
When: Sunday, Oct 11 | 6pm–10pm
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way
Calling all camera nerds, pro and amateur. For one night only, the Aquarium is closed to the general public and open just to photographers, so nobody wanders into your shot or trips over your gear. Most of the exhibit lights stay on all night for prime shooting, tripods are allowed (this night only!), and there’s a short intro workshop you have to attend before you head into the exhibits. Bring your best lens and an extra battery. Those jellies aren’t going to photograph themselves.
Long Beach, go outside this weekend. Cheer on the runners, pick a pumpkin, pet a pit bull (with permission and from a respectful distance, obviously), scream some Taking Back Sunday, and go shoot some jellyfish. Whatever you choose from this list of things to do in Long Beach this weekend, see you out there.
FAQs: Events in Long Beach This Weekend
What are the best events in Long Beach this weekend?
The Long Beach Marathon takes over the city this weekend, with the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K on Saturday and the full and half marathons on Sunday. Beyond the race, the best events in Long Beach this weekend include the Pumpkin Patch Adventure at El Dorado Frontier, Pit Bull Appreciation Day at Marina Vista Park, Emo Night Live! at Boomer’s, the Finish Line Day Party at Steady Brewing, and Photographers Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
When is the Long Beach Marathon 2026?
Marathon weekend is October 10–11, 2026. The Aquarium of the Pacific 5K runs Saturday, and the full and half marathons start on Shoreline Drive early Sunday morning. If you’re cheering or driving around town Sunday, plan for road closures along the course, especially near downtown, Belmont Shore and Ocean Boulevard.
Are there free things to do in Long Beach this weekend?
Yes. Pit Bull Appreciation Day at Marina Vista Park is free to attend, and cheering on the Long Beach Marathon runners along the course costs you nothing but your voice. The Pumpkin Patch at El Dorado Frontier is only $5 for general admission, so it’s pretty close to free.
Where can I find a pumpkin patch in Long Beach?
El Dorado Frontier, inside El Dorado Park East at 7550 E Spring St, runs its Pumpkin Patch Adventure every weekend through Halloween, Friday through Sunday from 11am to 7pm. General admission is $5, and you’ll pay an $8 parking fee to get into the regional park on weekends.
What are some family-friendly things to do in Long Beach this weekend?
The El Dorado Frontier pumpkin patch is the top pick for kids, with train rides, a carousel, bounce houses, a treasure hunt and fall photo ops. Cheering on marathon runners with homemade signs is another fun family activity.
Are there dog-friendly events in Long Beach this weekend?
Pit Bull Appreciation Day on Saturday, October 10 is made for you and your pup. It’s a free, no-contact community event with pack walks, a scavenger hunt, pet portraits, adoptions, vendors and more. All breeds are welcome, but please skip the dog-to-dog intros.
What’s happening in Long Beach on Saturday night?
Emo Night Live! featuring No Hard Feelings starts at 8pm at B’s Cocktails / Boomer’s Cocktail Lounge on Del Amo Blvd. Expect three-plus hours of emo and pop-punk covers, so bring your eyeliner and your angst.
Is there a party after the Long Beach Marathon?
Yes. The Finish Line Day Party at Steady Brewing runs Sunday from 5pm to 8pm. Tickets are $35 (21+) and include your first drink, pizza and salad, SusieCakes desserts, and a live DJ. You don’t have to run the race to go.
What is Photographers Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific?
It’s a once-a-year, after-hours event on Sunday, October 11 from 6pm to 10pm. The Aquarium closes to the general public so pro and amateur photographers can shoot the exhibits with the lights on, tripods allowed and no crowds. Attendees have to attend a short intro workshop before heading in.
Are there Halloween events in Long Beach this weekend?
For fall and Halloween vibes this weekend, hit the El Dorado Frontier pumpkin patch, and visit the Day of the Dead Pet Memorial Altar at Pit Bull Appreciation Day. Check back with LBC Vibe every Friday for our weekly roundup of events in Long Beach this weekend, because Halloween season is only getting started.
