Local Events
There’s something special about the way the community comes together here on the coast. The events aren’t just dates on a calendar—they’re part of the rhythm of life, woven into the seasons like the tides.
In Long Beach, you’ll find simple joys that feel timeless—colorful kites dancing against the open sky, the quiet excitement of early morning clam digs, small festivals filled with laughter, music, and familiar faces. These are the kinds of moments that don’t need to be grand to be meaningful. They’re real, welcoming, and shared.
Visitors often arrive as guests, but during these gatherings, it’s easy to feel like part of something more. A warm smile, a friendly conversation, the sense that everyone belongs—it’s all part of the experience.
It’s these little celebrations, these coastal traditions, that stay with you long after the trip is over.
Annual Long Beach Kite Festival
There’s a certain magic that fills the sky during the kite festival—one that’s hard to put into words until you’ve seen it for yourself.
Along the wide, open beaches of Long Beach, the sky comes alive with color and movement. Giant kites drift and dance on the ocean breeze, some playful, some breathtakingly intricate, all set against the endless backdrop of sky and sea. It’s a sight that brings out a quiet sense of wonder, no matter your age.
Families gather, laughter carries on the wind, and for a little while, everything feels light and carefree. You’ll find yourself looking up more than usual, watching shapes glide and twist, caught somewhere between the pull of the ocean and the freedom of the sky.
It’s one of those simple, beautiful experiences that feels both joyful and timeless—and one that makes a stay on the coast just a little more unforgettable.
SandSations Sandcastle Competition
There’s something quietly magical about watching art take shape from nothing more than sand and imagination.
During Sandsations, the beach becomes a living gallery. Sculptors from near and far gather along the shoreline, shaping towering works of art from the very sand beneath their feet. What begins as simple piles slowly transforms into intricate castles, sea creatures, and scenes that seem almost too detailed to be real.
Visitors wander from sculpture to sculpture, taking their time, admiring each creation, and sharing in the sense of wonder. There’s a calm, unhurried feeling to it all—the sound of the waves in the background, the cool coastal breeze, and the joy of seeing something so temporary feel so meaningful.
It’s a beautiful reminder of the creativity and spirit of the coast—simple, shared, and unforgettable.
Pacific Coast Running festival
There’s a special kind of energy that fills the air during the Pacific Coast Running Festival—one that blends movement, community, and the quiet beauty of the coast.
Runners gather from near and far, lacing up their shoes as the morning light stretches across the peninsula. The course winds through open spaces, coastal paths, and scenic stretches where the ocean is never far away. With each step, there’s a rhythm that matches the waves—steady, calming, and full of life.
But it’s not just about the run. It’s about the feeling of being part of something shared. Encouraging cheers, friendly faces, and that sense of accomplishment that comes from moving forward, one step at a time.
Whether you’re running, walking, or simply watching from the sidelines, it’s an event that captures the spirit of the coast—welcoming, uplifting, and quietly inspiring