The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, is gearing up for one of its most beloved annual events. The Autumn Festival 2026 returns for its twenty-fifth year, bringing a vibrant celebration of Asian and Asian American cultures to the waterfront. This year’s edition promises a full weekend of music, dance, storytelling, craft demonstrations, and cultural art exhibits.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest, this guide covers everything you need to know — from event dates and ticket prices to the performances you should not miss.
What Is the Aquarium of the Pacific Autumn Festival?
The Autumn Festival is a free-with-admission cultural celebration held every year at the Aquarium of the Pacific, located at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach, California. The event draws inspiration from the Mid-Autumn Festival, a centuries-old harvest tradition celebrated across East and Southeast Asia. It is especially associated with the Chinese Moon Festival, which involves moon viewing, mooncakes, and lantern lighting.
At the aquarium, the festival expands on this theme to honor four distinct cultures: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino. The goal is simple. The aquarium wants every visitor to leave having learned something new and meaningful about these diverse communities. Therefore, each performance and activity is thoughtfully designed to be both entertaining and educational.
The event is suitable for all ages. Families with young children will find plenty of hands-on activities. Adults, meanwhile, can enjoy high-quality cultural performances in two main venues across the grounds.
2026 Festival Dates and Hours
The 2026 Autumn Festival takes place over a full weekend. Here are the confirmed event details:
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | Autumn Festival 2026 (25th Annual) |
| Dates | Saturday, November 21 – Sunday, November 22, 2026 |
| Hours | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm PT (both days) |
| Location | Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 |
| Phone | (562) 590-3100 |
Note: The festival runs across two full days. All programming is subject to change and may depend on weather conditions. Festival sessions are each approximately 15 to 20 minutes long.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy
Admission to the Autumn Festival is included with your general aquarium ticket. There is no separate festival charge. However, reservations are required, so it is important to book in advance.
Here is the full ticket pricing breakdown for 2026:
| Visitor Type | Price |
| Adult (ages 12 and up) | $49.95 |
| Child (ages 3–11) | $34.95 |
| Senior (ages 62 and up) | $46.95 |
| Aquarium Members | Free (reservation required) |
| Children under age 3 | Free |
Tickets can be purchased directly through the aquarium’s official website at aquariumofpacific.org. Members can make free reservations through the Member Portal. Additionally, discounted coupons are sometimes available at participating independent grocery stores, so it is worth checking locally before you visit.
Group rates may also be available. Contact the aquarium’s group sales team for more information if you are planning to visit with a school, corporate group, or large family.
Performance Schedule at a Glance
Live presentations happen throughout the day at two key locations inside the aquarium: the Blue Cavern and the Honda Pacific Visions Theater. Performances rotate between these two venues, giving guests plenty of chances to catch a show no matter when they arrive.
Here is the full daily schedule:
| Time | Venue |
| 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 |
This schedule applies to both Saturday and Sunday. Arriving early is a good idea, as some sessions can fill up quickly.
Cultural Highlights: What to Expect at the Festival
The Autumn Festival brings together a wide range of cultural traditions in one place. Here is a look at what you can expect during the weekend.
Chinese Culture and Performances
Chinese culture takes center stage in several exciting ways. Lion dancers weave through the crowd in brightly colored costumes, a tradition believed to bring good luck. Kung fu demonstrations, including those from the Northern Shaolin style, draw big crowds. Visitors can also take part in origami workshops and try their hand at making paper cranes, a symbol of peace and longevity.
Japanese Taiko Drumming
The thunderous energy of taiko drumming is one of the most memorable parts of the entire festival. Groups such as Ryujin Taiko perform with skill and passion, bringing Japanese percussion traditions to life. The powerful beats echo across the aquarium grounds and are sure to leave a lasting impression. Additionally, Japanese dance and storytelling add quieter, more reflective moments to the program.
Korean Dance Performances
The Kim Eung Korean Dance Group is among the performers who have appeared at this festival in recent years. Korean traditional dance is known for its elegant movements, colorful hanbok costumes, and graceful use of props such as fans and long ribbons. These performances are both visually stunning and deeply rooted in Korean history and folk culture.
Filipino Folk Dance
Filipino culture shines through vibrant folk dance performances. Groups such as Kayamanan Ng Lahi showcase traditional dances from various regions of the Philippines. These performances tell stories through movement and music, reflecting the rich blend of indigenous, Spanish, and Malay influences that shape Filipino heritage.
Craft Demonstrations and Cultural Art Exhibits
Throughout the day, guests can explore hands-on craft demonstrations and browse cultural art exhibits set up around the aquarium. These exhibits provide context and background for each of the four featured cultures. However, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, so you can move through the activities at your own pace.
The Autumn Festival Heritage Award
One of the most meaningful traditions within the festival is the Autumn Festival Heritage Award. This award is presented to an organization, community group, or individual who actively works to promote and preserve the cultures of Japan, China, Korea, or the Philippines. Recipients may be recognized for their contributions to education, art, cultural outreach, or community service.
This award highlights the aquarium’s commitment to honoring living cultural traditions, not just displaying them. It is a reminder that these communities are vibrant and thriving, not just historical artifacts.
Beyond the Festival: Exploring the Aquarium
The Autumn Festival is a fantastic reason to visit, but the aquarium itself offers much more. You will have full access to all of the aquarium’s galleries and exhibits on your festival ticket.
Some highlights include:
- The Southern California/Baja Gallery, where you can meet leopard sharks, giant sea bass, seals, and sea lions
- The Northern Pacific Gallery, featuring playful sea otters and giant spider crabs
- The Tropical Pacific Gallery, filled with colorful reef fish and sea turtles
- Shark Lagoon, where visitors can get close to a variety of shark species
- The June Keyes Penguin Habitat
- Pacific Visions, the aquarium’s immersive multimedia wing
- Jelly Dreamscapes, a popular exhibit featuring glowing sea jellies
Therefore, even if you arrive just for the cultural programming, you will find plenty to explore between performances. Plan on spending at least half a day, if not a full day, at the aquarium.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
A little preparation goes a long way. Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your time at the Autumn Festival:
- Book tickets in advance. The festival is popular, and general admission slots can fill up, especially on Saturday.
- Arrive early. The first performance begins at 10:00 am. Getting there by 9:30 am gives you time to explore the grounds before the shows begin.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The aquarium covers a large indoor and outdoor area. You will be on your feet for most of the day.
- Check the weather. Some festival activities are held outdoors and may be affected by weather. Long Beach is usually mild in November, but a light jacket is advisable.
- Look into membership. If you plan to visit the aquarium more than twice a year, a membership pays for itself quickly. Members attend the Autumn Festival for free with a reservation.
- Bring cash for the gift shop. The aquarium’s Pacific Collections Gift Store carries themed merchandise that makes for great souvenirs.
Getting to the Aquarium of the Pacific
The aquarium is easy to reach by car or public transit. It is located at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach, right on Rainbow Harbor.
| Transport Option | Details |
| By Car | Take the 710 Freeway south to Downtown Long Beach. Follow signs to Aquarium Way. Paid parking is available nearby. |
| By Metro | Take the A Line (Blue Line) to the Downtown Long Beach station. The aquarium is a short walk from there. |
| By Bus | Several local bus lines serve the area. Check Metro and Long Beach Transit schedules for current routes. |
Parking fees are not included in your admission ticket. However, the aquarium shares the waterfront area with Shoreline Village and the Long Beach Convention Center, so the neighborhood has several parking structures nearby.
Why the Autumn Festival Matters
The Autumn Festival is more than just a fun outing. It is a genuine effort to build bridges between communities. Long Beach is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. The aquarium sits at the heart of this community and uses events like the Autumn Festival to reflect that diversity back to its visitors.
For families, it is a chance to introduce children to new traditions in a welcoming, non-intimidating setting. For adults, it offers a meaningful window into cultures that may be unfamiliar. And for members of Asian and Asian American communities, it is a proud celebration of their heritage, recognized and honored in a major public venue.
In its twenty-fifth year, the festival carries even more significance. It represents a quarter century of cultural celebration, education, and community building at one of Southern California’s most visited attractions.
Conclusion
The Aquarium of the Pacific Autumn Festival 2026 is a must-see event for families, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a memorable weekend in Long Beach. Running from November 21 to November 22, 2026, the twenty-fifth annual celebration will feature lion dances, taiko drumming, Korean dance, Filipino folk performances, craft demonstrations, and cultural art exhibits. Admission is included with your general ticket, which starts at $34.95 for children and $49.95 for adults. Aquarium members attend free with a reservation.
The festival blends education with entertainment in a way that is accessible to all ages. Additionally, your ticket gives you full access to the aquarium’s world-class exhibits, making it a full day of discovery. Book your tickets early at aquariumofpacific.org and plan to arrive when the doors open at 9:00 am.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Aquarium of the Pacific Autumn Festival 2026?
The 2026 Autumn Festival takes place on Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22, 2026. Both days run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm PT.
Is the Autumn Festival included with general admission?
Yes. A standard general admission ticket includes the festival. There is no extra charge to attend. However, all guests, including members, must make reservations.
How much do tickets cost for the 2026 Autumn Festival?
Adult tickets are $49.95, child tickets (ages 3–11) are $34.95, and senior tickets (ages 62 and up) are $46.95. Aquarium members and children under three enter free with reservations.
What cultures are featured at the Aquarium of the Pacific Autumn Festival?
The festival highlights the cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines through music, dance, storytelling, craft demonstrations, and cultural art exhibits.
Can I visit the aquarium exhibits during the Autumn Festival?
Yes. Your general admission ticket gives you full access to all aquarium galleries and exhibits, including Shark Lagoon, the Sea Otter Habitat, Pacific Visions, and more, throughout your entire visit.
