October and November are packed with shows, concerts and Halloween events. Here’s a curated list from the Long Beach Post. Want weekly events in your inbox? Sign up for our Eat. See. Do. newsletter here.
Dark Harbor (Select nights through Nov. 2)
Following a four-year pause, Long Beach’s spooky festival is back aboard the Queen Mary. The event has haunted mazes, rides and hidden speakeasies.
For a full list of all the attractions and descriptions of the mazes check out our feature here.
General admission tickets range from $39.99 to $54.99 depending on the night.
You can buy tickets here.
Long Beach Open Studio Tour (Throughout October)
In honor of Long Beach Arts Month and to celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month, local artists are opening their studios to visitors every weekend in October.
The Long Beach Open Studio Tour is a free, self-guided tour that can be done at your own pace.
On October 5 and 6 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., you can tour the studios of artists northwest of Long Beach Airport. Find a map of the studios here.
Various Downtown studios are available to tour on Oct. 12 and 13 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Here is a map of those studios.
Studios east of Alamitos Beach are the focus on Oct. 19 and 20 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. A map of those studios is available here.
Lastly, studios on Long Beach’s eastside are open to tour from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 26 and 27. That map can be found here.
Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett Michael Feinstein featuring the Carnegie Hall Big Band (Oct. 5)
Listing sponsored by the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
In this one-night-only concert event, Michael Feinstein pays heartfelt tribute to the legendary Tony Bennett, bringing his iconic songs to life in a symphony of sound, accompanied by the Carnegie Hall Big Band.
The performance will feature hits such as “Because of You,” “Rags to Riches,” “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “The Best is Yet To Come,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Stranger in Paradise” and many more. Feinstein’s dynamic interpretations, coupled with the grandeur of the big band, will create an unforgettable night that honors the legacy of Tony Bennett in all its glory.
Join us as Michael Feinstein pays a heartfelt, multimedia tribute to his friend and beloved entertainer Tony Bennett!
Get tickets @ www.scfta.org.
Long Beach Symphony’s 90th Anniversary (Oct. 5)
Listing sponsored by Long Beach Symphony
Long Beach Symphony is proud to present the inauguration of its 90th Classical Season with extraordinary orchestral music and fanfare! It will open the evening with Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, the first piece ever performed by the “new Long Beach Symphony” in 1934! It will complete the evening with Anna Clyne’s West Coast Premiere of Quarter Days inspired by T.S. Eliot’s poem Burnt Norton, followed by Dvořák’s “Goin’ Home” with Baritone Adam Richardson, and Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, “From the New World.”
The overture encapsulates the themes of resistance and triumph over oppression, mirroring Beethoven’s own deep belief in the ideals of liberty and justice. Baritone Adam Richardson, known for his roaring resonance yet gentle spirit, will join the stage for Dvořák’s “Goin’ Home.” Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, “From the New World,” composed during Dvořák’s time in the United States, reflects the composer’s deep engagement with American musical idioms, blended with his own Bohemian heritage. The New World Symphony is renowned for its lush melodies, evocative themes, and its ability to capture the spirit of both the Old and New Worlds.
“This concert offers our audiences an opportunity to experience masterpieces that are relevant and moving,” said Kelly Ruggirello, president of Long Beach Symphony. “We are celebrating our past, our present, and our future as it relates to human experiences and convictions during this very special celebration of Long Beach Symphony’s 90th season celebration.”
Doors open at 6 p.m. for drinks and relaxation on the Plaza and 6:30 p.m. pre-concert talk with Music Director Eckart Preu and guest. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
The Long Beach Terrace Theater is at 300 E Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Individual tickets start at $34, and a Five-Concert Classical Series is still available starting at $120. Tickets are available now at https://longbeachsymphony.org/concerts-events/a-new-world/
A Magical Musical Kingdom (Oct. 6)
Listing sponsored by Long Beach Symphony
On Sunday, Oct. 6, children and their families will enjoy an afternoon of music, dance, crafts, and interactive activities as Long Beach Symphony presents the RuMBa Foundation Family Concert, “A Magical Musical Kingdom” at the Terrace Theater and Plaza. KIDS GET IN FREE!
Enjoy crafts, an instrument petting zoo, and a family-friendly and interactive concert that includes favorites from “Aladdin,” “Harry Potter,” “Frozen” and “The Nutcracker.”
It’s a full afternoon of music, fun, and family memories including a concert, crafts, and interactive play for young children and their families. See a previous event video at https://youtu.be/m4zPGydMFK4
Activities run from from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with the RuMBa Foundation Family Concert from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets for those 18 and older cost $20. (Kids get in free!) Make reservations and get tickets here. There will be free parking at the Terrace Theater: 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
Trevor Noah (Oct. 14)
Listing sponsored by the Distinguished Speaker Series of Long Beach
Trevor Noah, the Emmy Award-winning host, comedian and best-selling author will be appearing LIVE, Monday, Oct. 14, at the Long Beach Terrace Theater.
Trevor Noah, who has garnered worldwide acclaim for his versatile talents, will kick off the fifth season of the Distinguished Speaker Series of Long Beach. Join us for a rare, intimate evening of conversation with this global sensation. His Emmy-winning tenure hosting The Daily Show, was a multimedia phenomenon, expanding its reach beyond traditional TV. Now that he has left the Daily Show, Noah has not slowed down. He is the host of his own podcast, “What Now?” His comedy tour is filling up stadiums worldwide. This bestselling author of, “Born a Crime,” is releasing his latest work, “Into the Uncut Grass,” an illustrated tale for all ages. The book originated from his desire to share a message about understanding and empathy through the lens of a fantastical adventure.
The Distinguished Speakers Series has again lined up an all-star array of presenters from the worlds of entertainment, technology, medicine, adventure, and politics for the upcoming season. This season also includes Malcolm Gladwell, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Zanny Minton Beddoes, Emily Chang and the National Geographic duo of Pete McBride and Kevin Fedarko. The series is sold as a subscription. Experience six evenings, with seven captivating speakers, on a single ticket starting at $384. Don’t miss this LIVE entertainment taking place at the Long Beach Terrace Theater. For tickets visit speakersla.com or call 310-546-6222.
Free Fall Fest (Saturday, Oct. 26)
Listing sponsored by The Pike Outlets
Get ready for a SPOOK-tacular good time at Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 26, from noon to 3 p.m. at The Pike Outlets!
Don’t miss trick or treating, balloon and caricature artists, character meet and greets, and more! Stop by Main Plaza to catch the festive fun! Free for the whole family — dogs, kids and locals invited! Can’t wait to see you there!
To learn more: Fall Fest | Facebook
Malcolm Gladwell (Nov. 21)
Listing sponsored by the Distinguished Speaker Series of Long Beach
Malcolm Gladwell, observer, thinker, podcaster and best-selling author will be appearing LIVE, Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Long Beach Terrace Theater.
Gladwell, the master storyteller celebrated for his gift of simplifying complex ideas, is among the world’s most revered observers and thinkers. He will take the stage this November as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series of Long Beach. His six bestselling books, including “The Tipping Point,” “Blink,” and “Outliers” have reshaped our perceptions. Drawing from diverse fields like sports and business, Gladwell uses captivating narratives to illuminate human behavior and societal dynamics, sparking discussions on success and cultural trends. He is the co-host of two successful podcasts “Revisionist History” and “Broken Record.” Gladwell’s influence extends to being named in the TIME 100 Most Influential People list and recognized as one of Foreign Policy’s Top Global Thinkers. With a talent for toppling popular understandings, Gladwell continues to inspire fans to perceive the world with fresh eyes.
The Distinguished Speakers Series has again lined up an all-star array of presenters from the worlds of entertainment, technology, medicine, adventure, and politics for the upcoming season. This season also includes Trevor Noah, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Zanny Minton Beddoes, Emily Chang and the National Geographic duo of Pete McBride and Kevin Fedarko. The series is sold as a subscription. Experience six evenings, with seven captivating speakers, on a single ticket starting at $384. Don’t miss this LIVE entertainment taking place at the Long Beach Terrace Theater. For tickets visit speakersla.com or call 310-546-6222.
Murder on the Links (Oct. 16 through Nov. 3)
The International City Theatre will host “Murder on the Links” a play based on the novel of the same name by Agatha Christie. Written by Steven Dietz and directed by Todd Nielsen, the story follows an investigation by famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot on a private golf course at Merlinville-Sur-Mer. Six actors will carry out twists and turns of this comic mystery on the stage located inside the Beverly O’Neill Theatre in the Long Beach Convention and Events Center.
Tickets and performance dates can be found here.
Haute Dog Howl’Oween Parade (Oct. 27)
Right before Halloween, gather near Rosie’s Dog Beach for this free event featuring hundreds of costumed dogs strolling along the grass and path in front of the former Belmont Pool at 4000 E. Olympic Plaza.
The event, with the parade set to start at 2:30 p.m., will also feature pet adoptions and a vendor fair from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Judges will select the top 10 costumed dogs for prizes based on originality, showmanship, detail of costume and first impression.
You can find more details about the event and learn how to register your dog for the parade here.
Romeo and Juliet (Nov. 2-30)
Long Beach Playhouse will showcase the classic William Shakespeare play every weekend in November. Directed by Lauren Velasco, the first show kicks off Saturday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m.
The Port of Long Beach is a partial sponsor of the production. Children under age 5 are not allowed in, per theatre policy.
Tickets and showtimes can be found here.
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: The Last Encore (Nov. 22)
The inspiration for the Broadway musical Jersey Boys will visit the Long Beach Terrace Theater as part of his The Last Encores tour.
Valli – singer of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Sherry” among others – will perform in Santa Barbara the night prior, then head to the Fred Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks the day after the Long Beach concert.
“Jersey Boys,” based on Valli’s life, is the 12th longest-running show on Broadway. Tickets for the concert are available here.