Photo credit: Aquarium of the Pacific
Date: Saturday & Sunday, June 6–7, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (both days)
Cost: Included with general Aquarium admission. Free for Aquarium members.
Link to purchase: aquariumofpacific.org
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802
Contact: Aquarium of the Pacific
Phone: (562) 590-3100
Website: aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/pacific_islander_festival
About this event: Now in its 23rd year, the Pacific Islander Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific is one of Southern California’s most beloved annual celebrations of island culture. Held the first weekend of June in Long Beach, this free-with-admission, family-friendly event brings together communities from across Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia for two full days of music, dance, food, and hands-on cultural experiences. Live hula performances, Tahitian drumming, traditional Samoan and Tongan dance, and artisan demonstrations fill the Aquarium’s indoor and outdoor spaces. The weekend also includes the annual Heritage Award ceremony honoring outstanding contributors to Pacific Islander culture in Southern California. Guests can also explore the Tropical Pacific Gallery to get up close with reef fish, sea turtles, and other marine life native to Pacific Island ecosystems.
Here’s a sample of featured arts, crafts & activities:
The 2026 festival celebrates the following Pacific Islander cultures through live performance, artisan demonstrations, and cultural displays:
- Hawaiian: hula kahiko and hula ‘auana, slack key guitar, lei-making
- Samoan: traditional siva dance, fire knife, Fa’a Samoa cultural displays
- Tahitian: ori Tahiti drumming and dance, Polynesian crafts
- Fijian: meke dance, masi (tapa cloth) art, kava ceremony demonstrations
- Tongan: lakalaka and tau’olunga dance, traditional weaving
- Chamoru: indigenous culture of Guam and the Mariana Islands
- Marshallese: navigation traditions and island crafts from the Marshall Islands
- Kiribati: traditional I-Kiribati dance and weaving
- Maori: haka, poi, and waiata from Aotearoa New Zealand
Visitor Tips
- Free for members. Aquarium members get in free — a membership often pays for itself in two visits.
- Arrive early. Performances begin throughout the morning; early arrival means the best spots for opening ceremonies.
- Parking. Paid parking is available in the Aquarium Way structure adjacent to the venue. The Aquabus water taxi from Shoreline Village is a fun alternative.
- Bring cash. Many cultural and food vendors prefer cash.
- Great for kids. Live performances, hands-on crafts, Hawaiian games, and the Aquarium galleries make this one of the best family outings in Long Beach in June.
Getting There
The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way in downtown Long Beach, just off Shoreline Drive near Rainbow Harbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pacific Islander Festival free? The festival is included with regular Aquarium of the Pacific general admission. Aquarium members enter free. There is no separate festival ticket.
What time does the Pacific Islander Festival start? The festival runs 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on both Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026.
What cultures are featured at the Pacific Islander Festival? The 2026 festival celebrates Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, Fijian, Tongan, Chamoru, Marshallese, Kiribati, and Maori cultures through live performances, artisan demonstrations, and cultural displays.
Is parking available at the Aquarium of the Pacific? Yes, paid parking is available in the Aquarium Way structure next to the venue. Arrive early on festival weekends as it fills quickly. Street parking is also available along Shoreline Drive.
Is it good for kids? Yes! Kids can watch live hula and Tahitian dance, try hands-on crafts, play Hawaiian games, and explore the Tropical Pacific Gallery all in the same visit.
How long has this festival been running? The Aquarium of the Pacific has hosted the Pacific Islander Festival annually since 2004. The 2026 edition marks its 23rd year.
More Pacific Islander Festivals in Southern California
Looking for more ways to celebrate Pacific Islander culture nearby? Heleloa tracks annual festivals across the region:
- Pacific Islander Festival Association (PIFA), San Diego
- Alondra Park Ho’olaule’a, Lawndale
- Samoan Heritage Festival, Carson
- Heiva San Diego, Oceanside
- View all Southern California Pacific Islander festivals!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pacific Islander Festival free?
General Admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific is required. The festival itself is included with admission; Aquarium members enter free.
When is the 2026 Pacific Islander Festival?
Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days.
Where is the Aquarium of the Pacific?
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 – at the waterfront in downtown Long Beach, easily accessible from the 710 Freeway.
What cultures are represented at the festival?
Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, Fijian, Tongan, Chamoru, Kiribati, Marshallese, and Māori cultures are all featured through performances, crafts, and cultural demonstrations.
Is it good for kids?
Yes – the festival is family-friendly and held within the Aquarium, so kids can enjoy both the festival and the exhibits on the same visit.