South L.A. County & Long Beach Weekend Roundup — Sept. 26-28, 2025

The turn to early fall doesn’t slow down the Southland’s pulse — from waterfront soirées to cultural celebrations in Watts and beyond, there’s plenty happening this weekend across South Los Angeles County and Long Beach. If you live here (or are visiting), here’s your guide to what to see, hear, and taste during September 26, 27, and 28. Plus — scroll to the end to subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a local beat again.

📍 Long Beach & Nearby — Sept. 26 to 28

Friday, September 26, 2025

• Night Dive at the Aquarium of the Pacific
  Time: Evening 7:30 PM
  Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
  Description: An Oktoberfest-themed “Night Dive” where DJs spin inside the exhibits, food and drinks are available, and the vibe is festive.
  Tickets: Purchase in advance via the Aquarium’s site (check “Night Dive” listings) 

• Karaoke & Tequila Tasting
  Time: 6:30 PM –10:00 PM
  Location: molaa (Museum of Latin American Art) 628 Alamitos Ave, Downtown Long Beach
  Description: Unwind with karaoke and tequila flights in an intimate, fun setting.
  Tickets: Typically pay at the door or reserve via venue (call ahead) 

• Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary
  Time: Night (dark hours)
  Location: Queen Mary, Long Beach
  Description: The haunted attraction returns nightly through October — expect immersive scares, installations, and themed experiences.
  Tickets: Buy online; varies by time slot 

• “Veronica’s Room” (Zaferia)
  Time: 8:00 PM
  Location: 5201 E Anaheim St, Zaferia, Long Beach
  Description: A staged theatrical production running through September 27.
  Tickets: Get them via the theater or box office 

Saturday, September 27, 2025

• RuMBa Foundation — Passion & Tragedy
  Time: 7:30 PM
  Location: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
  Description: A symphonic concert production combining classical and narrative elements.
  Tickets: Via Long Beach Symphony / Convention Center box office 

• Seconds at PCH Food Week (Belmont Shore)
  Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  Location: 6400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Belmont Shore area
  Description: A local food week celebration with special menu items, food tastings, and neighborhood deals.
  Tickets: Many elements free; check participating restaurants for special event pricing 

• Dance Downtown Revolution
  Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  Location: 185 E 3rd St, Downtown Long Beach
  Description: A dance and choreography showcase in the heart of Long Beach’s arts district.
  Tickets: Check listings for showtimes; many are pay-what-you-can or modest tickets

Sunday, September 28, 2025

• RuMBa Foundation Family Concert — Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony
  Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  Location: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
  Description: A family-oriented orchestral performance, narrated and immersive, perfect for all ages.
  Tickets: Available via Long Beach Symphony or venue site

• Latino Restaurant Week (runs through Sept. 28)
  Time: All day
  Location: Various restaurants across Long Beach
  Description: A week-long celebration of Latino culinary offerings — look for specials, prix fixe deals, and chef features.
  Tickets: No ticket; dine participating spots and ask about specials 

• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Zaferia)
  Time: 8:00 PM
  Location: 5021 E Anaheim St, Zaferia, Long Beach
  Description: A theatrical run through Sept. 28 — classic gothic drama on stage.
  Tickets: Available via theater box office

🏙️ South L.A. / Watts — Sept. 27 & 28

Saturday, September 27, 2025

• 43rd Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival
  Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  Location: Watts Towers Arts Center Campus (1727 E 107th St, Watts)
  Description: A free, vibrant festival celebrating drumming traditions from around the world, dance, children’s programming, arts vendors, and more.
  Tickets: Free admission and free parking. 

• S2O Los Angeles
  Time: 2:00 PM (gates open noon)
  Location: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
  Description: An immersive water + music festival (18+), featuring top DJs like Afrojack, Steve Aoki, R3HAB, and more.
  Tickets: General Admission starting ~$80, VIP tiers available.

Sunday, September 28, 2025

• 48th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival
  Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  Location: Watts Towers Arts Center Campus
  Description: A long-running jazz festival featuring soulful, jazz, hip-hop, gospel, and cultural performances.
  Tickets: Free admission, parking included. 

• Marina del Rey For All Open House
  Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  Location: Magic Johnson Recreation Center, 12645 Wadsworth Ave, LA 90059
  Description: A community forum to share ideas about the future of Marina del Rey — open space, transit, amenities, and development.
  Tickets: Free / RSVP via Eventbrite or local organizers 

✅ Pro Tips & How to Plan

• For large festivals like S2O, arrive early, bring approved clear bags (per venue policy), and check entry rules. 

• Watts Towers events are family-friendly and free, but arrive early to catch the full lineup and to get good seating. 

• Always confirm showtimes and ticket availability before heading out — websites and social media updates may post last-minute changes.

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Let me know if you want a printable calendar version or a mobile-friendly list for your weekend!