Your South LA County + Long Beach Weekend Guide: Oct 3–5, 2025

Fall is officially in the air down here in Southern California, and South Los Angeles County (including Long Beach) is gearing up for a lively weekend full of movement, music, art, and spookiness. Whether you’re in the mood for a scenic run, a haunted ship experience, or late-night beats, there’s something for everyone. Scroll through this roundup and plan ahead — and don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss what’s happening next.

🎯 Featured Events This Weekend

Long Beach Marathon Weekend

Location: Long Beach, CA (various neighborhoods along the marathon route)

Day / Time:

• Saturday, October 4 — 5:30 AM

• Sunday, October 5 — race day continues

Ticket / Registration Info: Registration for most distances is required in advance (check the official Long Beach Marathon site).

Why Go: This is a full-fledged city celebration — whether you’re running, cheering, or just soaking in the energy. Streets will be alive with community spirit and local vendors. Be sure to pick your spot early for the best views!

Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary

Location: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach (Queen Mary)

Day / Time: Friday, October 3 through Sunday, October 5 — all-day / evening (haunted attractions)

Ticket / Registration Info: Purchase tickets in advance via the Queen Mary Dark Harbor website or affiliated ticket outlets.

Why Go: Looking for a Halloween-adjacent thrill? Dark Harbor turns the iconic ship into a haunted maze and immersive Halloween experience — perfect for groups, date nights, or spooky fun.

Shark Lagoon Nights at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach

Day / Time: Friday, October 3, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Ticket / Registration Info: Purchase tickets through the Aquarium of the Pacific’s site (special evening admission).

Why Go / Call to Action: Spend a glowing evening among sea creatures, nighttime exhibits, and the mystery of underwater life after dark. A more relaxed (but still memorable) option for Friday night.

📍 Bonus Picks (Nearby / Worth the Drive)

Haunted Museum — Exposition Park

Location: Natural History Museum, Exposition Park, Los Angeles

Day / Time: Saturday, October 4, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Ticket / Registration Info: This is a members-only event; check NHM membership status and registration details.

Why Go / Call to Action: Step into the spine-chilling side of Exposition Park with this nighttime, curated “haunted museum” experience. Best for those who want something atmospheric but contained.

Above & Beyond — EDM Night at Exchange LA

Location: Exchange LA, 618 S. Spring Street, Downtown Los Angeles

Day / Time: Friday, October 3, 10:00 PM

Ticket / Registration Info: Tickets via TicketWeb / TIXR (no third-party reseller admission guaranteed unless verified).

Why Go / Call to Action: If your weekend mood calls for high energy and dancefloor beats, this is it — especially for night owls who don’t mind a bit of late-night travel.

📬 Stay in the Loop

Want your inbox to unfold the best of what’s going on across South Los Angeles County and Long Beach before the crowds catch wind? Subscribe to our newsletter. You’ll get:

• Weekend event roundups (every Wednesday)

• Early alerts to ticket drops & local deals

• Special behind-the-scenes features from local artists, restaurants & creators

Subscribe now and never miss an event downtown or in your neighborhood again.

See you out there — hope your weekend is full of moments worth remembering!