All aboard! The Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA is ready to set sail on a journey of fun for the whole family. Although the Queen Mary doesn’t leave the Port of Long Beach, it can ferry you to a series of incredible events you’ll never forget.
The Queen Mary is one of Southern California’s best destinations. From Halloween haunts and historic ghost tours to live music and karaoke, Queen Mary events offer something for everyone. Its events are perfect for date nights, family outings, entertaining out-of-town guests, or simply having a great time with your friends.
For this article, we compiled a list of some of our favorite Queen Mary attractions as well as events recommended by our passengers. So book your ride today and let’s go!
History of the Queen Mary
First, what is the Queen Mary? Most people know that it’s a Southern California cultural icon, but they may not know its full backstory. Although you don’t need to pass a history exam to enjoy Queen Mary events, we think it enriches your experience to learn how this ocean liner came to rest in Long Beach.
Formally known as the RMS Queen Mary, this vessel was constructed by Scottish shipbuilders John Brown & Company. It sailed its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York in 1936. For the next 30 years, it operated as a transatlantic “superliner” and dominated the oceanic passenger service industry until the rise of commercial airplane travel in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
In its heyday, the Queen Mary was renowned for its world-class service and art deco interior. The ship boasted two indoor swimming pools, tennis courts, beauty salons, lecture halls and music rooms, a grand dining room, observation bar, and other luxurious amenities.
It was one of the largest ships in service, carrying 2,140 passengers and 1,100 crew. During World War II, the Queen Mary was used as a troopship for allied soldiers. On one voyage in 1943, it set a world record for the most people on a single ship at one time: 16,600 people.
After its retirement in 1967, the City of Long Beach purchased the ship and converted it into a restaurant, museum, and hotel. In 1971, after extensive refurbishments, it reopened to the public in its current capacity as a landmark cultural events space. Today, thousands of people visit the Queen Mary each year for seasonal attractions, live entertainment, fine dining, and more.
2025 Events
If you’re interested in fun Southern California events in 2025, look no further than the Queen Mary. You can view the full events calendar here, but we’ve compiled a list of our personal recommendations below:
Murder Mystery Dinner
- What: Interactive dinner theatre
- When: April 26 through May 31, and beyond
- Who: Ages 13+
For mystery fans and theatre lovers, there’s no better event than Dinner, Drinking and Daggers at the Queen Mary. This interactive musical comedy transports you back in time to the 1930s, where a colorful cast of characters play out the ultimate “whodunit.”
Enjoy the zany performance while dining on a gourmet three course dinner. Admission to this event also includes access to the ship.
Ghost Tours
- What: Guided ghost tours and paranormal investigations
- When: Ongoing
- Who: Ages 13+, 16+ or 18+ (see specific tours for details)
Did you know the Queen Mary is considered one of the most haunted places in America? The iconic ocean liner is steeped in legends of ghostly visitations and other supernatural phenomena. Now, the public can join in the adventure and experience the Queen Mary’s lore for themselves.
Choose from daily events like the introductory Haunted Encounters Tour, Paranormal Ship Walk, the Grey Ghost Project investigations tour, the after-hours Graveyard Tours, or the 57 Ghosts show where “apparitionist” Michael Rangel attempts to contact the spirits of the dead! Learn more about the Queen Mary’s paranormal attractions here.
Beer Tasting
- What: Beer tasting
- When: Every Friday
- Who: Ages 21+
Love to unwind with a cold one at the end of a long week? Venture out to the Queen Mary’s signature Observation Bar for weekly beer tasting. Sample unique beers from five local SoCal breweries while enjoying the ship’s historic art deco ambiance.
This weekly Friday event includes ship admission, $10 parking with validation, and the perfect vibes to kick off your weekend.
Afternoon Tea
- What: Afternoon tea
- When: Daily
- Who: All ages
If beer isn’t your thing, consider tea! The Queen Mary’s afternoon tea event combines traditional elegance, stunning ocean views, and delectable treats for an excursion the whole family can enjoy.
Admission to this event includes Windsor tea sandwiches, fresh scones with local jams and whipped honey butter, Petite Fours, and – of course – a specially curated selection of fine loose-leaf teas. Afternoon tea at the Queen Mary is perfect for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, or any special event.
Karaoke Night
- What: Karaoke
- When: Wednesdays at 6pm
- Who: Ages 21+
Channel your inner rock star or pop diva amidst the Queen Mary’s art deco elegance. This weekly karaoke night at the Observation Bar, hosted by Todd Vigiletti, offers an evening of fun you won’t soon forget.
This 21+ event also includes free admission to the ship and $10 parking with validation.
4th of July Fireworks
- What: Independence Day Celebration
- When: July 4, 2025
- Who: All ages
In the summertime, the Queen Mary hosts one of Southern California’s best firework shows for the 4th of July. This annual event includes live entertainment, delicious bites, drinks, and other patriotic festivities.
The firework show starts at 9pm, so arrive early for the perfect viewing spot.
Dark Harbor
- What: Halloween carnival
- When: Fall 2025
- Who: Ages 13+
Along with its regular paranormal attractions, the Queen Mary is home to a hauntingly fun Halloween event called Dark Harbor. Every fall, the ship and surrounding harbor transforms into a delightfully spooky carnival. Dark Harbor includes haunted mazes, immersive attractions, live entertainment, rides, and plenty of scary surprises.
Dark Harbor is recommended for adults and kids ages 13 and up. For the 2025 event dates and ticket information, sign up for notifications at the Dark Harbor website.
How to Get to the Queen Mary
Whether you’re visiting Southern California for the first time or simply looking for an exciting new experience, look no further than the Queen Mary in Long Beach.
At Xpress Shuttles, it’s one of our favorite destinations. We’re happy to provide transportation to the Queen Mary so you can sit back and relax without fretting over traffic or expensive parking fees.
Call 866-805-4234 or book your reservation online. Our private car and shuttle service can accommodate groups of all sizes from 2 to 200!