The Queen Mary is celebrating the 90th anniversary of its maiden voyage all through 2026 — and plans for additional festivities have been announced.
The ship will host a Regency-era costume ball in March, dubbed “The Grand Ball at Sea,” which will offer attendees a chance to step back in time.
“As part of the ship’s 90th anniversary year celebrations, this Regency-era-inspired costume affair encourages guests to don their finest period attire,” a recent news release said, “and experience the transformed Grand Ballroom for an evening of elegance, artistry, and immersive entertainment.”
Masquerading revelers celebrate New Year’s Eve aboard the Queen Mary on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
A mask-wearing reveler rings in the new year on the Queen Mary in Long Beach on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Masquerading revelers celebrate New Year’s Eve aboard the Queen Mary on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
The Queen Mary is now partially reopened for one-hour guided tours on the ship’s Promenade Deck, in Long Beach on Thursday, December 15, 2022. The media was given a tour and historic information from The Queen Mary Commodore, Everette Hoard. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
A midnight fireworks show at the Queen Mary rings in the new year early Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
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Masquerading revelers celebrate New Year’s Eve aboard the Queen Mary on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
The event will include a live string quartet, guided ballroom dance lessons, an appearance from the Pageant of the Masters living statues, and more.
“Throughout the evening, strolling actors in authentic period attire will mingle among attendees, offering moments of charm and playful intrigue,” the news release said, “while a Royal Queen and Royal King preside over the festivities with regal presence.”
The Grand Ball at Sea is scheduled for Saturday, March 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $80 per person and include admission to the ship and a welcome champagne drink.
Tickets are online at queenmary.com.
Hidden treasures
Andrade’s Cafe by the Bay serves authentic Mexican cuisine and classic American favorites. The restaurant has become a go-to place for foodies living on and around the peninsula area of Long Beach.
Some culinary offerings at Andrade’s Cafe by the Bay. (Photo courtesy of Andrade’s).
Some culinary offerings at Andrade’s Cafe by the Bay. (Photo courtesy of Andrade’s).
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Some culinary offerings at Andrade’s Cafe by the Bay. (Photo courtesy of Andrade’s).
Most recently, Andrade’s has added several items to their menu, including large Mexican tortas, red and green pozole, and menudo. The dessert menu includes fried ice cream, churros, and flan. They also recently added affogato and a Concha ice cream sandwich to their menu.
Hollywood history
Long Beach seems to be Hollywood’s go to city for playing the role of almost any city.
I recently spotted a crew filming a Tommy Hilfiger commercial in Alamitos Bay — but Long Beach has played the role of countless American cities in many films, television shows, and commercials, including “Bad Monkey,” “Barbie,” “Dexter,” “Inception” and “La La Land,” just to name a few.
Crews film a commercial for Tommy Hilfiger in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray).
Crews film a commercial for Tommy Hilfiger in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray).
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Crews film a commercial for Tommy Hilfiger in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray).
The city is often used as a filming location because of its proximity to Hollywood. The term TMZ stands for “Thirty Mile Zone,” referring to the area within a 30-mile radius of Hollywood where most of the entertainment industry operates.
Long Beach’s film history dates back decades, but in the modern era, the city’s Office of Special Events and Filming issues more than 400 film permits a year, according to its website.
New businesses
The Sunrise Shack, at 4501 E. Carson St., offers organic coffees, fresh smoothie bowls, and wellness-focused bites. Founded by professional surfers on a mission “to serve health and happiness,” the new business opened last week.
Chagee Modern Tea House, at 5246 E. 2nd St,. is China’s version of Starbucks, with 6,000 locations worldwide. This newest location opened in Belmont Shore last week, and lines went around the block.