From live performances to art workshops, the Festival of Human Abilities at the Aquarium of the Pacific once again celebrated the creative talents of people with disabilities.
The two-day festival, which celebrated its 23rd year, highlights the creative talents of people with disabilities to ensure everyone in Long Beach and the surrounding area feels welcome and seen, officials said. Throughout the years, the festival has helped cultivate a strong community among those who attend and participate annually.
Guillermo Gomez of the Unification of Disabled Latin Americans belts out a Mariachi tune at the 23rd annual Festival of Human Abilities on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Wheelchair dance troupe The Rollette’s perform at the Festival of Human Abilities on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees check out the resource booths at the 23rd annual Festival of Human Abilities on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees applaud a musical performance at the 23rd annual Festival of Human Abilities on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees check out the resource booths at the 23rd annual Festival of Human Abilities on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
An attendee plays a game at the 23rd annual Festival of Human Abilities on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Theresa Devera of Los Angeles attends the Festival of Human Abilities on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Guests tour the Aquarium of the Pacific on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, during the 23rd annual Festival of Human Abilities in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
American Sign Language performers Michelle Kim, from left, Robin Olive and Becky O’Donnell of Straight Up Abilities sign the words to “What a Wonderful World” on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Wheelchair dance troupe The Rollette’s perform at the Festival of Human Abilities on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Guillermo Gomez of the Unification of Disabled Latin Americans sings Mariachi tunes at the 23rd annual Festival of Human Abilities on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Show Caption
1 of 11
Guillermo Gomez of the Unification of Disabled Latin Americans belts out a Mariachi tune at the 23rd annual Festival of Human Abilities on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
The Festival of Human Abilities kicked off Saturday, Jan. 24, and will continue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The festival is free with general admission to the aquarium.
On Saturday, attendees got to experience live performances and workshops by dancers, musicians and artists who have learned adaptive skills to hone their craft. People, for example, had the opportunity to learn dances from the Rollettes, a wheelchair dance team, and Straight Up Abilities, a nonprofit that provides professional performance arts training to students of all abilities.
The festival also highlights the aquarium’s dedication to accessibility year-round, such as wheelchair accessibility, audio tours for guests who are blind, Braille visitor guides and sensory bags for guests with sensory needs.