Home » America Travel News » Aquarium of the Pacific’s 24th Annual Autumn Festival Brings Global Cultures to Long Beach, USA, Showcasing Diverse Traditions and Boosting Local Tourism: Check It Out Now
Published on
November 18, 2025
Despite the challenges posed by heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings, the 24th Annual Autumn Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California successfully brought together thousands of visitors to celebrate cultural diversity. Held over a two-day weekend in November 2025, this beloved festival highlighted traditional performances from cultures around the world, particularly those from China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. This festival has become an important event for both locals and tourists, offering a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant traditions of Asia in the heart of Southern California.
The Aquarium of the Pacific, known for its interactive exhibits and marine life displays, transforms each year during the Autumn Festival to celebrate cultural diversity through a stunning array of performances, food, and art. This year, despite the challenging weather conditions, the event proceeded with great enthusiasm and a record number of visitors, including both locals and tourists from outside Long Beach. The festival’s resilience in the face of bad weather serves as a testament to the deep-rooted cultural appreciation and the strong demand for such multicultural experiences within the tourism industry.
A Cultural Exploration for Tourists and Locals Alike
For tourists visiting Long Beach, the Autumn Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific offers an enriching cultural experience. Burgundy James, a first-time visitor to Long Beach, expressed her excitement at being able to explore different cultures through music and dance. She appreciated the opportunity to engage with the festival’s offerings, from the lively performances to the interactive elements that allowed visitors to participate in dances, such as the popular Long Beach Ondo Group performance.
“I think it’s an amazing opportunity to explore different cultures that maybe we’re not used to on a daily basis,” James said. “It’s just a wonderful display of very friendly, warm, welcoming people willing to share their culture with us.” Her sentiments reflect the broader appeal of the festival for tourists who are seeking not only a fun day out but also an immersive cultural experience that connects them with the global community.
The Autumn Festival’s impact on tourism in Long Beach is significant. As tourists flock to the event, they also engage with other local businesses, contributing to the area’s economic growth. Hotels, restaurants, and shops benefit from the influx of festival-goers, and the event itself plays a vital role in positioning Long Beach as a cultural destination. For those seeking a deeper understanding of Asian cultural traditions, this festival offers a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be found elsewhere in the region.
A Diverse Lineup of Performers: Celebrating Asian Cultures
The 24th Annual Autumn Festival featured performances that showcased the rich cultural heritage of several Asian countries, with highlights from China, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. Among the most popular performances was the stunning Wei Zhong’s Changing Faces, a traditional Chinese opera-style performance that mesmerized audience members. The unique performance, where performers change masks rapidly to tell a story, left many visitors speechless, highlighting the festival’s ability to offer authentic cultural experiences.
One of the standout groups was the Kim Eung Hwa & Korean Dance Academy, which has been a mainstay at the Autumn Festival. Their performance, featuring traditional Korean dance, captivated the crowd, earning them a special recognition from the Aquarium. The recognition was not just a celebration of their talent but also a testament to the cultural exchange fostered by the festival. It’s important to note how the Aquarium of the Pacific is using this platform to promote cultural understanding, a critical aspect of the tourism experience in California. For many visitors, this type of engagement helps foster positive international relations and encourages greater interest in cultural tourism.
The inclusion of performances from a wide variety of cultures ensures that the festival remains fresh and exciting for returning visitors. The eclectic lineup helps attract a broad demographic of attendees, making it a family-friendly event that appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds. Viorhythm, a Violin Pop Fusion ensemble, stood out with their unique blend of violin music and popular Asian themes. The group, which has performed at the festival several times, brought energy to the stage, with fans dancing along to anime theme songs and even the iconic “Gangnam Style.”
Celebrating Diversity: The Role of Festivals in Bridging Cultural Gaps
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Autumn Festival goes beyond being a mere cultural exhibition; it actively contributes to a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and the importance of inclusion in the world today. According to Chelsey Coleman, the festival coordinator who has been running the event for five years, the festival is more relevant now than ever before. “I think it’s really important right now because there’s more trying to divide us than keep us together,” Coleman said, underscoring the festival’s role in bringing people together through shared cultural experiences.
The event allows people to experience the beauty and richness of cultures they may not encounter in their daily lives, fostering a sense of unity in a world that often seems divided. By offering a space where families and individuals can come together to celebrate different traditions, the Autumn Festival serves as a reminder of the power of cultural awareness in creating a more harmonious society. It highlights the importance of cultural exchange and the need to celebrate our differences rather than shy away from them.
This is especially important for tourists visiting from abroad, as the festival provides an excellent platform for them to immerse themselves in local and international cultures. For international tourists, the Autumn Festival offers not only a fun and engaging way to experience American culture but also an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers who share similar interests in cultural exploration. This type of event aligns with the broader tourism trends in the U.S., where visitors seek more authentic, cultural experiences rather than traditional tourist attractions.
Impact on Local and International Tourism
The 24th Annual Autumn Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific plays a pivotal role in shaping Long Beach’s tourism landscape. Local tourism is directly impacted, with increased foot traffic at nearby businesses and greater exposure for Long Beach as a cultural tourism destination. The event serves as a bridge, connecting people from different cultural backgrounds and providing a space for international visitors to explore the traditions of China, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines while enjoying the beauty of the Southern California coast.
For local tourism businesses, the festival provides an opportunity to engage with a diverse crowd, increasing spending in the area and boosting awareness of Long Beach as a top tourist destination. The Aquarium’s role in highlighting cultural diversity also encourages further investment in local tourism infrastructure, ensuring that future visitors have access to a welcoming, inclusive environment.
In terms of international tourism, the festival has a broader appeal, attracting visitors from around the world who are eager to experience authentic cultural performances. The Aquarium’s commitment to cultural exchange plays a role in boosting international tourist numbers, particularly those seeking immersive, educational experiences. As more tourists visit Long Beach for events like the Autumn Festival, the city solidifies its position as a cultural hub in California.
A Bright Future for Cultural Festivals in Long Beach
Looking forward, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Autumn Festival will undoubtedly continue to grow in prominence, attracting more tourists and offering richer, more diverse programming. As the demand for cultural tourism increases, festivals like the Autumn Festival will become even more crucial in promoting global cultures and fostering mutual understanding. By celebrating the traditions of different countries, the Aquarium provides visitors with an experience that goes beyond entertainment, offering education, engagement, and an opportunity to connect with cultures from across the world.
The success of the 24th Annual Autumn Festival underscores the importance of such events in the broader tourism ecosystem, where cultural exchange and shared experiences are increasingly valued. By continuing to foster inclusivity and promoting a deeper understanding of global traditions, the Aquarium of the Pacific will remain a cornerstone of Long Beach tourism, attracting travelers seeking meaningful, culturally rich experiences in the heart of Southern California.
