Long Beach Veterans Day Celebration at Houghton Park

Every year the City of Long Beach sets aside a Saturday afternoon to thank the people who served, and this year's celebration lands on November 7, 2026 at Houghton Park in North Long Beach. It is free, it runs four hours, and it is built so that veterans, their families and neighbors with small kids can all find something to do. If you are collecting things to do with kids LA has this month, this one costs nothing and fits an afternoon.

When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, noon to 4 PM Where: Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave, Long Beach, CA 90805 Cost: Free

What to expect

The day starts with a veterans and community resource fair, where service members and their families can talk with local organizations in one place instead of chasing information across several offices. Around it, the park fills out with food trucks and a beer garden for the adults, so you can eat on site and make a day of it.

Families get their own corner. A kids zone keeps younger children busy, and a bootcamp-style obstacle course gives older kids (and any parent who feels like keeping up) a way to burn off energy. Anyone looking for kids activities LA parks offer on a holiday weekend will find this a good match.

The music

Live entertainment runs through the afternoon. DJ Mr. Quick plays all day, The Satin Dollz take the stage at 1:15 PM, and Knyght Ryder follows at 2:30 PM. Set times can shift, so plan to arrive a little early if there is a particular act you want to catch.

Getting there

Houghton Park sits on Myrtle Avenue in the northern part of Long Beach. Street parking nearby tends to fill up once an event is under way, so give yourself extra time, carpool if you can, and bring water and sun protection for a noon-to-4 stretch outdoors. Admission is free, though the food trucks and beer garden are pay-as-you-go.

Why it is worth the trip

Veterans Day events around the county tend to be formal ceremonies. This one leans toward a community festival, with a meal, a playground-style kids area and a live lineup alongside the resource tables. It also happens the Saturday before the holiday itself, so the weekend is open for whatever else you are planning. For more on what is happening nearby, browse the Long Beach neighborhood page or the full family events listing.

Check the City of Long Beach and LA County Military and Veterans Affairs pages linked here for any last-minute changes before you head out.