Queen Mary’s Spooky Comeback

After a four-year hiatus, the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Halloween event has returned to Long Beach. The event, which features haunted mazes, live entertainment and  more, is produced by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, which hosts other events such as the LA Haunted Hayride and  runs on select nights from Sept. 20 to Nov. 2.

The return of Dark Harbor marks another step toward the Queen Mary’s financial recovery. The ship, widely rumored to be haunted, has been plagued by financial issues, mismanagement from a previous outside operator and  the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city regained control of the Queen Mary and  city reports show it is expected to make a profit this fiscal year, with the attraction garnering hundreds of visitors every day.

Inspired by ghost stories of the Queen Mary, Dark Harbor debuted in 2010 and ran until 2019, when it closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At its peak, Dark Harbor drew over 100,000 people during its month-long run.

“This event holds a special place in the community’s heart and  has long been a cornerstone of Long Beach’s Halloween traditions,” said Steve Caloca, managing director of the Queen Mary.

The event’s return is a financial opportunity for the city and the Queen Mary, with projections indicating the city could earn over $1 million in the first year and potentially $3 million by the final year of the five-year agreement with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group.

The agreement, approved by the Long Beach City Council with a 7-0 vote on Apr. 16, 2024, is expected to generate approximately 500 full and part-time jobs yearly.

In 2022 and 2023, Shaqtoberfest, a Halloween event featuring walk-through haunts, mazes, carnival rides and  DJs, took over Dark Harbor’s usual spot outside the ship during the hiatus. The event was themed after Shaquille O’Neal and was similar to Dark Harbor.

However, with the return of Dark Harbor, Shaqtoberfest did not return in 2024 and will return in 2025 to a new location.

The reimagined Dark Harbor features five mazes, three located inside the Queen Mary and two outside, with four new to the event. Queen Mary Dark Harbor 2024 presents a variety of activities for attendees. Guests can throw axes at Anchor Axe or test their aim with the Pirate’s Plunder Shootout.

The Maiden Voyage Launch Party commences at 8:08 p.m. in the ShipYard, where the Captain’s call signals the release of various monsters onto the event grounds. The night concludes with the Final Voyage, a Latin dance party held in the ShipYard one hour before the event’s end.

Additional entertainment includes fire spinners and magicians showcasing their skills. Resident DJs provide music throughout the night, with LVCRFT playing from Thursday to Sunday, DJ Wallababe on Wednesdays and  Mike Taylor on Tuesdays.

There are five bars and lounges for guests to have cocktails, mocktails, beer and  non-alcoholic beverages and  there are also four carnival rides, including swings and a Ferris wheel.

Guests can purchase a Ringmaster’s Ride Pass for unlimited rides or individual tickets for each ride.

Planning Your Dark Harbor Visit: What You Need to Know

Dark Harbor takes place at the Queen Mary, located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach.

Dates: Select nights from Sept. 20 through Nov. 2.

Tickets: Tickets start at $39.99 and are available exclusively online at darkharborhalloween.com.

Hours: The event’s hours are 7 p.m. through 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and the rest from 7 p.m. through 12:30 a.m.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact Jose Cervantes at JoseC.Press@pm.me