Long Beach, CA
The historic queen mary
What is Shaqtoberfest?
Returning for a second year to the notoriously haunted Queen Mary, Shaqtoberfest is an immersive Halloween festival featuring haunted trails, live entertainment, themed bars and lounges, carnival rides, and more!
ATTRACTIONS
All New For 2023
The RMS Queen Mary was originally designed as a luxury cruiseliner, but during WWII she was tasked with carrying troops to battle. For this, her exterior was repainted battleship gray, making her impossible to spot in the mist, and earning her the nickname the “Grey Ghost.”
After being permanently docked in Long Beach in 1967, she became a hotel and tourist attraction until 2020 where she sat vacant for three years, allowing the spirits of those who have perished onboard to become louder and stronger than ever. As part of the 2023 reopening of the Queen Mary, we’d like to invite you back into the belly of the ship to see what spirits lurk in the dark damp corridors.
Step inside, “The Grey Ghost”….
Loud claps of thunder and bolts of lightning roll onto the shore hitting what was once a peaceful Fishing town. The storm seems mysteriously strong. Is there something besides a warm front behind this? Escape the reaching tentacles of large sea creatures who have made their way onto the wharf shore as you navigate the storm through a maze of rusted vessels and withering cargo shrouded in fog. Even if you manage to escape the fog’s grip, you might find yourself surrounded by dangerous, undead seafaring creatures surfacing from their watery graves.
On the hunt for buried treasure, pirates have invaded the local shores and caves searching for riches. Step aboard Deepsea Davey’s pirate ship and make your way through the dark, narrow passageways as you search for your own piece of the treasure. Along the way, you may stumble upon “Captain Shaq’s Hideaway” where you can grab a shot of rum punch and, toast to the pirate’s life!
Loopey Looney and her loyal Clown Crew have taken over the carnival and turned the fun house into the fear house. Between the giant ferris wheel, bumper cars, and concessions, make sure you look up, look down, you never know where you might spy a creepy clown! Be Careful or you might end up as the next sideshow act.
Here lies a small town of folk who are eerily anxious for autumn each year. They come together to grow, sell and celebrate all things pumpkin. While they seem to be very welcoming, sometimes their smiles turn to devilish grins as they display their gory gourds. Visitors come from afar to this Halloween party. Will you leave with a souvenir or will you join the Cult of the Calabaza?
This one of a kind walk-through experience features a traditional hay bale maze mixed with larger than life inflatables and animations, sinister scares and an over-the-top light show mixing Halloween with a special set by DJ Diesel himself.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
LVCRFT BLOCK PARTY STAGE
Come shake your bones and exercise the demons at the LVCRFT Block Party Stage with DJ Reaper and Skeleton Sam slaying Halloween hits all night long. Party don’t stop till we’re six feet deep! If you like what you hear you can keep the party going all year ‘round with their LVCRFT Essentials slaylist.
Pop-Up Performances
You never know who, or what, you might see at Shaqtoberfest. Keep an eye out for pop-up performances throughout the festival including fire spinners on the Block Party Stage, sliders in front of Tiki Terror, Clown Crew on the Midway Madness carnival rides, The Voodoo Sound Company drummers at Diesel’s Boathouse and more!
As you explore this whimsical fishing village you’ll come across the site of a notorious shipwreck filled with larger than life animations, interactive character interactions and tons of photo ops. If you’re feeling brave you can investigate the mysterious storm that caused the ship to run aground.
The Witching Hour
Join us in the Block Party 30 minutes after the festival opens to experience the Witching Hour. This ghoulish spectacle is not to be missed! Shaq will call upon his minions to rise from their graves, slide into the streets and escape the dark damp corridors of the ship to celebrate Halloween! This only happens once a night, so don’t be late! Or else…
THEMED BARS AND LOUNGES
Nestled alongside the historic Queen Mary is a bamboo paradise where you’ll find your favorite island cocktails like the Zombie, Mai Tai, Rum Runner and Blue Hawaiian to name a few. But this isn’t your run of the mill Tiki Bar…
Must be 21+ to consume alcohol.
Located in the center of the action in the Block Party, Home Court bar is your go-to spot for all your favorite drinks. At this bar, everyone’s a winner!
Must be 21+ to consume alcohol.
Carnival Themed Bar
Terrorizing a carnival is hard work, so when Loopey Looney’s clown cronies need a break they head to the local watering hole to kick back, have a few themed cocktails, mocktails, and morsels. However, fear is a full time job, so be ready for more scares and sliders at any given moment!
Must be 21+ to consume
DIESEL'S BOATHOUSE
Leave your boat at the dock and head up to Diesel’s Boathouse for craft beers and a game of cornhole.
Must be 21+ to consume alcohol.
VIP EXPERIENCES
CAPTAIN SHAQ'S SECRET HIDEAWAY
A la carte upgrade available; included with VIP Slam Dunk Admission
Hidden inside Pirate’s Cove is a secret lair, “Captain Shaq’s Hideaway”, where you’ll toast to the pirate’s life with a complimentary shot of rum punch. Admission includes priority access to the Pirates Cove haunted trail. Save $5 and gain access to both The Engine Room Experience and Captain Shaq’s Secret Hideaway when you purchase the Captain’s Combo.
NEW FOR 2023
A la carte upgrade available; included with VIP Slam Dunk Admission
The Queen Mary’s history is full of action, adventure, romance and paranormal activity, earning her the nickname the “haunted ship.” Step aboard and descend below the water line for a special self-guided (AKA “spirit-led”) tour of the ship’s Engine Room. While on board, there are opportunities to unwind and socialize in the Engine Room lounge and learn about the ship’s fascinating past. This experience is not accessible due to the historic nature of the Engine Room.
Available exclusively to Slam Dunk VIP ticket holders
VIP ticket holders enjoy exclusive, unlimited access to the VIP Slam Dunk Lounge, featuring stunning views of Shaqtoberfest from the T-bridge alongside the Queen Mary, exclusive photo opportunities, relaxed seating and an elevated full-service bar with beer, wine, and exclusive cocktails for purchase.
AND SO MUCH MORE
CARNIVAL RIDES
A la carte upgrade available; included with VIP Slam Dunk Admission
Upgrade your experience with an unlimited access wristband for all carnival rides at Shaqtoberfest, promising an unforgettable Halloween experience with thrilling attractions that are sure to send shivers down your spine. Don’t let your guard down though, you might just bump into one of our creepy clowns in the seat next to you!
This year’s ride line up includes Bumper Cars, Zero Gravity, Giant Gondola Wheel, Carousel, and Wacky Shack Funhouse.
Commemorate your night at Shaqtoberfest by taking home a unique souvenir! Swing by the Merchandise Shaq for exclusive Shaqtoberfest gear, Halloween apparel, seasonal goodies and more!
FESTIVE EATS AND TREATS
Enjoy delicious food offerings throughout the festival from California classics like Pink’s and Hot Dog on a Stick to seasonal offerings like warm apple cider and s’mores, plus all of your favorite carnival treats like hot dogs, popcorn, soft pretzels, cotton candy, french fries, funnel cakes, batter-dipped Oreos, and more. You’re sure to find the perfect treat to kill your craving.
