The Original Lobster Festival returns to Fountain Valley Sports Park September 11–13, 2026, with fresh Maine lobster, live music, carnival rides and games, dancing, food vendors and family activities. Formerly known as the Original Long Beach Lobster Festival, the event is now held in Fountain Valley in Orange County.
2026 Festival Dates, Hours & Location
- Dates: September 11–13, 2026
- Friday: 5 PM–10 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM–10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM–8 PM
- Location: Fountain Valley Sports Park
- Address: 16400 Brookhurst Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
- Parking: Free
- Children: Ages 12 and under receive free general admission; food, drinks, carnival rides and games are not included.
The festival entrance is at Brookhurst Street and Heil Avenue. The box office is located at the Main Gate 1 entrance. Purchase tickets from the Original Lobster Festival.
Original Lobster Festival Tickets & Prices
- Friday general admission: $5
- Saturday or Sunday general admission: $15 online or $18 at the gate
- Children 12 and under: Free general admission
- Signature 1.25 lb. Lobster Feast + general admission: $40 + tax, available online
- Jumbo 2.5 lb. Lobster Feast only: $56 + tax online or $59 inside the gate; admission is not included
General admission does not include food, drinks, carnival rides or games. Ticket prices and event details are subject to change, so check the official ticket page before attending.
Lobster Feast & Food Options
Fresh live Maine lobster is flown in daily and steamed at the festival. The signature 1.25-pound feast includes a steamed lobster, coleslaw, dinner roll, watermelon, fresh-cut lemons and butter dipping sauce. Other festival foods include lobster rolls, lobster sliders, lobster-on-a-stick, international foods, desserts and non-seafood options.
Planning to eat a lobster feast? The festival says advance online purchase is the only way to guarantee a lobster feast. Pre-ordered meals are set aside, while additional lobster inventory is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
2026 Entertainment & Music Lineup
The 2026 entertainment schedule includes live bands, DJs, dance instruction, karaoke and family entertainment. Performers and times are subject to change.
- Friday, September 11: Ray’s Hell (5:30–7 PM), Runnin’ Down a Dream – Tom Petty tribute (7:45–9:30 PM), KLIQ Radio Station DJs and dance instruction, and Karaoke Lounge with Live Band (7–10 PM).
- Saturday, September 12: Identity Theft The Band (12:30–2 PM), REMJ – Michael Jackson Tribute Tour Show (2:30–4 PM), Bad Girl & the SuperFreaks (7–9 PM), DJs and dance instruction, and Karaoke Lounge with Live Band (7–10 PM).
- Sunday, September 13: The Arty Loon Show, Brayden Nguyen Band (1–2:30 PM), Upstream (3–5 PM), Urgent – A Foreigner Tribute featuring Jeff Lyons (5:30–7 PM), plus DJs, dance instruction and family entertainment.
See the official 2026 entertainment schedule for the latest performance times and lineup changes.
Things to Do at the Original Lobster Festival
- Live music and dancing
- Dance floor and dance lessons
- Karaoke Lounge with a live band on Friday and Saturday
- Carnival rides and games
- El Baston del Rey tequila and whiskey tasting
- Stella Rosa wine and spritzer sampling
- Arts and crafts booths
- International foods and desserts
- Fresh Maine lobster and lobster dishes
- Adult beverages
- Magic shows and balloon sculptures on the second stage
- Face painting and family activities
Kids & Family Activities
The festival offers activities for families in addition to the food and live music. Children can enjoy carnival rides and games, magic shows, balloon sculptures, face painting and appearances by the Original Lobster Festival mascot. Children 12 and under receive free general admission, although rides, games, food and drinks cost extra.
Parking & Getting There
Fountain Valley Sports Park is at 16400 Brookhurst Street, near the 405 Freeway. The festival entrance is at Brookhurst Street and Heil Avenue. Parking is currently listed as free by the event organizer, and ADA parking is available for vehicles displaying a handicap placard.
What to Bring & Festival Rules
- Folding chairs are permitted in designated areas.
- No pets are allowed except service animals.
- No picnic coolers, baskets, outside food or drinks are allowed.
- Food and beverages must be purchased inside the festival.
- Guests under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult after 8 PM.
- Acts, prices, bands, rides and hours are subject to change.
Original Lobster Festival FAQ
When is the Original Lobster Festival in 2026?
The 2026 Original Lobster Festival is September 11–13. Hours are Friday from 5–10 PM, Saturday from noon–10 PM and Sunday from noon–8 PM.
Where is the Original Lobster Festival held?
It is held at Fountain Valley Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst Street in Fountain Valley, California. The entrance is at Brookhurst Street and Heil Avenue.
How much are Original Lobster Festival tickets?
Friday general admission is $5. Saturday and Sunday general admission is $15 online or $18 at the gate. Children 12 and under receive free general admission. Food, drinks, rides and games are not included.
Is parking free?
Yes. The festival currently lists parking at Fountain Valley Sports Park as free.
Does admission include a lobster dinner?
No. General admission does not include food. The festival sells lobster meal packages that include admission as well as à la carte lobster feasts for guests who already have admission.
Can you buy lobster at the festival without pre-ordering?
Yes, subject to availability. However, the organizer says buying a lobster feast online in advance is the only way to guarantee one. Additional inventory is first-come, first-served.
Can you bring chairs?
Folding chairs are permitted in designated areas. Outside food, drinks, picnic baskets and coolers are not allowed.
Are dogs allowed?
Pets are not allowed at the festival, with the exception of service animals.
Is the Original Lobster Festival still held in Long Beach?
No. The event was formerly known as the Original Long Beach Lobster Festival and was held at Rainbow Lagoon Park. It is now held at Fountain Valley Sports Park in Orange County.
Follow The Original Lobster Festival on Instagram and Facebook. For the latest event details, visit the official festival website.