Shaqtoberfest Returns to the Queen Mary For Epic Halloween Festival

Everything’s bigger when Shaq’s involved.….

Returning for a second year to the notoriously haunted Queen Mary in Long Beach, Shaqtoberfest is an immersive Halloween festival featuring haunted trails, live entertainment, themed bars and lounges, carnival rides, and more.

And yes, Shaqtoberfest is named for its founder and basketball star Shaquille O’Neal whose brand produces several major events each year including  the viral Shaq’s Fun House.

This year, the event—running Sept. 28 though Oct. 31—will debut an all new haunted experience, The Grey Ghost, on board the historic Queen Mary cruiseliner which is permanently docked at the site. Other highlights include the spooky Shipwreck Graveyard area, Midways Madness with a giant ferris wheel, bumper cars, creepy clown and concessions, the Tiki Terror bar, LVCRFT Block Party Stage with DJ Reaper and Skeleton Sam slaying Halloween hits and more.

For early birds, join 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…

Tickets start at $29.99 on select nights. There are also several VIP experiences available, including the Captain Shaq’s Hideaway where guests can toast to the pirate’s life with a complimentary shot of rum punch, The Engine Room Experience which includes a special self-guided (AKA “spirit-led”) tour of the ship’s Engine Room and the VIP Slam ADunk Lounge where 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.

Check out all the Shaqtoberfest attractions and experiences below and buy your tickets HERE before they sell out!

ATTRACTIONS

The Grey Ghost

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, Shaqtoberest invites guests back into the belly of the ship to see what spirits lurk in the dark damp corridors.

Deadman’s Warf

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.

Pirate’s Cove

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!

Midway Madness

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.

Diesel’s Pumpkin Patch

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 (aka Shaq) himself.

Shipwreck Graveyard

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.

THEMED BARS & LOUNGES

Tiki Terror

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…

The Home Court Bar

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!

Looney’s Libations: A 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!

Diesel’s Boathouse

Leave your boat at the dock and head up to Diesel’s Boathouse for craft beers and a game of cornhole.

Festival Eats & 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

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.

 

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