The Queen Mary Continues Her 90th Anniversary Since Maiden Voyage Celebrations with Eight Themed Party Experiences, Live Music, Family Entertainment, and a Historic Waterfront Fireworks Spectacular
From country line dancing and a Queens Tribute Band to Sinatra, Elvis, Motown, and a 20-minute fireworks spectacular, The Queen Mary is turning America’s 250th birthday into its biggest entertainment celebration yet. The day-long “Cheers to 250 Years!” Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026, will transform the legendary ocean liner into a patriotic festival featuring multiple themed parties and activations, live music performances, interactive experiences, games, family activities, delicious eats, and the longest fireworks display in Queen Mary history.
The fireworks finale, synchronized to a patriotic musical score, will illuminate the Long Beach skyline beginning at approximately 9:00 P.M. and will be visible across the city’s waterfront, positioning The Queen Mary at the center of Southern California’s semiquincentennial celebrations.
“This year’s event is designed to celebrate the many eras, sounds, traditions, and experiences that have shaped America over the last 250 years,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of The Queen Mary. “Guests can explore the ship and discover a completely different atmosphere in every venue, from country western celebrations to vintage Hollywood glamour, with live music, family fun, and, of course, patriotic tributes.”
Signature experiences include Verandah Deck’s “Barn in the USA,” a country-themed celebration with a live all-American country band, line dancing lessons, and western-inspired entertainment and the Grand Salon’s glamorous Old Hollywood Golden Age experience featuring an Elvis tribute performance. Britannia Salon’s “Swingin’ in the 250th” will feature a Frank Sinatra tribute band and live six-piece band, and visitors can rock out to the music of Queen at the Queen’s Tea Party featuring a Queen tribute band; or, dive into Motown Archives inside the ship’s hidden No.3 Speakeasy.
Additional themed venues include the Boat Barcade in the Royal Salon, the First Class Lounge in the Verandah Grill, family-friendly fun at the Kids Fest on the Bow- with the (Sm)All Hands on Deck activities! Enjoy a variety of interactive experiences including lawn games, board games, custom merchandise engravings, photo opportunities, frozen lemonade stands, and wax-dipped soft-serve cones.
Adding to the excitement, a special 250th anniversary WWII aircraft flyover will take to the skies, honoring the nation’s history and the Queen Mary’s own storied legacy at 5:00pm. Legendary airshow pilot John Collver, who is known for his WWII-era aerobatics in the SNJ/AT-6 Texan “War Dog,” will return to the skies above the Queen Mary with an additional aircraft.
Entertainment will take place throughout the ship all afternoon and evening, including live DJs, tribute performances, cover artists performing crowd-favorite medleys, and strolling performers. Passengers will encounter Uncle Sam on stilts, the Andrews Sisters, a barbershop quartet, face painters, balloon artists, and caricature artists while exploring the festivities.
The Queen Mary’s 4th of July celebration runs from 3 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, aboard the ship at 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. General admission tickets start at $75 for adults and $45 for children ages 4-11 years. VIP admission is $225 per person for ages 4 and older and includes additional access to the Grand Salon Buffet, the Verandah Grill, Britannia Salon, Secret Speakeasy, and premium fireworks viewing. Hotel packages are also available. On-site parking is very limited and available at $50 per vehicle. Carpooling and ride share services are encouraged.
Tickets are available now at www.queenmary.com/fourth-of-july, and early purchase is encouraged, as the event is expected to sell out. For more information, upcoming events, programming, and more, visit www.queenmary.com/seasonal-events and queenmary.com/whatsondeck, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.
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