Long Beach is Building a Waterfront Amphitheater
Long Beach is moving forward with plans to build a major new waterfront amphitheater, a project city leaders see as a cornerstone for expanding the city’s role as a regional hub for live music and large-scale events. The venue, often referred to as the Long Beach Amphitheater or Long Beach Bowl, will be located on a roughly seven-acre site along Queens Highway, adjacent to the Queen Mary and Harry Bridges Memorial Park. Its prominent waterfront setting is intended to capitalize on Long Beach’s unique coastal identity while activating an area that has long been targeted for revitalization.
The amphitheater is designed to accommodate approximately 11,000 seated guests, with total capacity reaching around 12,000 when standing-room areas are included. This scale positions the venue to attract nationally and internationally touring artists who often bypass Long Beach in favor of other Southern California outdoor venues. City officials have emphasized that the amphitheater will fill a gap in the regional concert market while complementing existing facilities like the Long Beach Convention Center.
After years of planning and design review, the project is now approaching the construction phase. Final approvals were reviewed by city planners in late 2025, and groundbreaking is expected in early 2026 as remaining funding and logistical details are finalized. If construction proceeds on schedule, the amphitheater is projected to open later in 2026, potentially in the spring or summer. The total cost of the project is estimated at just over $21 million, with funding largely coming from the city’s Tidelands Area Fund. City staff have argued that the investment will be offset over time through event revenue, tourism spending, and increased economic activity in the surrounding area.
Once completed, the amphitheater will be operated by ASM Global/Legends, a major venue management company that already oversees several high-profile facilities in Long Beach and beyond. The city expects the venue to host dozens of large concerts each year, along with numerous community events, festivals, and special programming. Projections suggest as many as 80 or more large-scale events annually, in addition to smaller gatherings that will keep the site active throughout much of the year.
Demonstrating confidence in the project, promoters have already announced major bookings even before construction has begun. Among them is a high-profile Mötley Crüe concert scheduled for September 2026, signaling that the amphitheater is being positioned immediately as a top-tier concert destination. City leaders have also indicated that a separate inaugural event will mark the official opening of the venue, though details have yet to be announced.
Overall, the new Long Beach amphitheater represents a significant investment in the city’s cultural and economic future. By combining a scenic waterfront location with a modern, mid-sized concert facility, Long Beach aims to draw major touring acts, increase tourism, and establish itself as a must-stop destination for live entertainment in Southern California.
