Just Like Heaven Festival
If you're looking for a unique festival experience that celebrates Indie music, head to the Just Like Heaven Festival in your RV.
Event information
Just Like Heaven Festival is a two-day music festival that takes place in Long Beach, California. It is held at the Queen Mary Events Park, a scenic oceanfront venue in the downtown area. The event celebrates the rock and Indie music that reigned supreme before the era of song streaming and pop stars.
The inaugural event drew a crowd of around 15,000 music lovers daily. The festival is organized by Goldenvoice, a leading Los Angeles based concert promotion company. Goldenvoice is also behind other hugely successful events like Coachella and Stagecoach.
It was started as a one-day event but was later expanded to two days because of the strong ticket sales. However, both days feature the same musicians and sets, so you can consider purchasing tickets for a single day if desired.
The organizers started the event to create a festival that's different from all the rest. The lineup is a mix of sounds from the mid-2000s that evoke a sense of nostalgia among older millennials. During its short existence, the event has featured artists like Phoenix, MGMT, Passion Pit, Tokyo Police Club, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Beach House, and The Rapture.
Tickets
General Admission and VIP festival passes go on sale a few months before the event. Just Like Heaven Festival tickets can be purchased online in advance. Tickets typically range in price from around $100 (Early Bird General Admission Pass) to $225 (Early Bird VIP Pass). A tiered pricing strategy is followed, so the prices will go up closer to the day of the event.
If you purchase a VIP pass, you can enjoy additional perks like a separate VIP entrance, prime viewing areas, and air-conditioned restrooms. Payment plans are available for those who'd prefer to pay in installments.
Explore Just Like Heaven Festival RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Just Like Heaven Fest takes place at the Queen Mary Events Park, which is also called the Harry Bridges Memorial Park. It is situated by the San Pedro Bay waterfront. If you plan on driving to the festival, you'll need to park at one of the offsite parking areas and take the free festival shuttle the rest of the way to the event site near the water. You are likely to encounter multiple bridges as you approach the region, whether on I-710 or otherwise.
Parking areas
There is no onsite parking available at the venue. There are a couple of offsite locations where you can park a car or tow vehicle. Shuttles will be available to get people to the festival site from these locations. It can be stressful to find parking for a large rig in this area. You may find it easiest to park your RV at your campsite and get to the venue or shuttle sites using public transportation.
Public Transportation
The most convenient way to arrive at the event site is by using the festival's free shuttle service. You also have the option of taking a bus to the area. Buses are operated by Long Beach Transit (LBT), and in recent years there has been a stop less than a mile away from the venue.
Where to stay
Onsite
Just Like Heaven Festival does not offer onsite camping options. However, Long Beach is a prime camping location for RVers looking to take advantage of the sun and sand. So you'll have plenty of options in the area.
Nearby
Bolsa Chica State Beach is about 13 miles away from Queen Mary Events Park and offers scenic oceanfront sites. They come with electrical and water hookups. Another excellent option is the Crystal Cove State Park – Moro Campground. It is about 45 minutes from the venue and has spacious sites with electrical hookups.
Getting around
The venue is fully navigable by patrons with mobility disabilities who can use the pathways available throughout the park. Festival shuttles are accessible, and there will be ADA entrances and viewing areas as well. Bicycles, skateboards, skates, Segways, hoverboards, and other vehicles will not be permitted on the grounds.
What to pack
Clothing
The casual, relaxed vibe of the event is a reflection of the fact that it is targeted at an older age group than most other festivals. You may not see too many costumes or over the top headgear. Instead, guests may be dressed in laid-back, warm weather clothing, often with their children in tow.
Gear
Small and regular sized bags and backpacks are allowed. Some essentials to carry with you are non-aerosol sunscreen, chapstick, earplugs, a hat, a portable charger, and a non-professional camera. Lockers will be available for rent, so you can stash your belongings in a safe place if you don't feel like carrying them around during the Just Like Heaven Festival.
Health & Safety
Take a water backpack or an empty plastic bottle with you, which you can refill at one of the drinking stations. Water is free and unlimited, so be sure to stay quenched. There will be a lost and found area in the information tent. You can head there if you misplace something or need assistance.
Where to eat
Cooking
An oceanside campfire is a great way to beat the nighttime chill while cooking up some delicious seafood. Always check with the manager of your campsite before lighting an open flame. These may not be allowed under some conditions. Refill your propane tank and keep your refrigerator stocked with ready-to-eat meals just in case.
Restaurants
Long Beach is so much more than a suburb of Los Angeles, and its vibrant food scene is a testimony to this. The area is known for its incredible seafood, so be sure to try some during your time there. If you'd rather stick with vegetarian or vegan food or have dietary restrictions, you won't have to travel too far to find options.
Vendors
Food available at the venue will give guests a taste of what the area has to offer. From classic American favorites to more exotic offerings, you'll have plenty to choose from at the Just Like Heaven Festival. There will also be alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages available for purchase. Beer connoisseurs are sure to enjoy the selection of local craft beers from small breweries in the area.
Safety
Security
Bags and belongings will be searched at the entrances, and there may be random bag checks conducted at any point during the event. If you have doubts about whether a certain item will be allowed in or not, leave it behind at your campsite. Anything that is confiscated by security may not be returned to you.
Weather
Temperatures typically range in the mid-70s during the day in Southern California. Nights tend to be cooler with temperatures in the mid-50s, so go prepared with some warm outerwear. Los Angeles County authorities issue periodic road and weather alerts, so check if there are any warnings you should be aware of before starting on your trip.
Medical
There will be an EMT-staffed first aid station at the Queen Mary Events Park. You can head there if you need assistance or approach one of the festival personnel. Support related to the accessibility of the site will be available at the information tent. Pets will not be allowed into the events, with the exception of trained service animals.
