Atomic Geekdom returned to the Queen Mary this year but was greeted by Shaqtoberfest instead of the familiar Dark Harbor extravaganza. When we arrived, we walked under the huge inflatable Shaquille O’Neal walkway, loaded with skulls and smoke machines. Keeping with the nautical theme of the Queen Mary, the mazes were set up for Pirates and Monsters alike. A carnival was awaiting, equipped with the Gravitron, a carousel, and even a fun house. At 8pm, the spooky characters emerge and the event takes on a more adult theme. For example, you can purchase a glowing necklace that scores you a shot of rum in the Pirate’s Cove. Before 8pm, families are encouraged to trick-o-treat and enjoy the rides which also include bouncy houses and slides.

This was a lot smaller than the older Dark Harbor because everything was on land since the boat is under construction. This did not take away from the fun though. It felt very much like small town community carnival despite being set in the busy Downtown Long Beach area. It brought back all those memories of county fairs growing up but also a bit of scariness.

The cast of characters (ghouls) were the stars of this event. You never knew when one would come up behind you or jump in your way. This added to that crazy fun haunt mentality.

It’s so awesome that Shaqtoberfest kept the location alive this halloween with their mazes, walking through a monster, grabbing a drink near a paddy wagon and realizing the Gravitron is pretty intense the older you get. Totally worth the ride.