Things to do in Long Beach: Family game night, SH grand opening, art workshops and more!

Things to do in Long Beach and Signal Hill this week center around art, supporting local businesses and orgs and family time. The weekend will kick-off with two art workshops on Friday for those looking to bond with their children or support Palestine. 

Job seekers can consider a role with the Long Beach Fire Department during a preparatory workout Sunday, or attend a job fair on Thursday. Throughout the week there will be learning opportunities for both kids and adults, where they can learn fabric painting, spelling, Kabbalah and Mahjong. 

Friday 5/17

Fundraiser: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. A portion of all purchases at local business Sweet Grass Sugarcane Juice (3545 Atlantic Ave.) will benefit the hip-hop dance club at Polytechnic High School. Prices vary.

Mom & Me Art Workshop: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Kubo LB (3976 Atlantic Ave.) will be hosting a mixed-media art workshop for moms and their children. Materials will be provided. Tickets can be purchased for $55 on Eventbrite.

Protest Art Workshop: 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Hippie Punx will be leading a workshop in solidarity with Palestine at Place LB (2172 Pacific Ave.) where attendees will learn to make posters, banners, buttons and drums to use during protests. Participants are asked to please bring their own supplies. Free.

Saturday 5/18

Community Open House: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to learn about the City’s future development plans for the downtown area at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W Broadway). Free.

Water Safety Education Pop Up: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation, & Marine invites the public to Granada Beach launch ramp (5000 E Ocean Blvd.) to learn ways to stay safe while enjoying the water. Participants will learn about CPR, water and beach safety, and swim programs offered by the City. Free.

Ating Kalusugan, Ating Komunidad: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Filipino dieticians Jacqueline Atwood and Martin Bombase will be leading a workshop on how to make healthy ingredient substitutions in Filipino cooking. This workshop is hosted by the Filipino Migrant Center (1631 W Burnett  St.). Free.

Sunday 5/19

LBFD P.R.E.P Workout: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Long Beach Fire Department invites anyone interested in becoming a firefighter to this workout that will prepare them for the Physical Abilities Test. The workout will be held at the Long Beach Fire Dept. Station 17 (2245 Argonne Ave.). Participants are asked to wear workout clothes and bring water. Clothing will get dirty during the workout. To reserve a spot, visit the City’s event calendar. Free.

Community Cleanup: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to help clean the Rose Park Neighborhood. Volunteers will meet at 621 Dawson Ave. Volunteers are encouraged to bring sunblock, a hat, comfortable clothing, close-toed shoes and plenty of water. Free.

Monday 5/20

Help for the Unhoused: 9 a.m. to noon. The City’s Mobile Access Center will be offering services to people experiencing homelessness at the Willow Street Metro Station (2750 W American Ave.). A medical clinic will be offering health care and showers will be available for use. Free.

Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Long Beach Animal Care Services (7700 E Spring St.) will be offering discounted vaccines and microchips for pets. Cats must be brought in carriers and dogs must be leashed. Services are available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 60 pets. Treatment prices vary.

Tuesday 5/21

Fire Station Toddler Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Caregivers and toddlers are invited to enjoy songs, rhymes, dancing and play at Fire Station 8 (5365 Second St.). Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.

Dive Into Letters: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to learn alongside their children during this educational event at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.). Attendees will learn different ways to help young children between 1 and 5 years old learn the alphabet. Free.

Wednesday 5/22

Kabbalah Class: Noon. The public is invited to this weekly class on Kabbalah Jewish Mysticism taught by Rabbi Perelmuter at the Alpert Jewish Community Center (3801 E Willow St.). All are welcome. A new topic will be discussed each week. Free, but registration is required through the AJCC’s website. Attendees are asked to bring their ID with them to class.

Grand Opening: Noon to 6 p.m. Local business The Candy Closet will be opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Signal Hill at 2831 Junipero Ave. There will be deals on candy, taste tests and a viewing of one of the owners on Gordon Ramsey’s new show Food Stars. Free to attend.

Learn How to Play Mahjong: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited to learn how to play American mahjong during this workshop at the Dana Neighborhood Library (3680 Atlantic Ave.). Registration is required. To register, visit the City’s online event calendar. Free.

Harvey Milk Day Commemoration: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In honor of Pride Month, the City of Signal Hill will be raising the Progress Pride Flag at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). A panel of speakers will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a documentary about the life and work of LGBTQ+ advocate Harvey Milk. Free.

Thursday 5/23

City of Long Beach Career Fair: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. During this job fair at Long Beach City College (4901 E. Carson St.), attendees will be able to explore career opportunities within local government, ranging from entry level to highly skilled positions. Free.

Textile Art Workshop for Teens: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Kids between the ages of 11 to 18 are invited to learn how to use fabric paint at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). Participants should bring any clothes they want to paint on. All other supplies will be provided. Free.

Family Game Night: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Local families are invited to play loteria together at Lincoln Park (101 Pacific Ave.). Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Free.