Things to do in Long Beach: Belmont Shore Book Fair, beer launch party, kayaking and more!

A family piles into a kayak heading into Alamitos Bay from Marine Stadium on Jan. 3, 2024. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

With a new season starting Sept. 22, it’s the perfect time to set some intentions and make plans with friends and family. Long Beach and Signal Hill have a wide range of events to help you do that, including a country music festival and multiple workshops. 

Art is in the spotlight this week, with the annual State of the Arts Friday night, a glass etching workshop Saturday afternoon, an artistic exploration of dance and technology on Monday night and a teen fiber art club Wednesday. Local businesses are celebrating new beginnings with Trademark Brewing releasing its new space-themed beer and Wild Fork Foods hosting its grand opening, both Wednesday. 

More fun events include a kayaking trip, live music throughout the week and two movie screenings hosted at local libraries. 

Blue backlights illuminate the sign for the Signal Hill Public Library on the night of Nov. 30, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Friday 9/20

Pajama Movie Night: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Families can put on their coziest jammies for a movie screening at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) and enjoy free refreshments and drinks. Register by calling (562) 989-7323 to reserve a space. Free. 

Groove is in the Arts – State of the Arts Reception 2024: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Attend a reception celebrating Long Beach arts at Altar Society Brewing and Coffee Co. (230 Pine Ave.). The event features live music, art displays and networking opportunities for local artists and the community. It’s an opportunity to engage with the Long Beach arts scene and learn more about its current state. Free to attend.

A woman picks trash out of the rocks along Alamitos Bay on April 10, 2022, during a beach clean-up event in Long Beach. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Saturday 9/21

California Coastal Cleanup & Yoga: 8 a.m. to noon. Join Algalita Marine Research and Education along with Sanctum Yoga at Mother’s Beach (5839 E Appian Way) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of California Coastal Cleanup Day. The event will begin with a family-friendly yoga session from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., where participants are encouraged to bring their own mats or blankets. Following yoga, attendees are invited to participate in a beach cleanup from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with the option to stay for as long as they like. This event is open to all ages. Free, but RSVP is encouraged to confirm participation.

Photography Club: 10 a.m. to noon. Explore photography techniques and artistry at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). The theme of this month is “Best Photos of Summer 2024.” All devices are welcome. Bring five images related to each monthly topic on a USB stick or come to a meeting and join the discussion about other group members’ images. Fun Photography Club occurs the 3rd Saturday of each month. Free.

September Merkado: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can enjoy a storytime and calligraphy activity while shopping from local vendors at Kubo LB (3976 Atlantic Ave.). Free. 

Coastal Country Jam: Noon to 10 p.m. The West Coast’s largest beachside country music festival will be held at Marina Green Park (386 E Shoreline Dr.). Enjoy performances by country artists, a line dancing area, food and beverages. Single day tickets can be purchased for $175, or $255 for two days passes, with free general admission access for children under 5 years old when accompanied by a parent or guardian with a ticket. Tickets and additional information can be found on the festival’s website.

Free Groceries: Noon to 2 p.m. Residents can get free groceries and get connected with local resources at this 4th Annual Healthy Habits Fair at Perry Lindsey Academy (5075 Daisy Ave.). Free. 

Up-Cycled Glass Etching Workshop: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Learn how to turn glassware into unique works of art at this hands-on etching workshop hosted by Place LB (935 E Broadway). All materials will be provided. Tickets are $45 and attendees will take home their creations. Register on Eventbrite. Free.

In Memoriam Film: 3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. To remember those lost on 9/11, the public is invited to Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W Broadway) for a screening of the 2021 documentary “9/11: I Was There.” Seating is limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.

Record Hop: 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Celebrate four years of Shangri-La Record Hops’ residency at The Bamboo Club (3522 E Anaheim St.) with a live performance featuring hits from Los Pakalolos’ latest EP “Escape from the Ninth Island.” The night also includes a DJ lineup with Tom Ingram (Mr. Viva Las Vegas), DJ Shorty and DJ Woody. This event is for those 21 and older. There is a $5 cover charge. 

Stacks of books on shelves fill nearly every square-inch of space inside Once Read Books in Long Beach on Aug. 16, 2023. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Sunday 9/22

KayaKing with Friends: 8:30 a.m. Join a group kayaking event starting at Leeway Sailing Center (5437 E Ocean Blvd.). Participants will meet to the right of the boat launch area for a guided kayaking experience at a relaxed pace. All participants must know how to swim. Parking is available on the street or in metered lots nearby. Attendees should wear clothes that can get wet and are encouraged to bring items such as water, sunscreen and snacks. Equipment and supplies will be provided. Register on Facebook. Participation costs $28.

Inaugural Belmont Shore Book Fair: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over 50 local authors and poets will gather for this book fair at 5200 E Second St. The fair will feature poetry readings, four panels about Long Beach writers, fictional writing, children’s authors and poetry. There will be additional activities, live music and books for purchase. Free. 

Naples Island Street Dance: 5 p.m. The public is invited to dance together at Colonnade Park (10 The Colonnade Canal) to the tunes of local band King Salmon. Free.

Live Music: 6 p.m. Enjoy a live performance by local country band The Cosmic Cowboys at Secret Island Tiki Lounge (209 Pine Ave.). All ages are welcome. Free entry.

Karaoke: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. This weekly karaoke night invites residents to howl at the moon at the fantastical-themed bar, The Wicked Wolf (2332 Pacific Ave.). Free. 

A blue-eyed cat sits on top of a welcome mat looking into an apartment through a screen door in Long Beach on June 21, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Monday 9/23

Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Long Beach Animal Care Services (7700 E Spring St.) and Community Animal Medicine Project will be providing vaccines and services to pets at discounted prices. Services include microchipping, tapeworm treatment, nail trimming, flea/tick treatment and more. All dogs must be on a leash, and all cats should be in a carrier. Please bring the pet’s previous vaccine records. For more information, call 562-570-7387. Prices will vary.

Meditation in the Park: 11 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to meditate together at Lincoln Park (101 Pacific Ave.). Free.

Community Art Workshop: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Artists Analivia Cordeiro and Nilton Lobo invite the public to participate in this workshop that explores the connection between art, dance and technology at the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.). Free.

Science Experiment: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Families can engage their creativity, imagination and critical thinking skills by building, programming and learning how to use a new device at this DIY Rocket Lab at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). All materials will be provided. Call (562) 989-7323 to reserve your space. Free.

A view of the front entrance of the Billie Jean King Main Library in Long Beach on May 13, 2022. The library was renamed in dedication to the Long Beach native and tennis player in 2019. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Tuesday 9/24

Teen Movie Screening: 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Local teens are invited to the Brewitt Neighborhood Library (4036 E Anaheim St.) for a screening of the superhero movie “Blue Beetle.” Light snacks and refreshment will be provided as supplies last. Free.

City Employment Workshop: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Local job seekers are invited to learn about the City’s hiring process, job openings and more at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W Broadway). Sign up on the City’s online calendar. Free.

Zumba Class: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Get a good workout with Latin and international-inspired music at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). This class is meant for ages 16 and older. All skill levels are welcome. Free. 

An aerial view of part of the Cerritos Wetland Area on the eastern side of Long Beach on Oct. 3, 2023. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Wednesday 9/25

Teen Fiber Club: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Each month teens ages 13 to 17 are invited to learn about a new form of fiber arts at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W Broadway). All supplies will be provided. All skill levels are welcome. Free.

Space Beach Beer Launch Party: 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Trademark Brewing (233 East Anaheim St.) is hosting a special release event for their new Space Beach West Coast IPA. Attendees working in aerospace can enjoy $5 Space Beach IPAs with a valid work ID. Free parking is available at the venue. Free entry.

Business Grand Opening: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The meat and seafood market chain Wild Fork Foods (6405 Pacific Coast Hwy) invites the public to the opening of its new location in Long Beach. Attendees can enjoy on-site tastings, giveaways and special prizes. The first 50 people to make a purchase will receive a free swag bag. Free entry, prices vary.

Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust Annual Meeting: 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to learn about one of Long Beach’s largest natural resources at this annual meeting at the Belmont Heights United Methodist Church’s outdoor courtyard (317 Termino Ave.). Two water and climate experts will speak to the audience about local issues, and the annual Board of Directors election will take place. Free. 

Tents line part of the LA River bike path under the Ocean Ave. bridge in Long Beach on Nov. 18, 2021. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Thursday 9/26

Senior Walking Club: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Seniors can enjoy fresh air and the great outdoors while making friends by joining this Walking Club every Thursday. Meet at the Reservoir Park Shelter (3315 Gundry Ave.). Water will be provided. Contact Community Services at (562) 989-7330 for questions or concerns. Free.

Author Storytime: 11 a.m. to noon. Join award-winning children’s author Susie Jaramillo for a bilingual storytime at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). Susie will engage young children and their families with reading and singing in both English and Spanish. This event is aimed at families with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Free.

Homelessness Presentation: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The public is invited to learn more about the Long Beach’s plan for reducing homelessness at the Ronald R Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.). All ages are welcome. Free.

Poetry Workshop: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Compose poems with fellow writers describing your favorite foods at this workshop at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Participants will receive prompts and support for the session.  This workshop is meant for ages 14 and older. Register with Signal Hill Public Library at (562) 989-7323. Free.

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