From healing sessions to self-defense classes, this week features a focus on community-led connections throughout Long Beach and Signal Hill.
Move your body while making new friends at events like a three-day mural painting in the Rose Park neighborhood all day Friday, a holistic healing session on Sixth Street Friday night, Compound’s Sunset Resonance Saturday evening, a Cambodian self-defense workshop Sunday afternoon or multiple boxing and self-defense lessons from Devotion Fitness.
Families have plenty of opportunities for fun and learning, like an outdoor movie night at 2ND & PCH Friday, a youth opportunities workshop at Admiral Kidd Park Saturday morning, a bubble bash Saturday afternoon, a sensory-friendly disco at the Signal Hill Public Library Monday, or a family health literacy workshop Thursday afternoon.
Grassroots gatherings this week include a zine-making and emergency go-bag kit-making event at PLACE on Sunday, a Community Land Trust meeting Tuesday night, a Spanish virtual Know Your Rights workshop hosted by ÓRALE Wednesday night and a tenant’s storytelling circle led by LiBRE Thursday evening.

Friday 7/11
Mural Painting: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited to help paint a rose mural on the corner of Fourth Street and Cherry Avenue, in partnership with the Rose Park Neighborhood Association and Roses for Rose Park. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Painting will take place at the same hours Friday through Sunday. Free.
DIY Craft Club: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Those ages 8+ can make their own decoupage terracotta pot at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Free, but registration is required by calling 562-989-7323.
Holistic Healing: 6 p.m. Holistic Collective is hosting a sound bath, a cleansing herbal smudge, ancestral drumming and guided heart meditation with cacao at 2217 E. Sixth St. This healing session is especially intended for organizers, community advocates and those impacted by the weight of the world. Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat, blanket, mug or anything needed for comfort. RSVP online. There is a suggested donation of $11-22 to help support future classes.
Movie at 2ND & PCH: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Families and friends can bring blankets, chairs and snacks to watch the 2024 animated film “The Wild Robot” at 2ND & PCH (6480 Pacific Coast Highway). Free.
Municipal Band: 6:30 p.m. This concert at El Dorado Park West (2800 N. Studebaker Road) will feature the scores of James Horner, an iconic film composer known for “Legends of the Fall,” “The Rocketeer” and “Apollo 13.” Singer Mark Kopitzke will perform vintage swing and jazz songs. Families are welcome to bring blankets, chairs and snacks. Free. Families are welcome to bring blankets, chairs and snacks. Free.

Saturday 7/12
Youth Opportunities Workshop: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Long Beach youth can explore career opportunities, skill building and personal growth resources at Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.). Register by calling 562-570-1010 or emailing NSB@longbeach.gov. Free.
Cards and More Expo: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Collectors of Pokémon, anime, comics, Funko Pops, Magic: The Gathering and more can add to their collection and make trades while enjoying live music, food trucks and raffle giveaways at the two-day Cards and More Expo at the Hilton Long Beach (701 W. Ocean Blvd.). Free admission and parking.
Fire & Ice: Noon to 2 p.m. Cool off with free ice cream and meet firefighters who serve North Long Beach at Fire Station 12 (1199 E. Artesia Blvd.). Free, but online RSVP is requested.
Bubble Bash: Noon to 2 p.m. Kids and their families can enjoy a bubble-filled party at the Long Beach Towne Center (7575 Carson Blvd.) with interactive color-filled bubble stations, an overflowing foam zone, live entertainment, a character meet and greet, games and giveaways. Free.
Beachwood Brewing Anniversary: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Long Beach’s Beachwood Brewing and Distilling is celebrating its 14th birthday at all locations. At the Bixby Knolls location (3630 Atlantic Ave.), they will have an anniversary beer, free koozies for the first 25 guests or anyone wearing vintage Beachwood gear, dog caricatures, cornhole, giant jenga, picnic tables and food and drink specials. Free.
Sunset Resonance: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Compound’s first-ever summer night party will feature DJ sets, live music, a movement class, a zine-making station and all-night happy hour specials at Compound (1395 Coronado Ave.). Tickets are $30 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Classic Monster Double Feature: 6:15 p.m. See the origins of two classic universal monsters at the Art Theatre of Long Beach (2025 E. Fourth St.), with their double feature screening of 1931’s “Dracula” and 1932’s “The Mummy,” both in their original 16mm format. Tickets are $15 general admission and can be purchased online or at the door.

Sunday 7/13
LBFD P.R.E.P. Workout: 8:30 a.m. to noon. The Long Beach Fire Department invites adults 18+ to participate in its Prospective Recruit Exercise Program (P.R.E.P.) at 2245 Argonne Ave. This workout introduces future candidates to firefighting fitness techniques using real equipment like ladders, hoses and mannequins. Come dressed in dark athletic wear and closed-toe shoes, and bring water. To register, visit the City’s online event calendar. To cancel registration or ask questions, email JoinLBFD@longbeach.gov. Free.
R & Brunch + Fundraiser: Noon to 3 p.m. Support underserved students heading back to school soon at this luau brunch and fundraiser hosted by Dig Life and Urban Society LB at Shannon’s At The Top (201 Pine Ave.). A $10 donation or school supplies gets you a raffle ticket for a four-person table at the next R & Brunch event. See more details and purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
Emergency Go-Bag Pop-Up: 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. This collaborative event between 7th Street Collective, Norfside LB Outreach, Long Beach Queers for Palestine, PLACE and Care, Culture, Collaborative invites residents to an afternoon of community building and skill sharing at PLACE (2172 Pacific Ave.). Attendees can make zines and build emergency go-bags. Bags and supplies will be provided until supplies last. Masks are required. RSVP is required at tinyurl.com/GoBagsLB. Free.
Cambodian Self-Defense Workshop: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can learn the basics of Cambodian martial arts at this Kun Khmer (also known as Muay Thai) workshop at DeForest Park (6255 De Forest Ave.). Attendees will learn punches, kicks, elbows, knees and clinch maneuvers. This workshop is open to all ages and skill levels, and bringing a partner or group is encouraged but not required. A suggested donation of $10-75 is encouraged, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. A portion of proceeds will go to local street vendors. See more info @wolfpackcounselinghub on Instagram.
Body Oil Workshop: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Learn how to blend your own luxurious body oil using botanical and clean fragrance oils at this workshop hosted by Soy Latina at Plantiitas (2011 E. Fourth St.). All materials will be included. Tickets are $33.85 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Classic Monster Double Feature: 6:15 p.m. See the origins of two classic universal monsters at the Art Theatre of Long Beach (2025 E. Fourth St.), with their double feature screening of 1933’s “The Invisible Man” and 1941’s “The Wolf Man,” both in their original 16mm format. Tickets are $15 general admission and can be purchased online or at the door.

Monday 7/14
Tai Chi: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Seniors ages 55 and older can learn gentle, flowing movements of tai chi from instructor Angie Sierra at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St). Space is limited, and registration is required by calling 562-989-7330. Free.
Sensory-Friendly Silent Disco: Noon to 7 p.m. Dance to your own beat at this sensory-friendly silent disco at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Session one will take place from noon to 3 p.m. and is for those 18 and older, while session two from 4 to 7 p.m. is for all ages. Free.
Concert at the Library: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of live music at Bay Shore Neighborhood Library (195 Bay Shore Ave.) with two special performances by the Long Beach Poly High Alumni Jazz Band. Free.
Boxing & Self-Defense: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Youth ages 12-26 can learn boxing and self-defense skills at beginner-friendly classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, hosted by Devotion Fitness. A second session will take place from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Gel hand wraps are required and can be purchased on-site for $10, and all other equipment will be provided for up to 20 participants. This space is for LGBTQ+, women and BIPOC individuals. Free, but registration is required via the link in the bio of @devotionfitnessinc on Instagram.
Concerts in the Park(ing Lot): 6:30 p.m. Enjoy live music from AbSOULute in the parking lot of Bixby Joe Coffee & Tea (4245 Atlantic Ave.), in this community series hosted by the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association. Residents are encouraged to get food and drinks from local businesses and bring chairs, friends and friendly pets. Free.

Tuesday 7/15
Music Workshop: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Families are invited to the Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.) for a fun and interactive music program with performing artist Iwalani. This event aims to inspire creativity through song, rhythm and instruments. Free.
Community Land Trust Meeting: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The public is invited to the monthly Community Land Trust meeting at Studio One Eleven (245 E. Third St.). At this meeting, residents can learn how inclusive architecture can create welcoming spaces, how CLTs can reclaim development to ensure high-quality, permanent affordable housing and more. Free.
Concert in the Park: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of live music as the Long Beach Municipal Band performs at Bixby Annex Park (Cherry Ave. & Ocean Blvd.) as part of its 116th season of summer concerts. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic dinners. Free.

Wednesday 7/16
Queen Mary Movie Night: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Residents can watch an outdoor screening of the 1985 classic “The Goonies” at the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Highway), and enjoy a night market with local food vendors, pop-ups, live music and a beer garden. Free.
Know Your Rights Workshop: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ÓRALE is hosting this virtual, Spanish Know Your Rights workshop so residents can learn what rights they have and updates on local and national news. Registration required online. Free.
Arts & Activism Mixer: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Meet and connect with local artists, creatives and community organizers at Long Beach Forward’s mixer. There will be food and refreshments provided, and masks are required and provided upon request. Free, but RSVP is required at lbforward.org/arts in order to receive the location.
Concert in the Park: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ‘80s tribute band Knyght Ryder will play beloved classics at Signal Hill Park (2175 Cherry Ave.) while residents can enjoy community booths, concessions and raffles. Free.

Thursday 7/17
Family Health Literacy Workshop: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Learn how to maintain heart health, manage cholesterol and control blood pressure at this educational workshop at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.). Presented in both English and Spanish, this event is designed for families and community members interested in disease prevention and healthy living. Free.
Clean Energy Rebate Workshop: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn how to save and make money through energy efficiency incentives at this workshop hosted by Love Beyond Limits and emPOWER Gateway at 3515 E. Linden Ave. This workshop is meant for income-eligible SoCal residents, and registration requires a SoCal Edison utility bill and a driver’s license. Register online.
Storytelling Circle: 6 p.m. LiBRE (Long Beach Residents Empowered) is leading this tenant’s storytelling circle to reflect on housing challenges, learn about local campaigns helping tenants, and to uplift one another at 317 Termino Ave. RSVP with brandie@wearelbre.org. Free.
