There’s plenty of local events to help start the new year on a fun and productive note during the first week of 2026.
Long Beach offers a variety of engaging programs for young readers and writers this week. Kids can enjoy interactive storytimes, practice reading aloud to therapy dogs and write poetry at several events throughout Long Beach and Signal Hill.
There are multiple hands-on workshops this week for adults and teens looking to explore new skills and creative outlets. Residents can learn computer basics, improve phone photography skills or create personalized vision boards to inspire their plans for 2026.
Friday 1/2
Free Groceries: Residents can receive free groceries from Long Beach Community Table every Friday from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 3311 E. 59th St. Free.
Saturday 1/3
Khmer Storytime: 11 a.m. to noon. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children to the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) to enjoy Khmer stories, music and movements led by local business Khemara Kids. This event is appropriate for kids of all ages, but especially aimed at children between 1 and 5 years old. Free.
Read to Dogs: Noon to 1 p.m. Children ages 5 and up are invited to Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.) to practice reading aloud to friendly, certified therapy dogs. This program aims to help young readers build confidence and improve their reading skills. Free.
Free Groceries: Residents can receive free groceries from Long Beach Community Table every Friday from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 3311 E. 59th St. Free.
Phone Photography Workshop: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Adults and teens are invited to Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.) for an introduction to photography using a smartphone camera. Participants will learn basic photography terminology, tools and fundamental concepts. No prior experience is required. Attendees should bring their own phones with a working camera. Free.
Vision Board Workshop & Social: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join LindaLuBeautyBar at Sports Basement Long Beach (2100 N. Bellflower Blvd.) in creating a personalized vision board to map out your goals for 2026. Supplies and refreshments will be provided. Tickets can be purchased for $29.16 on Eventbrite.
16mm Cinema: 7:30 p.m. This Neo-Benshi movie night at PLACE (2172 Pacific Ave.) is hosted by Long Beach Community Media Arts and 3TON Cinema and will combine live spoken word performances with silent film. There will be three artists performing spoken word and film shown by 3TON and LBCMA. There is a suggested donation of $5-10 for PLACE’s rent fund, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Sunday 1/4
Sunday Funday Matinee: 2 p.m. Alex’s Bar (2913 E. Anaheim St.) is closing out the first weekend of the year with a free show, and getting an early start at that. Live music from Slippers, South Hollows, Sal Copas and Reckless Kind will entertain those 21 and older. Free.
Sunday Funnies: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Those 21 and over are invited to a stand-up comedy show featuring comedians Jonesy, Adam Hunter, Jackson McQueen, Justine Marino, Danny Jolles and Mike E. Winfield. General admission seating is first-come, first-served, and a two-drink minimum purchase per guest is required. Tickets are $36.87 on the Laugh Factory website.
Monday 1/5
Whale Watching & Dolphin Tour: Noon. Guests are invited to join Harbor Breeze Cruises at Rainbow Harbor for a 2.5-hour excursion to see whales, dolphins, sea lions and other marine wildlife. Children under 3 sail for free. Guests are advised to wear closed-toe footwear and wear layers. Tickets are $45 per adult on Harbor Breeze Cruises’ website.
Fashion Show: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests and fashion lovers are invited to the cabi [sic] Home Office (3840 Kilroy Airport Way) for an exclusive first look at the brand’s Spring ’26 collection. Light refreshments will be provided. Free admission.
Powwow Dance Conditioning: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center is hosting this dance and fitness class every Monday in January and February, open to all Powwow dancers ages 14 and older at 236 E. Third St. Bring workout clothes for this cardio based circuit training. Free, but RSVP is required at tinyurl.com/2s3u8ufn.com.
Tuesday 1/6
Toddler Storytime: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Families with toddlers between ages 1 and 3 are invited to Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.) to enjoy books, songs, scarves, bubbles and more. Free.
Teen Cafe: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Teens are invited to unwind at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) during this weekly drop-in program. Attendees can hang out, enjoy snacks and drinks, work on homework or personal projects, and connect with other teens. Free.
Free Groceries: Residents can receive free groceries from Long Beach Community Table every Friday from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 3311 E. 59th St. Free.
Horror Trivia: 7 p.m. Hosted by Josh Taylor, this spooky-themed trivia fits right in at The 4th Horseman (121 W. Fourth St.), and invites horror fans 21 and older to flex their knowledge for the chance to win prizes. Entry in the trivia is free, and participants should show up early as tables are expected to fill up quickly.
Wednesday 1/7
Indigenous Beading Workshop: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Join Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center for a workshop using looms to weave beads into a custom design for wristlets at 236 E. Third St. RSVP at tinyurl.com/5fvkdcbh.com. The second part of this workshop will take place on Jan. 21, and participants are asked only to RSVP if they can attend both in order to ensure they are able to finish their designs. Food and supplies will be provided. Free.
Weekly Crochet Club: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Adults and teens of all skill levels are invited to Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.) to learn and practice crocheting. Participants can discover the basics, share ideas, work on projects and meet new people in a relaxed setting. Beginners are welcome. Free.
Free Groceries: Residents can receive free groceries from Long Beach Community Table every Friday from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 3311 E. 59th St. Free.
Boots on the Boat: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Families and guests of all ages are invited to the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy) for an evening of line dancing, country music and western-style games. The event includes line dancing lessons and ship admission, with food and drinks available for purchase. Tickets are $16 for guests ages 3 and up, and can be purchased on the Queen Mary’s website.
Thursday 1/8
Business Networking: 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Business owners along Santa Fe Avenue are invited to this corridor networking event at Casa Chaskis (2380 Santa Fe Ave.), where they can mingle and talk about starting a business improvement association for the corridor. Participants should RSVP online. Free.
Writing the Fires: A Poetry Workshop for Teens: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Teens ages 13 to 18 are invited to Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.) for a creative writing workshop exploring experiences and emotions related to wildfires and climate change. Participants will read and discuss sample poems, write their own and share them aloud. This event is beginner-friendly and no prior poetry experience is required. Poems written during the workshop may be eligible for future publication in the California Poets in the Schools anthology. Registration through the City’s online event calendar is encouraged. Free.
Fire Dept. Exercise: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aspiring firefighters are invited to this hands-on workout led by the Long Beach Fire Department, designed to challenge, motivate and prepare recruits for the Physical Abilities Test at 2245 Argonne Ave. Participants must be 18 years or older and must register online. Free.
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