Residents can fill their week by filling other’s cups, with plenty of opportunities to support neighbors, nonprofits and businesses in need.
Local bakers are selling treats for Centro CHA Saturday afternoon to help immigrant families, while Care Culture Collaborative is handing out food and other supplies to homeless neighbors and others in downtown Saturday around noon. On Sunday, residents can celebrate and lift up non-profit Books & Buckets at MacArthur Park in the morning, or help local business Earthing with a fundraiser dinner in the evening.
Resources this week include an early learning festival for parents and families Saturday morning, an all-abilities color and play session Monday afternoon and a grief support gathering Wednesday evening. Entertainment options vary this week from Bixby Knolls’ First Fridays, a night of dancing and community at Sala Coffee and Wine Saturday and an outdoor courtyard movie at Olive & Rose Thursday night.
Friday 3/6
Free Groceries: Noon to 4 p.m. Those in need of healthy, fresh food can receive a free box of groceries, no questions asked and no proof of income, address or ID required at 3311 E. 59th St.
Kids Painting: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This workshop features step-by-step instructions to help children ages 8 and older create a fun painting at Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Enjoy Kidz Bop hits, refreshments and an interactive social environment. Children 12 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. All materials are provided. Registration required by calling 562-989-7330. Free.
First Fridays: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Bixby Knolls area will become a block party for its monthly First Fridays series, featuring deals and activations at businesses along Atlantic Avenue. The Expo Arts Center will unveil an all-women art exhibit, plus And Then LB will host multiple vendors and will serve disco-inspired treats as their neighbor Fingerprints Music plays Harry Styles’ new album “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.” Also, KUBO LB will celebrate its fourth birthday and Semillitas Learning Community will host a bilingual storytime, DJs and vendor marketplace. Free.
Singles Party: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Local singles can attend this event where the hosts are keeping the odds even, selling 50% of tickets to men and the other half to women. With over 100 single people in attendance, you might spark a connection, if not with a person then surely with the craft beers and homemade pizzas at the Long Beach Beer Lab (518 W. Willow St.). Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.
Noche de Estrellas: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) will be open late so visitors can party with the sea stars and other creatures to the sounds of cumbia, Spanish rock, salsa, mariachi and more. There will be live music, DJ sets, educational bilingual resources, ocean-themed loteria, food, drinks and other fun. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on the Aquarium’s website.
Garage Theatre: 8 p.m. The Garage Theatre (251 E. Seventh St.) is opening its 2026 season with “Our Dear Dead Drug Lord,” a story set in 2008 where four teenage girls hold a seance to communicate with Pablo Escobar. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased on the theatre’s website.
Saturday 3/7
Early Learning & Kindergarten Festival: 9 a.m. to noon. Families of children ages 0 to 5 are invited to this festival at Dooley Elementary School (5075 Long Beach Blvd.), where they can learn about early childcare, preschool readiness and the LBUSD enrollment process. There will also be free backpacks, books and dental health screenings. Free.
Morning of Creativity: 10 a.m. to noon. Enjoy the morning breeze and natural surroundings at Rancho Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Road) for a morning of creativity, where visitors are encouraged to bring their art supplies and make something new while meeting fellow artists. Visitors can bring their own sack lunch. Free.
Family Theatre: 11 a.m. Families and children can experience the magic of theatre for free through the International City Theatre’s (330 E. Seaside Way) free series. This month’s play is “Aesop’s Fabulous Fables.” After the show, children are given time to talk about the lessons they learned in the play. Free, but RSVP is required on the theatre’s website.
Anti-ICE Bake Sale: Noon to 4 p.m. Several local bakers are teaming up to sell delicious, homemade treats at The Mom-Up Shop (60 E. Fourth St.) with all proceeds going to Long Beach non-profit Centro CHA.
Free Groceries: Noon to 2 p.m. Those in need of healthy, fresh food can receive a free box of groceries, no questions asked and no proof of income, address or ID required at 3311 E. 59th St. Free.
Food Distribution: 12:30 p.m. Join local mutual aid group Care Culture Collaborative at their weekly downtown food distribution as they hand out meals and various supplies to homeless neighbors and anyone else in need. Meet at 400 E. Anaheim St. Those who can’t make this time are also welcome to join them in preparing the meals at the Jain Temple in Buena Park at 7 a.m. or packing the meals at 9 a.m. Free.
Slow Jamz: 8 p.m. to midnight. Various DJs will be spinning records for those 21 and older to jam out while enjoying natural wine and select beers at Sala Coffee and Wine (3853 Atlantic Ave.). Tickets are $6 and can be purchased on Posh.
Sunday 3/8
Diwata Goddess Gathering: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Native Sol is hosting this multicultural women’s day gathering at 2018 E Fourth St. to honor the goddess Diwata. A full day of activities includes a water ceremony, a self womb massage, a yoni steam, community dinner and more. See the full schedule on @nativesol on Instagram. Prices vary for each activity.
Books & Buckets Party and Fundraiser: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate nonprofit Books & Buckets fifth birthday at Macarthur Park (1321 E. Anaheim St.) for a picnic fundraiser. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs and plates to share. Additional food and refreshments will be provided. Donate to Books & Buckets online. Free.
Exhibit Opening: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Long Beach Creative Group is opening its new exhibit “Who’s Running the Show?” featuring pen and ink drawings, monoprints, photorealistic paintings, photography and mixed media, all made by board members of the art group. The gallery is located at 2221 E. Broadway. Free.
Dinner Party Fundraiser: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Local business Earthing is trying to save its space, and Teff Cafe is hosting this vegan Ethiopian dinner party to help them raise funds. Dinner will take place at Earthing (2022 E. Fourth St.). RSVP by messaging @nativesol on Instagram. Tickets are between $44-88 based on what you can afford.
Monday 3/9
Storytime and Stroller Stroll: 10 a.m. Join local author Brittany Hart Scholten as she reads her new book “Leah’s Long Beach Adventures” aloud at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.) followed by a walk, hosted by Not Just a Mom Club. RSVP at @notjustamomclub on Instagram to ensure your child receives a coloring sheet. Free.
All-Abilities Color and Play: Noon to 2 p.m. People of all abilities can relax and get creative with adult coloring pages featuring animals, nature, mandala designs and positive phrases, or play with board games and soothing kinetic sand at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Designed for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, but open to all. No registration required. For more information, call the Library at 562-989-7323.
Tuesday 3/10
Free Groceries: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Those in need of healthy, fresh food can receive a free box of groceries, no questions asked and no proof of income, address or ID required at 3311 E. 59th St.
Zumba: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Those 16 and older can get a good workout with Latin and international-inspired music and dance at Signal Hill Park (2175 Cherry Ave.). This class is suitable for attendees of all fitness levels. Bring a towel, water bottle, and wear comfortable shoes. For more information, call the Library at 562-989-7323 to register. Free.
Pinball League: 7 p.m. Every Tuesday night, vintage game lovers can test their skills on old-style pinball machines and make new friends at the Long Beach Beer Lab (518 W. Willow St.) with the Long Beach Pinball League. Free to attend.
Wednesday 3/11
Senior Wellness: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wellness Wednesday offers older adults ages 55 and older a fun and supportive space to stay active and connected through gentle, low-impact exercise classes at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Registration is required. For more information call Parks, Recreation & Library Services at 562-989-7330. Free.
Pause the Pain: 5 p.m. New Hope Grief Support hosts this gathering on the second Wednesday of the month at Steelcraft LB (3768 Long Beach Blvd.) for community members to take a break from whatever they are grieving in a welcoming, laid-back environment. Free.
Free Groceries: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Those in need of healthy, fresh food can receive a free box of groceries, no questions asked and no proof of income, address or ID required at 3311 E. 59th St.
Trivia Night: 7 p.m. Test your knowledge on a variety of topics every Wednesday at the Long Beach Beer Lab (518 W. Willow St.). Free.
Thursday 3/12
Bird Walk: 8 a.m. Rancho Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Road) will open early for local birders who want to spot feathery friends on the second Thursday of each month. This is a guided walk led by staff available to answer bird and nature-related questions. The stroll will be roughly 90 minutes long, and visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes and water. RSVP online. Free.
Coffee & Conversation: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a morning of coffee and connection with fellow locals at Hangar LBX (4150 McGowen St.). Actually Curious conversation cards will be used to skip the small talk. Free.
Yoga: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Adults of all levels are welcome to this slow-moving, gentle yoga practice at Reservoir Park (3315 Gundry Ave.). Please bring your own yoga mat. Registration required. For more information call Parks, Recreation & Library Services at 562-989-7330.
Movie: 7 p.m. Enjoy a varied, delectable menu of salads, entrees and cocktails at Olive & Rose (255 Atlantic Ave.) while watching the 2022 thriller “The Menu” on their courtyard. Reserve your spot online for $25, which will then be applied to your check.
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