This holiday weekend offers a variety of fun and free ways to spend time in Long Beach and Signal Hill, whether it’s with your mom, a group of friends or new people with shared interests.
A handful of Mother’s Day gatherings offer a way to celebrate mom without breaking the bank, like a festival with a Mother’s Day market at the Parkview Village Shops, afternoon tea at The Wicked Wolf and a variety of mom-themed films at the Art Theatre of Long Beach throughout the weekend, ranging from “Rosemary’s Baby” to “Mamma Mia!”
Bask in the spring sun at several outdoor events like Signal Hill Park’s Paws on the Hill on Saturday morning, a bike-in movie night in North Long Beach on Wednesday night and yoga at Reservoir Park Thursday morning.
Additional community-centric events include Able ART Works’ open house and a pub crawl, both on Saturday, an all-abilities color and play session Monday, a VA resource fair Tuesday, a Los Cerritos Wetlands update Wednesday evening and a small business expo Thursday.
Friday 5/8
Free Groceries: Noon to 4 p.m. Residents can grab a bag of free groceries as well as clothing, shoes, hygiene products, books and more from Long Beach Community Table (151 W. Victoria St.). Free.
DIY Club: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Make a hands-on craft at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.) on the second Friday of the month. This month’s craft is a miniature portrait pendant. For ages 8 and older. Register by calling 562-989-7323. Free.
Saturday 5/9
Paws on the Hill: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pets and their human friends can meet up for a fun day at Signal Hill Park (2175 Cherry Ave.), featuring pet-friendly music, goodies, giveaways, community booths, dog licensing and low-cost vaccinations. Pets must be leashed at all times. Free.
Mother’s Day Festival: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate mothers at this sidewalk block party featuring 60+ vendors, games for the family, food and entertainment at the Parkview Village Shops (5423 E. Village Road). Free.
Annual Orchid Auction: Noon to 5 p.m. The Long Beach Amateur Orchid Society is hosting its annual orchid auction and fundraiser at 6201 E. Willow St. The public is invited to bid on a variety of healthy orchids, or donate a plant of their own to benefit the club. You must register online to participate. Free.
Cinco de Meow: Noon to 2 p.m. Bring your furry friend down to Pet Supplies Plus (2086 N. Bellflower Blvd.) to enjoy free samples and giveaways. Free.
Long Beach Pub Crawl: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. LA Galaxy fans can make their way to various pubs leading up to the team’s 4:30 p.m. kickoff against Atlanta United at Legends (5236 E. Second St.). The crawl will begin at Super Mex (6429 E. Spring St.). Order a Modelo at at least three stops and get your card punched for a commemorative shirt.
Taste of Able ARTS Work: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about local nonprofit Able ARTS Work and their programs at their open house at 3841 Atlantic Ave. Participate in creative activities, enjoy refreshments, buy limited edition merch and much more. This event is for all ages and abilities. No RSVP required. Free.
Sunday 5/10
Afternoon Tea: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gather a group of mothers or treat someone to an afternoon of fancy tea surrounded by extravagant decorations, luxurious drinks and light bites at The Wicked Wolf (2332 Pacific Ave.)
Mamma Mia!: 11 a.m. Watch the beloved classic “Mamma Mia!” as part of the Art Theatre of Long Beach’s Mother’s Day weekend programming at 2025 E Fourth St. This 2008 film follows a young girl trying to discover who her biological father is with a secret plan the weekend of her wedding in Greece, resulting in drama, comedy and lots of singing. Tickets are $13 online or at the door.
Monday 5/11
All Abilities Color & Play: Noon to 2 p.m. Those 18 and older of all abilities can relax and get creative with adult coloring pages featuring animals, nature and mandala designs at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Attendees can also play board games or with soothing kinetic sand. No registration required. Free.
District 1 Candidate Forum: 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Meet and hear from District 1 candidates at At The Top (105 W. Broadway) followed by an informal meet and greet with the candidates at Secret Island (209 Pine Ave.). Free.
Tuesday 5/12
VA Research & Resource Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Veterans Affairs is hosting its annual research fair, where veterans can hear firsthand from those who have participated in VA research, learn about current clinical trials and scientific breakthroughs at 5901 E. Seventh St. in the courtyard outside of building 2. Free.
Elegance in Pride: 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Affluent Hispanic Philanthropies is hosting the third annual Elegance in Pride gathering, a celebration of inclusivity and LGBTQIA+ unity in Long Beach at Onni East Village Clubhouse and Terrace (333 E. Broadway). The evening combines fashion, community and unity with live music, gourmet bites, creative drinks and a celebratory soiree atmosphere. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online.
Wednesday 5/13
Poetry Workshop: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Connect with fellow writers and enhance your skills at this workshop hosted by Dr. Kelley Gillaspy at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Free.
Los Cerritos Wetlands Update: 6:30 p.m. Get updates on the restoration of Los Cerritos Wetlands and ask questions at O’Malley’s (140 Main Street.). Light refreshments will be provided. Free to attend.
Bike-In Movie Night: 7:30 p.m. The Northside Ride Club invites the public to a group bike ride and movie night, beginning at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.) to the movie screening location. The film starts at 8:30 p.m. DM @northsidelb_ride_club on Instagram for the location. Free.
Thursday 5/14
Yoga in the Park: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy slow-moving gentle yoga at Reservoir Park (3315 Gundry Ave.). All skill levels are welcome, but attendees must be 18 or older. Bring your own yoga mat. Registration is required by calling 562-989-7330.
Small Business Expo: 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Entrepreneurs, small business owners and startups can participate in a Small Business Expo and networking event at Sports Basement (2100 N. Bellflower Blvd.). There will be information and resource booths hosted by participating organizations and opportunities for attendees to learn about programs and services for small businesses, network with others. Find more info here. Free.
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