Artistic expression is the perfect way to spend these last weeks of summer, evident by the many art-centered events this week in Long Beach.
No skill is required for those wanting to get creative this week at gatherings such as Bob Ross paint night at PLACE Saturday evening or an ode to summer collage-making session at Ambitious Ales Thursday night. For those seeking inspiration, the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach is hosting the opening reception for its new exhibition Friday night, Bamboo Club is hosting a night of psychedelic burlesque Saturday and the Museum of Latin American Art will continue its four-week lecture series Thursday night.
More interactive gatherings this week include an abolitionist book fair at Houghton Park Saturday, tai chi the same day at the Bembridge House, a tarot meetup at Kubo LB Sunday, as well as a cumbia dance night and restorative yoga both on Thursday.
Friday 8/7
‘Black Cowboys’ Exhibition: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (4321 Atlantic Ave.) is unveiling its new exhibition “Black Cowboys: More Than A Myth” on Friday, with the exhibit running through October. Chanel Rhodes, aka Cowboy Chanel, will be in attendance for this opening reception. Free.
Midsummer Scream: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Horror and spooky season lovers can get their summertime fix during this three-day event at the Long Beach Convention Center (300 E. Ocean Blvd.). This event will feature over 300 unique vendors, previews of upcoming events and attractions this season, panels, presentations, performances and more. Tickets start at $42 and can be purchased online.
Saturday 8/8
Abolitionist Book Fair: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local mutual aid groups Care Culture Collaborative, Norfside LB Outreach and Homespun Community Aid are hosting this totally free book fair at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave. at the Atlantic Avenue and Harding Street corner). There will be plenty of free books as well as art activities and a raffle. All proceeds go to North Long Beach teachers to help them purchase classroom items. Free.
Community Budget Meeting: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Residents can participate in the annual fiscal year conversation through this meeting at Silverado Park (1520 W. 32nd St.). Share your priorities and feedback on the proposed budget. Free.
Garden Tai Chi: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Experience meditation in motion on the second Saturday of each month at the historic Bembridge House (953 N. Park Circle). All skill levels are welcome. Bring comfortable clothing and water. This event is free, but a donation is encouraged. Free.
Back to School Drive: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families with children can receive free school supplies at this eighth-annual giveaway hosted by Pueblita Tortillas and Urban Reset Foundation at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.). A child must be present to receive items, including backpacks, school supplies and free food. There will also be community resources and activities for the family. Free.
Bob Ross Night: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This Bob Ross paint night at PLACE Long Beach (3923 Long Beach Blvd.) invites painters of all skill levels to dress up as the beloved painter and express themselves via painting in a welcoming environment. Costumes are encouraged but not necessary, though there will be a costume contest at the end of the event. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.
Strange Paradise: 9 p.m. Enjoy a night of psychedelic burlesque featuring Luna Love, Daphne Moon, Lily Misfit, Alexandra Vita and Sidra Planchette at the Bamboo Club (3522 E. Anaheim St.). There will be live DJs as well. Entry is $10 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sunday 8/9
Community Yard Sale: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents are invited to bring their unwanted (though in good condition) goodies to Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.) to buy, sell and trade with their neighbors. Free.
Collective Market: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This goth-themed market at Long Beach City College (1305 E. Pacific Coast Highway) will feature 25+ vendors selling jewelry, clothing, vintage items, collectibles, Y2K goodies, art and more, along with live music and food for purchase. Pets are welcome. Entry is free.
Tarot Meetup: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This tarot nerds meetup is open to beginners, skeptics and all at Kubo LB (3976 Atlantic Ave.). This event is hosted by Tangy Tarot and will include decks, a book and tarot journaling. Attendees can also bring their own decks, books and journals. No RSVP is required. Free.
Monday 8/10
FY 2027 Community Budget Meeting: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Long Beach residents are invited to share their feedback on the City’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget during this in-person meeting in the auditorium of Renaissance High School for the Arts (235 E. Eighth Street). For ADA accommodations, attendees are asked to call 562-570-6465 at least 72 hours in advance. Free.
Concerts in the Park(ing Lot): 6:30 p.m. The beautiful brass sounds of the Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra at Howard CDM Lot (3737 Long Beach Blvd.) will conclude this year’s Concerts in the Park(ing Lot) series. The music starts at 6:30 p.m., but concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early to order food from Bixby Knolls restaurants and to secure a good spot for the show. Free.
Tuesday 8/11
BYO & Walk: 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to this crossover event hosted by BYO Long Beach and 7th Street Collective, where attendees will meet at BYO Long Beach (431 E. First St.) and learn how to use their refilling resources. Attendees are welcome to bring their own cup for a tea gathering, which will be followed by a walk to 7th Street Collective (811 E. Seventh St.) for resources and socializing. Free.
Summer at the Shell: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Week five of the outdoor summer concert series at the Recreation Park Bandshell (701-939 Federation Drive) brings classic rock and roll covers courtesy of local band The Emperors. Free.
Wednesday 8/12
‘Wicked: For Good’: 6:30 p.m. Soar to the fantastical land of Oz during a screening of “Wicked: For Good” at College Estates Park (808 Stevely Ave.). Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic-style dinners and enjoy movie-themed crafts, a bounce house and nightly raffle drawings (one ticket per family). Recreation activities begin at 6 p.m, while the film begins at dusk. Free.
Long Beach Coast: 6:35 p.m. The Long Beach Coast will return from their road trip for a homestand through Aug. 23. The Coast will take on Yuba-Sutter Freebirds Wednesday night, marking the team’s first-ever bobblehead giveaway night, featuring coaches Tory Percival and Troy Glaus. Tickets can be purchased online.
Thursday 8/13
Cumbia Night: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Slated for the second Thursday of each month at Good Time (1322 Coronado Ave.), this new monthly dance party is open to music fans of all ages. Food from Concepts by Violeta will be served from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with cumbia tunes from local DJ Quatre Cinq playing from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free.
Sips & Stories: 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. This lecture series at the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.) brings history to life through engaging storytelling, rich visuals and thoughtful discussion. Grab a drink, find a seat and step into the world of the incredible women of Mexican art history. Snacks will be provided, and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online.
Ode to Summer: 6:30 p.m. Make Stuff Art Club is hosting this Bring Your Own mixed media journal meetup at Ambitious Ales (4019 Atlantic Ave.). Attendees will create collages based on their favorite summer memories or about how summer makes them feel. All materials will be provided. RSVP on Partiful. Free.
Restorative Yoga: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Slow down and support your nervous system at this weekly restorative yoga at the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.) in the beautiful sculpture garden. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.
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