Long Beach and Signal Hill will have an appropriately gloomy Friday the 13th, before rains continue throughout the weekend and into Monday.
Regardless of the weather, the city still boasts many opportunities to volunteer, shop from local businesses and participate in various community events. On Saturday, Long Beach will be welcoming back the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Parade, a beloved local tradition not seen since the pandemic began.
The sun will make its welcome return on Tuesday, just in time for residents to bring their children to storytime at Rancho Los Cerritos, or attend an outdoor martial arts class overlooking the ocean.
Neighbors in need can receive a helping hand on Wednesday with free groceries from the YMCA or obtain donated clothes from Christian Outreach in Action’s clothing bank. For residents wishing to explore outside their comfort zone, those 21 and older can participate in a Friday night dance party at Port City Tavern, try out for a rap competition hosted by Our Generation Cares or take a beginners tai chi class taught by Angie Sierra.
Friday 1/13
Friday the 13th Tattoos: 11 a.m. Roman Ink Tattoo Parlor (5442 Long Beach Blvd.) will be holding a sale on 2-inch and 3-inch flash tattoos for $40 to $50.
Friday Night Dance Party: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Those 21 and older are invited to enjoy dancing and music at Port City Tavern (4306 E Anaheim St.) Music will be selected by DJ The Almighty Nectar. No cover charge.
Asian Film Series: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) for a screening of the 2000 Chinese action-adventure film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” Free.
Saturday 1/14
Beach Clean Up: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help clean litter off the beach (2100 E Ocean Blvd.). Volunteers are asked to wear a mask. Free.
MLK Parade and Celebration: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a parade and celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.). The parade will begin at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street. The park celebration will begin at the park at noon, featuring live performances on the main stage, health and wellness resources, vendors and more. Free to attend.
Makers Market & Clothing Swap: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Good Time and Cold Hearted will be hosting their monthly makers market at 1322 Coronado Ave. where residents can shop from local vendors, donate clean, used clothing and fill a tote bag with donations from fellow attendees. The clothing swap is open to all genders, ages and sizes and residents do not need to donate clothing in order to shop for free. Leftover clothing will be donated to The LGBTQ Center Long Beach. Free.
Tech Help from Teens: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Heart of Ida invites seniors to get one-on-one technology support from teenagers from local high schools at the Long Beach Senior Center (1150 E 4th St. Room 104). Free.
Eastside Night Market: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Over 20 local vendors will be selling art, food and more at Grace United Methodist Church (2325 E 3rd St). Live music will be playing during the event. Free to enter.
Huskies for Adoption: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The PetSmart (7631 Carson Blvd) at the Long Beach Towne Center invites animal lovers to come meet huskies that are looking for their forever homes on Saturday and Sunday. Free to attend.
Rap Contest Tryouts: Time TBA. Contestants are needed for a rap contest where the winner receives a cash prize. Tryouts for entry will be held at Coco Beach Presents (2300 E Pacific Coast Hwy.). To try out, call 818-293-8079. Free.
Sunday 1/15
Baddies Box: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Long Beach nonprofit Devotion Fitness will be hosting its weekly beginner-friendly, LGBTQ-friendly foundation and boxing classes at 400 W Anaheim St. From 10 to 10:30 a.m. residents can learn the foundation of hand wrapping and boxing and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. the class will focus on HIIT and mitt sessions. These classes are donation-based where attendees pay what they can afford. Every third Sunday of the month is free.
Sesame Street Live: 10:30 a.m. The family-friendly live performance “Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic” will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center (300 E Ocean Blvd.). General admission costs $30 per person, and tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster.
Tai Chi for Beginners: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Anyone interested in learning how to practice Tai Chi is invited to 5608 E Los Santos Dr. for a lesson taught by Angie Sierra. Free, but donations are accepted.
Monday 1/16
COVID-19 Testing: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The City of Long Beach will conduct COVID-19 testing at Ramona Park (3301 E 65th St.) for those who think they have been exposed to the virus or who are showing symptoms. Most test results are ready within 72 hours. To make an appointment, call 562-570-4636. Free.
Introductions to Reference Solutions: 11 a.m. to noon. The Long Beach Public Library invites entrepreneurs and business owners to learn how to use Reference Solutions, a free program available at the library, to help them start, manage and grow a business. Registration is required for this event. To register, visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/6932781878054041870. Free.
Tuesday 1/17
Rancho Storytime: 10 a.m. to 10:30 am. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring young children to listen to a story read out loud at Rancho Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Rd.) Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, strollers and snacks. Free.
Author Talk: 11 a.m. to noon. In this virtual event hosted by the Long Beach Public Library, author Dana K. White will present tips for cleaning from her books, “Organizing for the Rest of Us” and “Decluttering at the Speed of Life.” To register for this online event, visit https://libraryc.org/lbpl/upcoming.
Ra Life Defense: 7 p.m. Professor Zahalea Anderson will be teaching a martial arts class at Bluff Park (Intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Junipero Avenue). For more information, email professorzahalea7@gmail.com or call 562-888-3478. Free.
Wednesday 1/18
Sensory Story Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children to this inclusive storytime at the Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.). Children of all abilities will use their senses to read, create and learn through stories, songs and play. Free.
Food Distribution: 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fresh produce and nonperishable foods will be distributed at the Community Development YMCA (1900 Long Beach Blvd.). Recipients are asked to bring their own bags or carts to carry groceries in. Food will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.
Clothing Bank: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Christian Outreach in Action will be providing donated clothes to those in need at 515 E 3rd St. Free.
Thursday 1/19
2024 City Budget Community Meeting: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Long Beach residents are invited by the City to give their input on the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2024, which designates how much money will be dedicated to various public services and programs. This community event will be held in the gymnasium of Stephens Middle School (1830 W Columbia St.), and is the first in a series of five meetings residents can attend. For more information, call 562-570-6465. Free.
Tiki Haha Comedy Night: 7 p.m. Five comedians will be performing stand-up at the Bamboo Club (3522 E Anaheim St.). This event is appropriate for those 21 and older. Tickets cost $12 and can be purchased at https://sked.link/bambooclublb.
