Things to do in Long Beach: Black history month celebrations, galentines gatherings and more!

Artist Amy Tanaka paints the words ‘Farmers Market’ onto a wall for the community-made mural that will celebrate the Bixby Knolls Farmers Market on March 31, 2022. Tanaka has been working as an artist for ten years; this is the second of three murals she has planned. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

There’s something for residents of all ages in Long Beach and Signal Hill this week. Children can take advantage of library story times and free dental screening, teens can craft plushies and educate themselves about domestic violence, and the 21 and over crowd can enjoy a unique combination of comedy and burlesque at Harvelle’s.

Residents will have multiple opportunities to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in their local government from the comfort of their own homes, with virtual meetings being held to discuss the city budget, homelessness and zoning regulations.

Those looking for ways to celebrate Black History Month can attend a two-day event at the Expo Arts Center, or watch the emotional story of an African American family searching for the American dream during a screening of “A Raisin In The Sun” at The Billie Jean King Main Library. 

An exterior look at the Expo Art Center in Bixby Knolls as people prepare the space for the Able ARTS Work showing in January on Jan. 5, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Friday 2/3

Job Fair: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Job seekers are invited to participate in this virtual job fair hosted by JobFairX. Participants will be able to interview with over 40 companies looking to fill entry-level positions. To register, visit Eventbrite. Free.

Kids Dental Health: Noon to 2 p.m. In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, minors will be able to receive dental screenings at the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E. Hill St.). Families will also learn about oral hygiene and children will be able to enjoy games and crafts. Free.

Classic Film Series: 2 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. The public is invited to a screening of the 1961 film “A Raisin In The Sun” at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W Broadway). The film follows the story of an African American family in Chicago as they decide what to do with a life insurance payment following the death of a family member. Free.

More Than Stories: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children from transitional kindergarten to third grade to the Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N Bellflower Blvd.) to enjoy stories and activities that help develop literacy, language and social skills. Free.

Strength Behind Us, Greatness Ahead of Us: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The public is invited to this two-day celebration in honor of Black History Month organized by the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach at the Expo Arts Center (4321 Atlantic Ave.). Attendees will be able to tour three different exhibits, shop at an African marketplace, take a drumming and dance workshop, listen to spoken word poetry and more. The event will continue on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free.

Candles with an LGBTQ+ theme sit on a display at Dainty Disco on Oct. 27, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Saturday 2/4

Heron Hike: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Join Los Cerritos Wetlands on its rainy season nature walk. Residents ages 7 years and older are invited to view the wetlands wildlife and look for migrating birds. Closed-toe shoes are required and attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars. Parking is located at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and First Street. For more information contact elizabeth@lcwlandtrust.org. Free. 

Rise & Rose: 9 a.m. This Galentine’s Day celebration at the LBX Hangar Food Hall (4150 McGowen St.) is organized by the Female Maker Market. Attendees will be able to enjoy one hour of outdoor flow yoga, a glass of Rosé, a tote bag and a bouquet of flowers. Over 40 vendors will be selling their goods. Attendees should bring comfortable clothes, a yoga mat and a sweater. Tickets can be purchased for $25 on Eventbrite.

Team Up To Clean Up: 10 a.m. to noon. Christian Outreach In Action is in need of volunteers to help clean up litter and pass out supplies to people experiencing homelessness. As they go through the neighborhood to clean, volunteers will distribute jackets, blankets, gloves, hygiene kits and more to people in need. Volunteers should meet at the corner of 3rd Street and Linden Avenue (515 E 3rd St.). For more information call (562) 432-1440. Free.

Valentines Pop Up: Local business Dainty Disco (5659 Atlantic Ave.) will be hosting a Valentine’s Day pop up featuring over 17 vendors selling art, accessories, home goods, coffee and more. Free to attend.

Fun-A-Day LA Art Show: Noon to 4 p.m. The public is invited to the seventh annual rendition of this community art show hosted at the Firehouse Community Farm (6509 Gundry Ave.). The show will include a wide variety of art forms including edible art, illustrations, weavings, paintings, prints and more. This art show is appropriate for all ages. Free.

Motorcycle Documentary: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Backcountry Discovery Routes has created a new motorcycle trail in Oregon, and is screening a documentary about its creation at local business Long Beach BMW Motorcycles (2202 E 28th St.). To reserve a spot, visit Eventbrite. Free.

Symphony Classics: 8 p.m. The Long Beach Symphony will be performing Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor and Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” at the Long Beach Terrace Theater (300 E. Ocean Blvd.). General admission costs $32. To purchase a ticket, visit longbeachsymphony.org.

Local Artist Alva McNeal paints finishing touches on a mural dedicated to centenarian Alta Regalado on Saturday, Nov. 28.

Sunday 2/5 

COVID-19 Testing: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The City of Long Beach will conduct COVID-19 testing at Cabrillo High School (2001 Santa Fe Ave.) 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.

Community Mural Painting: Noon to 4 p.m. The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association is asking for volunteers to help paint the Expo Arts Center’s (4321 Atlantic Ave.) new “gratitude wall.” This volunteer opportunity is appropriate for all ages. Refreshments will be provided. Free.

A cardboard lectern is erected in front of Long Beach City Hall before the People’s Budget Long Beach rally starts on Aug. 2, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Monday 2/6

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.

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 virtual community event will be held on Zoom, and is the last meeting residents can attend. For more information, call 562-570-6465. Free.

A man who goes by the name JQ packs his possessions into his tent after being informed he needs to leave the area under the Ocean Ave. bridge that crosses the LA River in Long Beach on Nov. 18, 2021. JQ is a 27-year-old Long Beach resident that has experienced homelessness for the last eight months. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Tuesday 2/7

Emergency Response to Homelessness: 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to view a livestream of the City of Long Beach’s meeting on the current response to the homelessness crisis. Mayor Rex Richardson and other public officials will speak on the issue. To watch the livestream, visit www.youtube.com/@LongBeachCityCA/featured.

Comedy & Burlesque: 8 p.m. Those 21 and older are invited to enjoy a show by stand-up comedians and burlesque performers at Harvelle’s Underground Long Beach (201 East Broadway). Attendees must purchase a minimum of two items. General admission costs $15, and tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Ballet instructor Kate Whitney reads a story to a group of young students that they will use to inspire their dance during a class at the Tutu School of Long Beach on March 2, 2022, in Bixby Knolls. Whitney has been teaching ballet since she was 16 years old. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Wednesday 2/8

Sensory Story Time: 11 a.m. to noon. 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.

Teen Craft: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, teens are invited to the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.) to create heart-shaped plushies. Free.

Thao Huynh French (@thaofrenchart on Instagram ) is seen working on her mural at the Burnett Neighborhood Library for the Long Beach Walls event on Aug. 30, 2022. The mural she is making will encompass two floors and most of the front of the building. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Thursday 2/9

Building Healthy Relationships: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The WomenShelter of Long Beach invites teens to the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E. Hill St). to learn about dating violence, the cycle of violence, power, control and healthy relationships. Free.

Zone In – West LB Community Meeting: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The City of Long Beach invites residents to this online meeting about proposed updates to zoning regulations between Willow Street and Santa Fe Avenue in West Long Beach. To watch this online meeting, visit https://longbeach-gov.zoom.us/j/98568122056. Free.

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