Express your love for Long Beach this week by supporting nonprofits, attending paint nights and pop-ups or picking up a new hobby through your local library.
If community activism is how you show your affection for the city, you can attend a fundraiser Friday night for the People’s Budget Long Beach, an annual budget made by residents that establishes how the city should spend its funds to best support its diverse communities. Residents can support a small business and nonprofit Our Generation Cares while dancing the night away at Coco Beach Presents.
There are plenty of ways to show your love on Saturday, whether that fondness is for yourself or others. Shop for locally-made Valentine’s Day gifts at Plantiitas in the morning, create a self-love-themed painting at Dainty Disco in the afternoon or enjoy cocktails, treats and a Barbie-themed pop-up into the evening at And Then LB’s Galentine’s soiree.
Animals lovers 21 years and older can support a local spay and neuter organization Tuesday night, while theater enthusiasts can audition for a chance in the spotlight for the Long Beach Playhouse Monday night. Families in need of food can fill up bags of food on Wednesday mornings, and residents who need assistance purchasing their first home can attend an informational meeting Thursday night.
Friday 2/10
Asian Film Series: 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to a screening of the 1954 Japanese classic drama “Tokyo Story” at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). The film follows the story of a married couple visiting their adult children in postwar Tokyo, and explores themes of family life and generational conflict. Free.
The Motherhood Connection: 6 p.m. Long Beach Moms invites local moms to talk with each other while enjoying chocolate and wine. Registration costs $20, but the money will be returned to attendees at the event. For those who miss the event, their registration fee will go into a fund for community events. Attendees will be informed of the event location after sending the registration fee through Venmo to @angelica-wheaton8119.
For the Love of Budgets: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A fundraiser for the People’s Budget Long Beach will be held at Page Against the Machine (2714 E 4th St.) There will be drinks, appetizers and a silent auction. Organizers aim to raise $5,000. There is a suggested donation of $25 to attend, but attendees are welcome to donate more.
Charity Concert: 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. This performance by Karma and G Cam will benefit Coco Beach Presents (2300 E Pacific Coast Highway) and Our Generation Cares. A DJ will perform after the live performances. Admission costs $15.
Saturday 2/11
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) & E-Waste Collection Event: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to dispose of their electronic waste and household hazardous waste materials at the EDCO Recycling & Transfer (2755 California Ave.). Those dropping off waste should place the items in an unlocked car and keep their windows up for socially distanced disposal. For a full list of items that are being accepted go to longbeach.gov/lbrecycles. Free.
Amorcito Corazón: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those looking for unique and locally-made Valentine’s gifts for loved ones can choose from a variety of vendors at this marketplace hosted by Plantiitas (2011 E 4th St.). Products for sale will include flower arrangements, plant-based tamales, chamoy, accessories and more. Free to attend.
Self Love Painting Workshop: Noon to 2 p.m. During this self-love-themed painting workshop, participants will paint an 8” by 10” canvas at Dainty Disco (5659 Atlantic Ave.). All paint supplies will be provided. Complimentary snacks and drinks will be available. This workshop costs $35 per person.
Galentine’s Soiree: Noon to 5 p.m. Local business And Then LB (3803 Atlantic Ave.) will be hosting a Galentine’s celebration for gals and pals. Attendees will be able to enjoy treats and cocktails as they shop. There will also be a pop-up shop of Barbie-inspired fashion by local vendor Miss Alphabet. Free to attend.
Lovers & Friends Pop-Up Market: Noon to 6 p.m. Over 35 vendors will be selling their products at 1329 14th St., ranging from macrame, jewelry, crystals, candles, cosmetics, food and more. The event will also feature music, raffles, a photo booth and more. This market is organized by The Ethereal Marketplace and other small businesses. Free to attend.
Making Cents: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Children ages 8 to 12 are invited to learn financial literacy skills at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) every second Saturday of each month. Students will learn how to budget, save and spend responsibly in entertaining and interactive ways. Free.
Queer Paint Night: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Members of the queer community are invited to an evening of watercolor painting at Plantiitas (2011 E 4th St.). This workshop will be led by local artists Nico Ruta and Rebekah Rose. Tickets for this event cost $40 and can be purchased at linktr.ee/plantiitas.
Sunday 2/12
Hi-Performance Swap Meet: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. A wide variety of antique, classic and high-performance cars and parts will be available for purchase at Veterans Memorial Stadium (5000 E Lew Davis St.). Free to enter.
Lovers Day Flea: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 100 vendors will be selling vintage clothing, jewelry, art, plants and more at the Long Beach City College Pacific Coast Campus parking lot (1305 E. Pacific Coast Highway). The flea market is dog-friendly and free to attend. Parking is free inside the college campus.
The Big Game: 2 p.m. Residents are invited to watch the 57th Super Bowl game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Trademark Brewing (233 East Anaheim St.). The game will be playing on multiple screens with the sound on and Felice Catering will provide pizza and wings. Vegan Jam will provide vegan food. Open seating is free and there is a VIP table for six to eight people available for $125 that comes with 12 drink tickets.
Silent Disco: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. So We Are Silent Disco invites the community to surrender themselves to the music and tune into their bodies by the beach (3998 E Allin St.). All participants will be given a pair of headphones and encouraged to try “ecstatic dance” while listening to a curated playlist. General admission costs $30. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Monday 2/13
Spanish Storytime: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Children of all ages are invited to listen to stories read in Spanish by staff at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Free.
Theater Auditions: 7 p.m. The Long Beach Playhouse (5021 E Anaheim St.) is holding auditions for cast members to perform in the “The Diary of Anne Frank.” The play will run from April 4 to May 6, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Those who audition must bring their headshot and perform a memorized one-minute monologue. All actors who participate in the play must be vaccinated for COVID-19. This is a volunteer acting position, and chosen actors will not receive compensation.
Tuesday 2/14
Game Night: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tabletop game enthusiasts are invited to play a variety of games at this monthly event held at the Billie Jean King Main Library’s Miller Room (200 W. Broadway). From 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., players will be able to choose from chess, checkers, backgammon, rummikub, mahjong and cards. From 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., attendees will learn and play The Royal Game of Ur, an ancient game first played in Mesopotamia around 5,000 years ago. Free.
Be My Woof-n-tine: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. A fundraiser for local pet spay/neuter organization The Fix Project will be held at Roundin’ 3rd Sports Bar & Grill (4133 E Anaheim St.). In order to fight animal overpopulation and shelter overcrowding, 20% of drink and food purchases will help pay for local pets to be sterilized. Those 21 and over can enjoy raffles, adoptable dogs, games, music and more. Entry is free.
Wednesday 2/15
Food Distribution: 10 a.m. to noon. Individuals and families in need are invited to receive groceries at the Community Medical Wellness Centers USA (1360 E. Anaheim St.). Both walk-up and drive-up services will be available. Attendees are asked to bring their own shopping bag or cart to carry the food home with them. For more information, call 562-826-1608 or 562-624-5477. All food will be free of charge.
DIY Lip Scrubs for Teens: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Teens are invited to make their own lip scrubs to take home at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.). Free.
Thursday 2/16
English Conversation Club: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. English language learners are invited to practice English conversations together at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). This is an informal gathering and a safe space for anyone trying to learn English. Free.
First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program Information Session: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The City of Long Beach’s Development Services Department is hosting this information session at the Bret Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W Willow St.) to inform the public of the City’s First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program. Attendees will learn about the requirements and application process for the program. Those planning to attend should visit https://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/hn/lbhomegrant/ to see the eligibility requirements to apply. City staff will be available to answer questions. Free.
