If you’re not already feeling lucky, a skim through our things to do in Signal Hill and Long Beach will change your mind.
Local businesses, nonprofits and artists are hosting a mass of ways to celebrate the clear skies this weekend. Friday night local music will shine at Kubo LB, as residents flock to the stage to share their original poetry, songs and acoustic melodies. Six local bands will serenade residents at Gilmore Music as The Lock Jester Ensemble celebrates its new album release.
Spring is not only a time for basking in the sunlight, but also for welcoming new life—whether it’s plant life or vibrant insects. Residents can help create a habitat for monarch butterflies that will soon grace the Long Beach skies at Willow Springs Park Saturday morning. Those who want to get an early start on their spring gardening can buy or trade plant cuttings at Plantiitas Saturday afternoon.
It’s also a good week for book and magazine lovers. Those interested in learning how to create zines can learn from local organization VoiceWaves at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library Saturday afternoon. Teens in need of a new book to obsess over should head over to Casita Bookstore Sunday afternoon to swap books with their fellow bookworms.
Friday, 3/17
Kuwento Open Mic: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Local business space Kubo LB (3976 Atlantic Ave.) will be holding an open mic night on the third Friday of each month. Poets, musicians and acoustic bands are invited to share their work with the community. This is an inclusive and supportive space for people of all skill-levels. Free.
Album Release Party: 7:30 p.m. The Loch Jester Ensemble invites the public to celebrate the release of their new album at Gilmore Music (1935 E 7th St.). Five other bands will also be performing. This event is appropriate for all ages. There is an entry fee of $5.
Saturday, 3/18
Monarch Day of Action: 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed to help create a habitat for monarch butterflies at Willow Springs Park (2745 Orange Ave.). Volunteers will spread narrowleaf milkweed seeds and plant native sagebrush and buckwheat. The event will include live music and crafts. Free.
Internet Safety for Children: 10 a.m. to noon. Parents can learn how to keep their children safe while using the internet at this workshop hosted by Long Beach Forward at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.). Participants will learn about parental controls, what is considered age-appropriate online content, social media safety and how to childproof their home internet. Free.
Zine Workshop: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Youth journalism outlet VoiceWaves will be holding a zine-making workshop at Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.). This workshop is geared towards those between the ages of 14 to 30. Free.
Plant Swap: Noon to 2 p.m. Claudia Q Steinbach will be hosting this event for plant-lovers at Plantiitas (2011 E 4th St.). Attendees will be able to buy and trade plants and plant cuttings. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase. Free.
WOC Foodie & Arts Market: Noon to 4 p.m. A variety of businesses owned by women of color will be selling their products at Shop Pretty+Chloe (4405 E Village Rd.). The event will also feature photo-ops and children’s activities. Free.
Craft Beer LB Homebrew Invitational: noon to 5 p.m. This festival and competition will feature over 40 homebrewed beers, live music, food and a chance for residents to vote on their favorite homebrewed beer. This event at Ranchos Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Rd.) will also feature a Pro Brewers Lounge with drinks from Long Beach breweries. Tickets are $35 and come with two votes for the People’s Choice Award. Proceeds will benefit Ranchos Los Cerritos.
Photography Workshop: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. During this monthly workshop, participants will learn about utilizing lighting in photography. The workshop will take place at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.). Free.
Shamrockin’ Mardi Gras: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. In honor of Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day, a celebration will be held at Shoreline Village (401-435 Shoreline Drive), featuring food, music, performers, dancing, beads and a parade. Balloon animals and face-painting will be available for children until 4 p.m. Free.
Sunday, 3/19
Kayak Tours: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Los Cerritos Wetlands invites residents to tour scenic areas of the wetlands and Steamshovel Slough with an environmental guide. Participants will meet at Mother’s Beach (5865 Appian Way), where there is metered and street parking, for the two-hour, multi-mile tour. Attendees must be physically able to paddle their own kayak solo, wear proper attire to get splashed in (no jeans and tennis shoes), and be at least 12 years old. Tickets are $40 on Eventbrite and participants must reserve a spot.
Teen/YA Book Swap: noon to 1 p.m. Teens are invited to Casita Bookstore (1440 E. Fourth St.) to bring a book they would highly recommend to a friend and swap with fellow book-lovers. Books should be in “like new” or slightly-used condition and attendees should come with one to two reasons they highly recommend the book. Free.
Midwifery Monthly Meetup: Noon to 2 p.m. Local midwife Angelica Miller hosts a monthly meetup with families in the Long Beach area. Parents will have a supportive space to share their experiences and ask questions. To register for the meetup, direct message Miller on Instagram, @midwife_ang. The location will be disclosed after registration. Free.
True Colors: 2 p.m. This salon theatre show at the Barbara and Ray Alpert Jewish Community Center (3801 E Willow St.) will feature actors portraying their true, personal experiences on Jewish culture and the challenges that come with being a Jew of color. There will be a guided discussion following the show. Tickets are $25 for the general public, $18 for JCC members and $10 for students and seniors.
Jazz Concert: 3 p.m. Dewey Erney and friends will return to the Grace First Presbyterian Church (3955 N. Studebaker Rd.) to celebrate the music of Jazz legend Cole Porter. The concert is offered for free but has a requested $10 donation per person.
Art Studio Open House: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Every third Sunday of each month, the public is invited to visit the Icehouse Arts Complex (625 W Anaheim St.) and view the work of resident artists. Free.
Monday, 3/20
Help for the Unhoused: 9 a.m. to noon. The City’s Mobile Access Center will be offering services to people experiencing homelessness at the North Los Altos Shopping Center (2270 N Bellflower Blvd.). A medical clinic will be offering health care and showers will be available for use. 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, 3/21
World Poetry Day: 11 a.m. to noon. The Museum of Latin American Art will be hosting an online event in honor of World Poetry Day, featuring reading by six Latinx poets. To register for the event, visit molaa.org/events. Free.
Easter Basket Building & Donations: Noon to 3 p.m. Treatment center Akua Strong Long Beach (5355 E Carson St.) needs volunteers to help make easter baskets that will be donated to schools and shelters. Free.
Wednesday, 3/22
Food Distribution: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Individuals and families in need are invited to receive groceries at Community Medical Wellness Centers USA (1360 E Anaheim St.). Food will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees should bring a cart or bag to carry their food home. For more information, call 562-826-1608 or 562-624-5477. Free.
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.
Thursday, 3/23
Toddler Storytime: 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring toddlers between 17 and 36 months to the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.) to enjoy stories and songs. Free.
Celebrate Downtown: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The public will be able to enjoy food, drinks, music and activities at Lincoln Park (Intersection of W Ocean Blvd & Pacific Ave.) during this celebration by the City of Long Beach. Free.
