The Grand Prix isn’t the only fun thing to do this week in Long Beach. Whether you’re spending the weekend avoiding the loud noises of racing cars by quietly crocheting or drowning it out with live music, there are plenty of ways to have fun beyond the track.
The live music celebrations kick off Friday night with wine and piano tunes at District Wine, then continues Saturday night with a country music band at Jimmy E’s, Rockabilly-themed music at The PCH Club and DJ performances at The Good Bar. For a more relaxed weekend, there is an author storytime for families Saturday afternoon at Casita Bookstore, a film screening about social justice Saturday evening at the Los Altos Methodist Church and an antique market early Sunday morning.
To celebrate Earth Month among fellow residents, nature lovers can flock to DeForest Park for a Earth Day celebration Saturday morning, attend an Eco Fair hosted by the city Tuesday evening or learn how to repot a plant at Plantiitas Thursday night.
Friday 4/14
Mom’s Night Out: 6 p.m. We Love LB Moms is holding a kid-free event for local moms at the Hangar (4150 McGowen St.), including drinks, dinner and desserts. Send a direct message on Instagram, @northlbmoms, for more information and prices.
Sip and Sing: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Those 21 years and older are invited to sip wine and sing along with piano man Kevin Wood at District Wine (144 Linden Ave.). Free to enter.
Saturday 4/15
Mi Tierra Celebration: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Conservation Corps of Long Beach and other organizations will be hosting an Earth Day celebration at DeForest Park (6255 De Forest Ave.). The event will include music, a drum circle, sound bath, interactive art installations, face painting and more. Free.
Queer Speed Friending: Noon. Local couple Eden and Jay will be holding this event for queer couples and singles toto make new friends. From 11 a.m. to noon, there will be a mixer specifically for single people. Later,, couples and individuals will be matched up for short periods of time on a rotating basis. The concept is similar to speed dating, but for making friends. Tickets cost between $15 and $20, and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Author Storytime: Noon. Casita Bookstore (1440 E 4th St.) will be hosting a reading by author Natasha Khan Kazi of her children’s book “Moon’s Ramadan.” The book centers on Ramadan, the annual Islamic period of fasting, and how it is celebrated around the world. Free to attend.
Brujita Market: Noon to 4 p.m. Ten local vendors will be selling a wide range of products including ceramics, crystals, accessories, incense, candles, pins and more at 1740 E 7th St. This is a family-friendly event. Friendly dogs are welcome. Free to attend.
Crochet 101: 2 p.m. Dana Branch Neighborhood Library (3680 Atlantic Ave.) will host a crocheting workshop for beginners. Materials will be included. Free.
Broken Down & Tired: 7 p.m. Voices for Social Justice will be screening a short film about the exploitation of educators in the United States. The screening will take place at the Los Altos Methodist Church (5950 E Willow St.). Free.
Country Vision Band: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Jimmy E’s Bar and Grill (2951 Cherry Ave.) (2951 Cherry Ave.) will be hosting the local band Country Visions, who will be playing a selection of country music and classic rock, as well as taking requests. Free to attend.
Rockabilly Surf Night: 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The PCH Club (6285 E Pacific Coast Highway) will be hosting musical performances by Three Bad Jacks, The Volcanics, The Bloat Floaters and Ukulele Hiro. This event is for those 18 and older. Admission will cost $20 at the door.
Eclipse: 8 p.m. DiPiazza’s (5205 E Pacific Coast Highway) will be hosting a performance by six burlesque dancers, produced by Daphne Moon. Registration is required for this event. To register, visit https://dipiazzas.com/. Tickets cost between $20 and $35.
Super Soul Night: 9 p.m. The Good Bar (3316 E. 7th St.) will be hosting performances by DJ Christian Lopez and Wham Bam Band. This event is for 21 and older. Free to attend.
Sunday 4/16
Long Beach Antique Market: 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A wide variety of unique vintage items will be available at the weekly Long Beach Antique Market (4901 E Conant St.), including artwork, furniture, toys, games, clothing and more. Over 800 vendors will be present. General admission costs $10.
Art Open House: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Ice House Arts Complex (625 Anaheim St.) invites the public to tour its galleries and meet the artists who work there. Free.
Monday 4/17
Research for Starting, Managing, and Growing Your Business: 11 a.m. to noon. Entrepreneurs and business owners are invited 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://www.longbeach.gov/library/digital-library/?resource=154. Free.
Spring Music Concert Series: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Jazz saxophonist Charlie Duran will be performing smooth jazz, R&B, and upbeat tempo dance music at the Signal Hill Library’s Zinnia Courtyard. This event is family-friendly. Free.
Tuesday 4/18
Long Beach Eco Fair: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to celebrate Earth Month with the City’s new Office of Climate Action & Sustainability in the Civic Center Plaza (411 W Ocean Blvd.). There will be music, food trucks, games, giveaways and more. Free.
Wednesday 4/19
Sensory Story Time: 11 a.m. to noon. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children to this inclusive story time 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.
Indie Game Night: 6 p.m. Those 21 and older are invited to play vintage video games at Ambitious Ales (4019 Atlantic Ave). Pizza will be available for purchase next door. Free to attend.
Thursday 4/20
Agape Art Works: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Long Beach Public Library and the Agape Children’s Museum will be holding weekly interactive art activities for school-aged children at the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E Hill St.). Free.
Wine & Roots: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Those 21 and over are invited to learn how to repot a plant while enjoying wine at local plant shop Plantiitas (2011 E 4th St.). This event is a collaboration between local businesses Plantiitas and Art du Vin. General admission costs $40. To purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.
