The summer holidays may be behind us, but Long Beach and Signal Hill residents still have plenty of fun ways to spend the summer. Along with the seasonal concerts and movies in parks and beaches, this week offers live theater, a party for pets, a pirate invasion and more.
Families can head to two local libraries Friday to meet interesting animals, and furry friends can attend their own party at Shoreline Park Saturday morning featuring opportunities to adopt.
Residents can get in touch with nature through a terrarium workshop at Plantiitas Saturday morning or by attending a bird walk at Ranchos Los Cerritos Thursday morning.
Friday 7/7
Wild Wonders: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Kids are invited to meet a variety of interesting animals. This event will be held at Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E Hill St.) at 11 a.m., and at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.) at 3 p.m. Free.
Long Beach Municipal Band Concert: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Long Beach Municipal Band will be continuing its 114th season at El Dorado Park West (2800 Studebaker Rd.). with a theme of “Star Spangled Salute.” Residents are invited to bring chairs, blankets and picnic food. Free.
Bixby Knolls First Fridays: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Bixby Knolls neighborhood will activate the business corridor with a ‘70s-themed art walk celebration. Activities will include a silent disco party, ‘70s rock covers, drinks, art and more. Free to attend.
The Wizard of Oz: 8 p.m. Musical Theatre West (4350 E. Seventh St.) will be performing “The Wizard of Oz.” Ticket prices range from $23 to $79 and can be purchased at musical.org/upcoming-events/.
Saturday 7/8
Terrarium Workshop: 10 a.m. to noon. Plantiitas (2011 E Fourth St.) will be hosting a workshop where participants can create their own terrariums. Tickets cost $35, and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Pet Fair: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This two-day festival will feature adoptable pets, training demonstrations, pack walks and more at Shoreline Park (386 E Shoreline Dr.). Free to attend.
Pirate Invasion: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. This two-day pirate-themed celebration at Shoreline Aquatic Park (Aquarium Way) will include pirate actors, music, vendors, costume contests, food, drink and more. General admission costs $10 for children and $20 for adults.
Sidewalk Used Book Sale: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Gently used books will be for sale at Brewitt Neighborhood Library (4036 E. Anaheim St.). Proceeds from the sale will go towards special programs and new books for the library. Prices vary.
Amarte Summer Market: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Local business Amarte (4105 Bellflower Blvd.) is hosting a summer market series with vendors specializing in mind, body and spiritual wellness as well as refreshments, live paintings and more. Free to attend.
Opening Reception: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The miniature art gallery, Gallery 23LB (2489 Eucalyptus Ave.), will be displaying the work of photographer Louise Ivers. Free.
Opening Reception: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The miniature art gallery, Gallery 17LB (2489 Eucalyptus Ave.), will be displaying the work of mixed media artist Shirley Arceo. Free.
Sunday 7/9
Plein Air Workshop: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. An art workshop led by artist Maria Guadalupe in the Museum of Latin American Art’s Corner Garden (628 Alamitos Ave.). Participants will use graphic numbers on paper. All supplies will be provided. Attendees are asked to register ahead of time through the museum’s website. Admission costs $5.
A Day At The Rancho: Noon to 5:30 p.m. Those 21 and older are invited to taste different California wines at Rancho Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Rd.). Picnic baskets filled with food will be available for purchase. Tickets cost $60 each, and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Monday 7/10
Health and Wellness Hour: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services will be holding a virtual nutrition workshop on Zoom, where residents can learn about healthy eating and meal preparation. Registration can be made through the City’s online calendar. Free.
Movie in the Park: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The public is invited to an outdoor screening of the PG-13 movie “Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness” at Veterans Park (101 E. 28th St.). Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic food. The movie will begin at dusk. Free.
Tuesday 7/11
Senior Bingo: 10 a.m. Seniors are invited to play bingo together at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Free.
Virtual Fair Housing Workshop: 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Fair Housing Foundation will be holding a workshop about local housing laws for tenants, landlords, managers, property owners, attorneys, realtors and management companies. Topics covered will include new state laws, housing discrimination, rent increases, eviction processes and more. Register at https://bit.ly/3UOdu30. Free.
Open Mic for Teens: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Teenagers are invited to share their creative work during an open mic event at Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E. Hill St.). Poets and other creatives are welcome. Free.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Watch a screening of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” at Granada Beach (5000 E. Ocean Blvd). The event will feature pre-show entertainment from local bands. This screening is part of the summer-long Moonlight Movies at the Beach series. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to sit on. Food trucks will be present. The movie screenings are family-friendly and pet-friendly. The event is sponsored by Long Beach Transit. Free.
Wednesday 7/12
LB Symphony Orchestra Petting Zoo: 1 p.m. Local kids are invited to touch, interact with, and try different musical instruments at Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.). The event is meant to foster an interest in playing music. Free.
Face Painting: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children are invited to the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) to get their face painted in the Children’s Area. Free.
Concerts in the Park: 6:30 p.m. Local band Cold Duck will be performing a selection of R&B, soul and funk songs at Signal Hill Park (2175 Cherry Ave.). Free.
Thursday 7/13
Bird Walks: 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Residents are invited to Ranchos Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Rd.) for a guided walk to spot birds in the garden. Staff will be available to answer bird and nature-related questions. Free, but online reservation is required.
Printmaking with Gel Plates: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Residents of all ages are invited to the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) to learn how to make art prints using gel plates. Free.
Citizenship 101: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Immigrants are invited to learn more about the path to citizenship with local nonprofit Centro CHA at the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E Hill St.). Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions. Free.