First Fridays Art Walk attendees will be asked to not be late for the important date of June 1 when they follow the white rabbit down Atlantic Avenue to Wonderland in search of the Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, Caterpillar, Cheshire Cat, and the Dormouse. Participants are encouaged to dress as their favorite Alice in Wonderland character to win a prize. Another contest asks attendees to take a photo of each Alice in Wonderland character “hidden” inside of the businesses along Atlantic, post them to the First Fridays Facebook page, and win a prize.
Ingredients of the night’s tea party will include: live art and interactive art activities, the Uptown Village Market at Expo Arts Center, blues, improv comedy show, a Twelfth Night performance, Alice in Wonderland shown at First Bank, Mr. BK DJ, jazz and swing, music-student recitals, the Knolls Ranger mascot, dramatic scenes and musical revues, gift items, antiques, the Big Red Bus, and plenty of the unexpected.
Additionally, there will be three book-signings. Local columnist Tim Grobaty will sign his book Long Beach Chronicles at the Historical Society of Long Beach. Bixby Knolls resident Suzanne Sumner Ferry will sign her book The Day the Stars Stood Still at the Expo Arts Center. Rick Wicked’s will host a book-signing about organic cooking.
Beginning at 5:30pm, 7th District Councilmember James Johnson’s “First Books at First Fridays” at the Dana Branch Library will feature guest readers the Duchess of Bixby Knolls, the Knolls Ranger, and third-grade Longfellow student Lance Johnson.
Attendees may dine on “Art-Lantic” Avenue at one of the local restaurants then grab the Big Red Bus to travel from venue to venue via designated stops at the participating businesses.
Bella Cosa, 3803Atlantic Ave., will have all the information about First Fridays, maps, business info, and restaurant recommendations from 6:30pm to 8pm.
When the businesses start to close, “First Fridays After Hours” begins with dining and entertainment at: Nino’s Italian Restaurant, 3853 Atlantic Ave.; The Factory, 4020 Atlantic Ave.; and E.J. Malloy’s, 4306 Atlantic Ave.
More Information
firstfridayslongbeach.com
