Things to do in Long Beach: A free fiesta, Trans Pride festival, a country hoedown and more!

Dancers from Ballet Folklorico Nueva Antequera perform a folk dance at the Museum of Latin American Art during the Dia de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 29, 2023. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

This week has a healthy heaping of early Halloween events and Latino Heritage Month celebrations for Long Beach and Signal Hill residents. 

The weekend begins with live jazz in Signal Hill and a Latin heritage event Friday night. For more Latin heritage month happenings, stop by Silverado Park for a free fiesta, a Latin American Art workshop Monday night, or a Day of the Dead headpiece workshop Thursday evening. Other cultural celebrations this week include the 4th annual Trans Pride Long Beach Saturday, the annual Filipino Festival Sunday, and a cowboy hoedown party in downtown Saturday night. 

For those already in the spooky spirit, Hotel Maya is hosting a Summerween movie night under the stars Sunday night, and the Long Beach Art Theatre is showing a horror film in its original 16mm format Tuesday night. 

Additional community events include a cultural theater workshop Saturday afternoon, a photography walk at Willow Springs Park Sunday, a low-cost animal vaccine clinic and clubs for crocheting and practicing Spanish. 

Customers browse some of the skates on display at Pigeon’s Roller Skate Shop on 4th Street in Long Beach, CA, on July 21, 2021. The mural by artist Jacquelin de Leon was painted when the shop opened in 2019. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Friday 9/27

Signal Hill Under the Stars: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join the community for the inaugural social under the stars at the Signal Hill Public Library Zinnia Courtyard (1800 E Hill St.). Enjoy snacks, mocktails and live Cuban music. To register contact (562) 989-7330. Tickets are $5. 

Fourth Fridays on Retro Row: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This monthly event takes place along Fourth Street, between Cherry Avenue and Junipero Avenue, a hub for shops and eateries. There will be extended open hours at some businesses, live music, pop-up shops and food vendors. Residents will be able to meet local artisans and support small businesses. Free to attend.

Noche Latina: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This cultural event at Renaissance High School (235 E Eighth St.) will celebrate Latin heritage with music, dancing, games, art, piñatas and more. This event is suitable for all ages. Free.

A mariachi group performs at the first International Tamales Festival. (Courtesy of Sal Flores)

Saturday 9/28

Shred Event: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The City of Long Beach is offering to shred resident’s private documents at Veterans Memorial Stadium (4901 E Conant St.). Free.

Fiesta in the Park: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This community festival and fiesta will feature dancing and live music by Grammy-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea and other local talents like Julian Torres, Danza Itzacuahtli, and Folklorico Semillas de Mi Tierra. The community is encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and food and drinks to this festival at Silverado Park (1545 W 31st St.). Free.

Trans Pride Long Beach: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The 4th annual Trans Pride event will take place at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.) and will bring together inspiring speakers, live entertainment and community resources. Free. 

Cultural Theatre Workshop: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 1000 Cranes for Recovery, an Asian American mental health and intergenerational recovery organization, is hosting this theater workshop titled “Red Doors” at the YMCA of Greater Long Beach (1900 Long Beach Blvd.). The workshop aims to explore the challenges many Asian Americans face regarding tradition and stigmas around mental health. This workshop is free, and gift cards and refreshments will be provided. Online registration is required. 

Downtown Hoedown: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Residents can enjoy this country hoedown in the heart of downtown Long Beach at Promenade Square Park (215 E First St.). There will be line dancing, country music, games, vendors and more. This is a BYO picnic event. Free. 

Free Food: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Community members in need can pick up baskets of fresh fruits and veggies from Friends of Puvungna in the G2 parking lot at CSULB. Volunteer drivers are also needed. To sign up as a volunteer, email friendsofpuvungna@gmail.com. Free.

Live Music: 7:30 p.m. Enjoy the classic beach rock hits of The Beach Boys with a tribute concert by the Long Beach Symphony at the Long Beach Terrace Theater (300 E Ocean Blvd.). This performance will feature tunes like “Surfin’ USA,” “Good Vibrations,” and more. The concert offers a full orchestra experience mixed with surf rock vibes. This event is appropriate for all ages. Tickets start at $35 on the Long Beach Symphony’s website, and balcony seats are available for $1

Live Music: 8 p.m. Grammy Award-winning jazz-fusion band Snarky Puppy will perform at the Long Beach Terrace Theater (300 E Ocean Blvd.) with opening act DOMi & JD Beck. Tickets prices start at $51 on Ticketmaster.

Oranges grow on the Orange Avenue entrance to Willow Springs Park in Long Beach on Sept. 28, 2021. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Sunday 9/29

Sensory Sunday Mixer: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Families with neurodivergent children can connect with one another at this mixer organized by Hero Squad LBC at Sky Zone Cerritos (10755 South St.), giving kids two hours to jump around and have fun while parents create connections. Attendees will get two hours of jumping for $20 by using the discount code “HeroSquad24” and in Room 1, they can receive free drinks, snacks and a swag bag. 

Long Beach Filipino Festival: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate Filipino culture and heritage at the annual Long Beach Filipino Festival, held at A&F Market (2569 Santa Fe Ave.). The event showcases Filipino American businesses, non-profits, cultural performances, food, crafts and more. Free to attend.

Photography in the Park: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can explore the natural habitat of Willow Springs Park (2745 Orange Ave.) with a camera in hand and take pictures of nature. Free, but online registration is requested by emailing WSPExperiences@gmail.com

Summerween Movie Night on the Playa: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrate the end of summer with a spooky twist on Summerween Movie Night, held at the Hotel Maya (700 Queensway Drive). This event features a Halloween-themed movie screening on the Playa, along with activities like face painting, s’mores stations and themed cocktails. Admission is free for hotel guests, while non-hotel guests can purchase general admission tickets for $50 on the hotel’s website, which includes entry, parking and a spooky cocktail. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

Tommy Mofid, the owner of the Wrigley Tavern, gives his dog Gordy a fist bump while he watches the bar entrance on August 5, 2021. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Monday 9/30

Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Long Beach Animal Care Services (7700 E Spring St.) and Community Animal Medicine Project will be providing vaccines and services to pets at discounted prices. Services include microchipping, tapeworm treatment, nail trimming, flea/tick treatment and more. All dogs must be on a leash, and all cats should be in a carrier. Please bring the pet’s previous vaccine records. For more information, call 562-570-7387. Prices will vary.

Meditation in the Park: 11 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to meditate together at Lincoln Park (101 Pacific Ave.). Free.

Dog Training: Noon to 1 p.m. Friendly dogs are invited to learn new skills during this outdoor training class at Lincoln Park (101 Pacific Ave.). Free.

Family Art Workshop: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) will host a fun, hands-on workshop on Latin American and Latino art and culture at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Space is limited and registration is required. To register contact Signal Hill Public Library at (562) 989-7323. Free.

Read & Create: 5 pm. to 6 p.m. School-aged children are invited to listen to a story and make crafts together at Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W Willow St.). No registration required. Free.

The neon lights and marquee of the Art Theatre of Long Beach illuminate the the sidewalks of 4th Street on Feb. 28, 2023. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Tuesday 10/1

Mahjong For Beginners: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Beginner level mahjong players are invited to play together at Dana Neighborhood Library (3680 Atlantic Ave.). Registration through the City’s event calendar is required. Free.

Farmers Market: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. This weekly farmers market at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.) allows residents to purchase fresh produce, homemade pantry items and handmade crafts. Free to attend. 

Spanish Language Social Group: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Those trying to learn Spanish are invited to the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.) to participate in activities and games that will help them practice the language. Free.

Horror Film in 16mm: 9:30 p.m. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” The Long Beach Art Theatre (2025 E Fourth St.) is showing the film in its original 16mm format for one night only. Tickets are $13.50 for general admission. 

A stock photo of someone crocheting with white yarn. (Pexels)

Wednesday 10/2

Homework Help: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Students from kindergarten to the eighth grade can get help with their homework at Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W Willow St.). Free.

Coffee With a Cop: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to meet and have coffee with their local police officers from the East Division at Cyclops Coffee (1732 Clark Ave.). Free to attend.

Weekly Crochet: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to learn and practice crochet at the Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N Bellflower Blvd.). Free.

A young performer with Neiya Arts walks onto the stage during a performance of traditional folklorico dance at the Museum of Latin American Art during the Dia de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 29, 2023. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Thursday 10/3

Babies & Crawlers: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Babies under 1 year old are invited to listen to a story, songs and rhymes at Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.). Free.

ArtLAB: 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. An art exploration program for children ages 6 to 12 at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W Broadway). All supplies will be provided. No previous art experience is necessary. Free.

Catrina Headpiece Workshop: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Residents of all ages are invited to make their own headpiece in time for Day of the Dead while learning about the history of La Calavera Catrina at Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E Anaheim St.). Free.

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