The summer lineup of outdoor movies and concerts invite residents to create memories in their community, along with opportunities to support USA Olympic teams, trek through nature and learn new skills.
Those looking to learn something new can take a water gardening workshop on Sunday at Rancho Los Alamitos, as well as a virtual composting workshop and a talk on seafood innovations at the Aquarium of the Pacific on Wednesday.
Art enthusiasts can join a workshop at the Museum of Latin American Art on Sunday or learn screen printing at the same venue on Thursday. Music lovers have plenty of options, from the Long Beach Municipal Band’s performance on Friday at El Dorado Park West, to live jazz at the Uptown Jazz Festival on Saturday in Houghton Park, and the Long Beach Camerata Singers’ concert at the Recreation Park Bandshell later that day.
More musical experiences include local band Maroon Vibes at Signal Hill Park on Wednesday and western music at the El Dorado Nature Center on Thursday.
For movie buffs, there are outdoor screenings of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” on Friday at Veterans Park, “Kung Fu Panda 4” on Monday at McBride Park, “The Breakfast Club” on Tuesday at Granada Beach, and “Gran Turismo” on Thursday at Admiral Kidd Park.
Friday 8/2
Stuffed Animal Sleepover: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Children can bring their favorite stuffed animal to the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) for a story time, a craft and a special sleepover for the stuffed animals. To register or for more information call the library at (562) 989-7323. Free.
Concert in the Park: 6:30 p.m. The Long Beach Municipal Band will be performing a series of jazz, pop and patriotic songs at El Dorado Park West (2800 N Studebaker St.). Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic food. Free.
Movie in the Park: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The public is invited to an outdoor screening of the 2023 movie “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” at Veterans Park (101 E 28th St.). Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic food. They are also encouraged to wear fun or unusual socks. The movie will begin at dusk. Free.
Concerts in the Park(ing Lot): 8 p.m. Residents can groove to the sounds of David Bowie as the local band MOVE performs in the Bixby Joe Coffee & Tea parking lot (4245 Atlantic Ave.). Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, food from local restaurants and drinks. Free.
Saturday 8/3
Raptor Rumble: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Residents can trek through one the city’s largest natural habitats during this Los Cerritos Wetlands Nature Walk. Naturalists will share their knowledge about the critters in the wetlands and the culture of the native people of the area. Participants should wear closed-toed shoes and are encouraged to bring binoculars. This hike is appropriate for those 7 years and older. Meet at the intersection of PCH and First Street. Free.
Nature Center Cleanup: 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed to help maintain the El Dorado Nature Center (7550 E. Spring St.) by clearing the streams and trails, pulling weeds or spreading mulch. Volunteers are asked to wear sturdy shoes and required to register ahead of time by calling 562-570-1745. Free.
Uptown Jazz Festival: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. A lineup of jazz musicians will be performing at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.), including BJ the Chicago Kid, Katalyst, Ryck Jane, Angelo Pagan y La Candela and DJ Mr. Quick. Food will be available for purchase. Free.
Summer Concert: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Long Beach Camerata Singers will be performing a selection of tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s for the public at the Recreation Park Bandshell (4900 E Seventh St.). Free.
Sunday 8/4
Art Workshop: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The public is invited to learn how to use pastels at the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.). All materials will be provided. All skill levels are welcome. Registration through the museum’s website is required. Free.
Water Gardening in Small Spaces: 10 a.m. to noon. Rancho Los Alamitos’ Director of Operations Andrew Chaves will be teaching a workshop at 6400 E. Bixby Hill Road on how to use containers to create water gardens in areas with limited space, such as balconies and patios. This event is appropriate for those over the age of 8 years old. Tickets can be purchased for $25 on Eventbrite.
Intro to Linocut Printing: Noon to 4 p.m. Munzon Gallery (1730 E Anaheim St.) will be hosting an introductory workshop where participants will learn how to create their own linoleum prints. All materials will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own. Tickets cost $45 and can be purchased on munzongallery.com.
Gallery Opening: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The abstract work of Alfred Skondovitch will be on display at the Alpert Jewish Community Center (3801 E Willow St.). through Sept. 23. The opening reception is free to attend.
Monday 8/5
Olympics Watch Party: 9 a.m. Mayor Rex Richardson will hold a watch party to support the U.S.A. men’s water polo team at the Petroleum Club (3636 Linden Ave.). Residents can enjoy Olympic-themed donuts, meet Long Beach Olympians and cheer for the U.S.A. team. Participants are encouraged to RSVP on Eventbrite and to wear red, white and blue colors. Free to attend.
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. For more information, call 562-570-7387. Prices will vary.
Movie in the Park: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The public is invited to an outdoor screening of the 2024 movie “Kung Fu Panda 4” at McBride Park (1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.). Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic food. They are also encouraged to wear fun or unusual socks. The movie will begin at dusk. Free.
Tuesday 8/6
Spanish Storytime: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children and their families can enjoy stories told in Spanish, followed by snacks and a craft at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Free.
Meet Me at the Mary: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Those 21 and older can enjoy live music and drink specials in the Observation Room onboard the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Highway). Those who make a reservation on the ship’s website will get complimentary admission onto the ship.
National Night Out: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Neighborhoods across the U.S. will host block parties and cultural gatherings during the 2024 National Night Out. Parks will also host gatherings throughout Long Beach, such as the resource fair at Silverado Park (1545 W 31st St.) and a celebration at Signal Hill Park (2175 Cherry Ave.) beginning at 5 p.m. with games, performances, food and more. Free.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Watch a screening of “The Breakfast Club” 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. Free.
Wednesday 8/7
Learn to Compost Workshop: 10 a.m. to noon. During this online workshop, participants will learn how to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich compost for plants. The workshop will teach how to create and maintain a backyard compost bin as well as what materials can and cannot be composted. This workshop will take place over Zoom. To register for this event, visit the City’s online calendar. Free.
Senior Dominoes: 11 a.m. to noon. Seniors can play a few rounds of dominoes and enjoy time with their fellow community members at the Signal Hill Public Library Community Room (1800 E Hill St.). Free.
Concert in the Park: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Local band Maroon Vibes will be performing at Signal Hill Park (2175 Cherry Ave.). There will be food trucks, raffles, arts and crafts and more. Free.
First Wednesdays at the Aquarium: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Special guest Shannon Cosentino-Roush will discuss innovations in the seafood industry and the future of seafood at the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way.). Cocktails will be available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased for $5 through the aquarium’s website.
Movie in the Park: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The public is invited to an outdoor screening of the 2024 movie “Kung Fu Panda 4” at Long Beach Animal Care Services (7700 E Spring St.). Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic food. They are also encouraged to wear fun or unusual socks. The movie will begin at dusk. Free.
Thursday 8/8
Senior Social Walking Club: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Seniors can make new friends while enjoying fresh air and the great outdoors at this weekly walking club. Participants should meet at the Reservoir Park Shelter (3315 Gundry Ave.). Water will be provided. Contact Community Services at (562) 989-7330 for questions or concerns. Free.
Community Art Workshop: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Artist Ernesto Vasquez will be teaching the public how to screen print using paper stencils at the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.). All materials will be provided. This workshop costs $5. Participants have to register for this event through the museum’s website.
Queen Mary Night Market: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Various vendors will be selling their products. Food will be available for purchase while those 21 and older can enjoy a beer garden while listening to live music. Free with a reservation. To make a reservation, visit fairharbor.com.
Summer Concert: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The public is invited to listen to western music played live at El Dorado Nature Center (7550 E Spring St.). Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and food. Free.
Movie in the Park: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The public is invited to an outdoor screening of the 2023 movie “Gran Turismo” at Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.). Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic food. They are also encouraged to wear fun or unusual socks. The movie will begin at dusk. Free.
