Celebrations of the new year will continue right into the First Fridays art walk in Bixby Knolls on Friday, Jan. 6, which means plenty of food, music, art, strolling, shopping, and socializing. Attendees may also bear witness to the crowning of the king and queen of the 2012 Long Beach Mardi Gras celebration— 7th District Long Beach Councilmember James Johnson and 8th District Councilmember Rae Gabelich, respectively. The coronation will be conducted at 8pm at The Factory, 4020 Atlantic Ave. (The February 3 First Fridays event will be a Mardi Gras-themed night.)
First Books at First Fridays, which will take place at Dana Branch Library, 3680 Atlantic Ave., at 5:30pm will give kids the opportunity to enjoy a book presented by guest reader Pastor Amy Aitken from the Cal Heights Methodist Church, with entertainment from the Downtown Clown.
Also for kids, there will be a scavenger hunt in six locations: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Roy Robbins Gifts, Averyboo Arts, Bixby Exchange, EmbroidMe, and It’s a Grind.
The reggae-flavored Doug Means Project will kick off its winter tour at First Fridays. The Expo Arts Center, 4321 Atlantic Ave., will feature galleries, music, and interactive art activities.
The Big Red Bus will transport First Fridays attendees to all the participating locations. Bella Cosa, 3803 Atlantic Ave., will provide information about First Fridays, maps, and restaurant recommendations from from 6:30pm to 8pm.
When the businesses start to close, First Fridays After Hours begins across the district. Nino’s Italian Restaurant will host a mix of music, dancing, and late-night dining. The Factory and EJ Malloy’s will also go late into the night with dinner, drinks, music, and community mingling.
More Information
firstfridayslongbeach.com
