In Long Beach fashion, local clubs and neighborhoods are kicking off the holiday season by rejecting Black Friday and instead hosting a slew of independent markets, free swaps and workshops this weekend.
Resist capitalism altogether with free events like the Homegurl Swap on Friday at Junipero Skate Park, a toy and books market for kids and parents Saturday in downtown or an upcycled ornament workshop at Sports Basement Sunday afternoon.
Those still shopping this weekend can keep their dollars local by supporting Black businesses at the What the Flea! market at Play Nice on Friday, a queer art market at The Studio Saturday afternoon or the annual Patchwork Festival all day Saturday.
Embrace the holiday spirit by supporting others, through a prison letter writing event Friday night at Vine LB, a Kamayan dinner and fundraiser for the Philippines Saturday night, or an LGBTQ Q&A session for youth and caregivers Thursday night. Local entertainment opportunities include mahjong and jazz at Good Time LB, a murder mystery game at The Wicked Wolf, a murder mystery book reading at Ambitious Ales and winter wonderlands on Saturday and Thursday evening.
Friday 11/28
What the Flea!: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This Black Friday edition of Play Nice’s What the Flea market encourages residents to support small, Black-owned businesses, with over a dozen vendors selling items at 1029 E. Fourth St. Free to attend.
Anti-Black Friday ‘Sale’: 10 a.m. to noon. Homespun Long Beach is hosting a free store with items all donated by the community at Orizaba Park (1435 Orizaba Ave.).
Homegurl Swap: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This anti-Black Friday swap invites people to bring what they can and take what they need through a free swap at Junipero Skate Park (1 Junipero Ave.). Suggested items include clothing, shoes, books, art supplies, records, CDs, plants, crystals, pet items, accessories, zines, children’s items and toys. Free.
Prison Letter Writing: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join Care Culture Collaborative’s weekly prison letter writing night at Vine LB (2142 E. Fourth St.) to support incarcerated individuals with some heartfelt words of encouragement during the holidays. All supplies will be provided. Free.
Saturday 11/29
Patchwork Festival: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hundreds of makers and tinkerers will be selling their homemade wares at this annual festival at Marine Stadium (490 Bayshore Ave.). There will be a section for youth artists, live music, food trucks, DIY booths and a bike valet. See a map and schedule online. Free.
Free Toy Market: Noon to 4 p.m. Not Just a Mom Club is hosting a free toy market for families ahead of the holiday season, with pre-loved books and toys for children during East Village’s market on First Street between Elm and Linden Avenues. Attendees can also bring wrapping paper and holiday cards that they don’t want to swap. At the same time, all shops in the area will be celebrating Shop Small Season as well as the kick-off of Seeket. There will be live music and pop-up vendors. Free.
Renegade Queer Art Market: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This two-day market and exhibition is the perfect place to support LGBTQ artists and small businesses/artists. Over a dozen artists will be selling art and other goods at The Studio (3232 E. Willow St.). Free to attend.
Zaferia Winterfest: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can kick off the Christmas season with snowfall, festive cocktails and photos with Santa Claus at Port City Tavern (4306 E. Anaheim St.). Free.
Kamayan Dinner: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Anakbayan Long Beach, a Filipino youth organization, is hosting this dinner at KUBO Long Beach (3976 Atlantic Ave.) where local Filipinos can break bread and discuss political issues here and in the Philippines. The night is also a fundraiser for Filipinos impacted by the recent super typhoons, so there is a suggested donation of $20-25. RSVP online to reserve a spot.
Sunday 11/30
Mahjong and Jazz: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. East Never Loses and Hugh von Kleist are bringing mahjong and jazz to Good Time Long Beach (1322 Coronado Ave.). Teachers will be available for those who want to learn how to play mahjong. Tickets are $10 at eastneverloses.com.
Upcycled Ornaments Workshop: Noon to 5 p.m. Create upcycled ornaments at Sports Basement (2100 N. Bellflower Blvd.) like bottle caps, fabric, cardboard and found objects. All tools and instructions will be provided for this all-ages workshop hosted by Creative Art Events. Attendees can bring small, clean items that can be repurposed. Free.
Monday 12/1
Tai Chi: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Join instructor Angie Sierra and experience the gentle, flowing movements of Tai Chi at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). This low-impact class is designed to improve balance, flexibility and overall wellbeing. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance mobility, reduce stress, and cultivate inner peace. Call 562989-7330 to register or for information. Free.
Blood on the Clocktower: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Local sleuths can gather for a weekly murder mystery game at The Wicked Wolf (2332 Pacific Ave.) in the upstairs den. No experience is necessary and newcomers will be taught how to play. Free, but attendees are asked to support the business by purchasing either a cocktail or mocktail.
Tuesday 12/2
Parks, Rec and Marine Job Fair: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Residents can learn about an array of Long Beach recreation jobs available at this job fair at Whaley Park (5620 E. Atherton St.). Free.
Books and Brews: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bel Canto Books is hosting authors Mia P. Manansala and Tracy Badua in celebration of the final installment in their kitchen mystery series “Death and Dinuguan” at Ambitious Ales (4019 Atlantic Ave.). The event will include a reading, Q&A, conversation, book signing and shopping opportunity. Tickets are $20.94 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Wednesday 12/3
All We Do Is Drawing Club: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Local creatives can gather at PLACE (2172 Pacific Ave.) for this weekly drawing club, where all supplies are provided. Free.
Yoga Class: 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Take part in a trauma-informed, restorative yoga practice with intentional breathing and movements at KUBO Long Beach (3976 Atlantic Ave.). Mats will be provided or people can bring their own to this all-ages and skill level session. There is a suggested donation of $10, and online registrations can be made at the link in the bio of @kubo.op on Instagram.
Thursday 12/4
Community Night at the Museum: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The public is invited to the Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum at Cal State Long Beach (1250 Bellflower Blvd.) to enjoy the museum after hours and make art using free supplies. Free, and no RSVP required.
Cal Heights Christmas Tree Lighting: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The corner of Orange Avenue and Bixby Road will transform into a winter wonderland, with real snow, reindeer, treats, family activities, holiday merchandise, live music, character photos and a toy drive. See the full list of activities online. Free.
LGBTQIA+ Q&A Session: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Memorial Care’s LGBTQ Clinic is hosting this medically focused Q&A for youth, young adults, parents and caregivers at The Center (2017 E. Fourth St.). Free.
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