Allow the cool weather and drizzling clouds to encourage you to cozy up to your neighbors and community members while you participate in the many fun things to do in Long Beach and Signal Hill this week.
Before the onslaught of holiday movies take over for the next month, residents can enjoy a variety of film screenings this week, such as a “Lord of the Rings” viewing and discussion Friday afternoon, an art-themed screening of “Big Eyes” Friday night at a local gallery or a throwback screening of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” Sunday night.
Thanksgiving celebrations will ensue this week, with a Found Family Feast hosted by the LGBTQ Center Friday evening and the annual Turkey Trot bright and early on Thanksgiving morning.
For those who want to give thanks to their community through volunteering, they can help LB Surfrider tend to a local rain garden or assist Adventure to Dreams by building garden beds.
Friday 11/17
Book Club Film Series: 1 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The public is invited to a screening of the PG-13 film “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). Space is limited, and attendees will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a short introduction before the film, and a discussion afterwards. Free
The Found Family Feast: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The LGBTQ Center (2017 St.) invites youths between the ages of 5 and 18 and their found families to enjoy a holiday supper together. RSVPs are encouraged, and can be made by visiting qrco.de/beWw5Q or emailing mmorgan@centerlb.com. Free.
Everyone Can Paint: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This painting class at the Long Beach Museum of Art (2300 E Ocean Blvd.) is appropriate for all skill levels. Participants will learn multiple approaches to painting. General admission tickets cost $30, and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Movie Night: 7:30 p.m. The Long Beach Creative Group will be hosting a screening of the film “Big Eyes” at Loiter Galleries (425 Promenade North). Drinks, wine and snacks will be provided. Registration is required. To register, email markaburns0@gmail.com. Free.
Saturday 11/18
Pelvic Floor Workshop: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. First Step Fitness (1335 Loma Ave.) will be holding a pelvic floor health workshop, where attendees will learn how to brace, strengthen and relax their pelvic floor. Free.
Ocean Friendly Garden Workday: 10 a.m. to noon. LB Surfrider is looking for volunteers to help tend a local rain garden. The exact location will be shared with those who sign up. To volunteer, visit volunteer.surfrider.org. Free.
Family & Friends Garden Bed Building: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adventures to Dreams (903 De Forest Ave.) needs volunteers to help build garden beds. Volunteers are asked to wear comfortable clothing. Food will be provided. Free.
Potato Stamp Workshop: Noon to 3 p.m. This workshop will teach attendees how to carve a potato and use it for stamping various materials at Flux Art Space (410 Termino Ave.) Ink, potatoes and paper will be provided, and attendees are invited to bring their own paper, fabric, T-shirts, tote bags and whatever they want to decorate. Free.
Khmer, Come All: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cambodian American author and poet Sokunthary Svay will discuss her new book “Put it on a Record: a Memoir-Archive” at the Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E. Anaheim St.). This event is appropriate for all ages. Free.
Holiday Hard-Pressed Drag Show: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ficklewood Ciderworks (720 E Broadway) will be hosting a holiday-themed drag show to benefit the One Heart at a Time foundation. Attendees will be asked to make a donation at the door.
Sunday 11/19
Synth Lab: Noon to 3 p.m. Place LB (930 Pacific Ave.) invites those interested in synth music to socialize and jam together. A 16-track mixer will be available for use. Snacks and coffee will be provided. Free, but donations are welcome.
Silent Disco: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. So We Are Silent Disco invites the community to surrender themselves to the music and tune into their bodies by the beach (3998 E Allin St.). All participants will be given a pair of headphones and encouraged to try “ecstatic dance” while listening to a curated playlist. General admission costs $25. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Movie Night: 7 p.m. There will be a screening of the film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” at the Bamboo Club (3522 E Anaheim St.). Reservations are not required, but are strongly recommended. To register, visit bambooclublb.com/events. Free to enter.
Monday 11/20
Narrated Harbor Tour: 11:30 a.m. This narrated tour of the scenic Long Beach harbor will teach attendees about the history of the harbor while they take in the views of the Long Beach skyline, California Sea Lions, the Queen Mary, large cargo and container ships and more. The boat will leave from 100 Aquarium Way, Dock #2. General admission tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite for $20.
Transgender Day of Remembrance: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This candlelit vigil will honor transgender and gender nonconforming people who have been killed in the last year. This annual event is organized by the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, and will take place at Harvey Milk Promenade Park (252 E 3rd St.). Pastries and refreshments will be provided. Free.
Tuesday 11/21
Rancho Storytime: 10 a.m. to 10:30 am. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring young children to listen to a story read out loud at Rancho Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Rd.) Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, strollers and snacks. Free.
Drop-in After School Program: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students from the 3rd to 5th grade are invited to enjoy STEAM crafts, 3D printing, gaming, snacks and more at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Free.
Wednesday 11/22
Baby & Toddler Storytime: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Babies, toddlers and their caregivers are invited to Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.) to enjoy stories and playtime. Free.
Bear City Comedy: 7:30 p.m. A roster of stand-up comedians perform weekly at Que Sera (1923 E 7th St.). This event is for those 21 and older. Free.
Thursday 11/23
Long Beach Turkey Trot: 7 a.m. There will be a Turkey-themed 5K and 10K for adults as well as a half mile course for kids 12 and under. Service dogs are the only animals allowed. Wheelchairs are welcome. The start line will be at 1 Granada Ave. Registration will cost $35 the day of the event.
THRIVAL Open Mic: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Local creatives are invited to share their work during this open mic at Hot Java (2101 E Broadway). This event is meant to highlight positive pieces. Free.
