Those brave enough to endure the current heat and get active will be rewarded with an array of engaging activities throughout the coming week. Volunteers are needed to help out in a new community garden on Friday and to help clean litter around the Rose Park neighborhood on Saturday.
Art lovers can view two exhibits simultaneously during a reception at the Long Beach Museum of Art or take an art workshop at the Museum of Latin American Art. Book lovers can also attend a discussion featuring three authors or take a workshop where they can learn how to bind their own books.
Friday 3/20
Community Garden Workday: 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers are invited to help support a new community garden at Stephens Middle School (1830 W Columbia St.). Free.
Thinking Money for Kids: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children are invited to learn basic financial skills through an interactive game at Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.). Participants will “adopt” a pet and manage its expenses while earning and spending money to keep their pet healthy. Free.
Exhibition Openings: 5 p.m. The public is invited to the opening reception at the Long Beach Museum of Art (2300 E. Ocean Blvd.) celebrating two exhibitions. “Holding Time” features the ceramic work of Elyse Pignolet and MyungJin Kim, exploring personal and cultural narratives through vessels, tiles and mirrors. “Why Paint a Landscape?” showcases selections from the museum’s permanent collection. Reserve a ticket for free on Eventbrite.
Saturday 3/21
Tales Bridging Generations: 10 a.m. to noon. Community members are invited to participate in an interactive storytelling workshop at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway), where seniors will share life experiences and lessons alongside California State University, Long Beach students. This program fosters meaningful conversation between generations and preserves community history. Free.
Arts & Goods Market: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to this marketplace at Open Gallery (1738 E Seventh St.), where local vendors will sell art, zines, vintage, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, prints, coffee and more. Free to attend.
Community Clean Up: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteers of all ages are needed to help clean the Rose Park neighborhood. Volunteers will meet at 2825 E 10th St.
Sugar & Shamrocks: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Participants of all ages are invited to a hands-on St. Patrick’s Day-themed cookie decorating class at Trademark Brewing (233 E. Anaheim St.) led by local cookie artist Alenni Chitwood of Batter Up Sweetery. Attendees will decorate six cookies with designs like shamrocks, rainbows, leprechauns and pots of gold, learning piping and decorating techniques along the way. Kids ages 7 and under can join with a special Kids Kit. No experience is necessary. Tickets can be purchased for $64.80 on Eventbrite.
Sunday 3/22
Corner Garden Plein Air Workshop: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participants are invited to a morning art workshop in the garden at the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.). Attendees will create artwork using oil pastels on multimedia paper. All materials will be provided. Register for this event on the museum’s website. Participation costs $5 per person.
Author Talk: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited to a discussion and reading with authors Naomi Hirahara, Pedro Iñiguez and David A Romero at the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.). The event will explore how genres like mystery, horror and science fiction can highlight culture and uncover overlooked histories. Register on the museum’s website. Free.
Art of Bookbinding: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Participants ages 16 and older are invited to a hands-on bookbinding workshop at the Library of Technics (205 Long Beach Blvd.) led by Taiwanese-American artist and musician Emma Palm. Attendees will learn introductory techniques including terminology, tools, sewing, folding and up to five different non-adhesive book structures. No prior experience is required, and basic materials are included. Specialty materials will be available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased for $60.54 on Eventbrite.
Poetry Pop-Up: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adults 21 and over are invited to an evening of live poetry at Roxanne’s (1115 E. Wardlow Road). The event will feature performances by headliners Lolo Wink, A Woman of Valor, Beach City Poetress and That’s That Peace. Tickets can be purchased for $17.85 on Eventbrite.
Monday 3/23
Free Health Screenings: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members are invited to receive health screenings from the St. Mary Medical Center Mobile Care Unit at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.). Services will include screenings for blood pressure, BMI, glucose, cholesterol, pulmonary function and more. No registration required. Free.
Theater Auditions: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Actors are invited to open call auditions for the Long Beach Playhouse production of “The Lion in Winter” by James Goldman. Auditioners should bring a headshot and resume. The play, set in 1183 England, follows Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their children during a tense Christmas gathering. This production will run on select days from May 16 to June 13. Actors will work on a volunteer basis.
Tuesday 3/24
Baby Lapsit Storytime: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring babies under 1 year old to a morning of songs, bounces, board books and play at Bay Shore Neighborhood Library (195 Bay Shore Ave.). This program is designed for babies 1 month to 1 year old who haven’t learned to walk yet. Free.
Westside Silver Series: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Seniors and their caregivers are invited to a workshop at Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.). The workshop will provide guidance on health planning and emergency preparedness. Spanish and Tagalog translators will be available. No registration is required. Free and open to adults 55 and older.
Black Neighborhood Tenant Council: 6 p.m. Black renters and tenants can learn about tenant protections, their rights as a renter, community land trusts, building Black tenant power and protecting your mental wellness while dealing with housing stress, all in a safe, supportive environment at Blu Art & Wellness (580 Pine Ave.). Childcare is provided for potty trained kids. RSVP at blmlongbeach.org/rsvp. Free.
Wednesday 3/25
Storytime: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Families with young children are invited to enjoy a cozy morning of stories and treats inside the historic Bembridge House (953 N. Park Circle). Free.
Games & Friends: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Children ages 6 to 12 are invited to play Mario Kart on the big screen and enjoy friendly competition at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). This drop-in program encourages kids to connect and make new friends. Free.
Move, Groove, and Connect Through Dance: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Participants are invited to a dance class at the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.). Led by professional instructors from Cielo Dance Events, this session will focus on Bachata, celebrating Latin American and Caribbean dance traditions. All skill levels are welcome. Participation costs $20 per class. Register for individual classes or a discounted four-class package on the museum’s website.
Thursday 3/26
Men’s Support Group: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fathers experiencing homelessness are invited to participate in a 12-week support group at the Multi-Service Center (1301 W. 12th St.). The program will focus on building positive parenting skills, strengthening relationships with children and developing essential life skills. Free.
The Reel Readers: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Teens are invited to a monthly discussion at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.) exploring books adapted into movies or TV series. During this session, the group will focus on “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, comparing the book and its film adaptation, discussing differences and voting on which version they prefer. Free.
CD5 Community Meeting: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Residents are invited to attend a 5th District community meeting with Councilmember Megan Kerr and her team at Wardlow Park Community Center (3457 Stanbridge Ave.). The meeting will feature a presentation from Public Works Director Josh Hickman on infrastructure, traffic safety and other local topics. Free.
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