This week in Long Beach offers plentiful chances to pick up a new skill, get involved in the community or enjoy live entertainment.
Residents can spend their Saturday learning how to skate, whether it be at Roxanne’s all-day Skate is Love block party or through Devotion Fitness’ free skating and dancing lessons at Junipero Skate Plaza in the afternoon. People can also try their hand at crocheting Friday afternoon at Signal Hill Public Library or mold their clay skills by attending a ceramic + healing workshop at Plantiitas Saturday night, both of which are open to beginners.
For those looking to forge community connections, check out the community yard sale at Colorado Lagoon, the Unity in the Community Cultural Festival at Martin Luther King Jr. Park or the Socialism Summer School at Toxic Toast Records. Plus, Norfside LB Outreach will host a homelessness distribution event Sunday morning, where volunteers will help package and hand out food and other essentials to North Long Beach’s homeless community.
Throughout the week, community members can enjoy free concerts and movie screenings, like the Concert in the Park(ing Lot) event Monday evening at Bixby Joe Coffee & Tea or a showing of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” Tuesday night at Granada Beach. Weekday activities also include a trio of performances by the Long Beach Municipal Band as well as yoga, line dancing and harmonica classes for seniors in Signal Hill.
Friday 7/18
Crochet Club: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Crochet enthusiasts or those who are yarn-curious and 14+ can head to the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.) for a crochet and socializing hour. Beginners are welcome, and people are encouraged to bring their own projects. Free.
Somos Medicina: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Local business Semillitas and artist Maria Guadalupe invite the public to an evening of art, healing, pride and expression through an acrylic painting workshop inspired by the medicine of a hummingbird, live screen printing, raffles, a solidarity market, zine workshop, live DJ sets and more at Semillitas Learning Community (3920 Atlantic Ave.). All proceeds from the night are going to ÓRALE (Organizing Rooted in Abolition, Liberation and Empowerment) to help the immigrant community. Registration is required through the link in the bio of @semillitas_learningcommunity.
Music in the Park: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a serene, music-filled evening at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden (1250 Bellflower Blvd.) every Friday. This week’s show will feature Motown music from the Blue Breeze Band. The garden has chairs, but visitors are welcome to bring blankets. Tickets can be purchased online and cost $5 for members, $10 for general admission.
Long Beach Municipal Band: 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a performance from Long Beach’s Municipal Band, a full orchestra celebrating operatic music at El Dorado Park West (2800 N. Studebaker Road), with work from Verdi, Mozart and Gershwin. Attendees are encouraged to bring their blankets, chairs, food and drinks to enjoy. Studio Band will also debut their new singer Tawanda. Free.
Movie in the Park: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Families can watch the 2024 live-action film “Mufasa: The Lion King” at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.). Activities such as raffles and movie-themed crafts will begin at 6 p.m., and the movie will begin at dusk. Free.
Bad Bunny Paint n Sip Sing-Along: 7 p.m. Sing, paint and sip while listening to a curated playlist of Bad Bunny’s discography, with on-screen lyrics encouraging singing, at the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.). Participants will receive a canvas with an outlined design to paint, and tickets include one cocktail. El Pescador Family Restaurant will be serving food and drinks. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online.
Saturday 7/19
Community Yard Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to this community yard sale at Colorado Lagoon (5059 E. Colorado St.) to either sell or buy clothing, household items and other trinkets. Those wanting to sell items are asked to bring their own blanket to hold items, and those purchasing are asked to bring cash. There will be a live drawing session, and attendees can purchase cold brew and baked goods, with all proceeds going to support DACA renewals of local residents. Participants can also donate baked goods to support. Free.
Skate is Love: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. This all-ages block party at Roxanne’s Bar (1115 E. Wardlow Road) will feature skateboarding lessons, art workshops like custom printed T-shirts, painting zones and film/photography workshops, a pool tournament, raffles and live music and DJ sets throughout the day, as well as skate lessons that require RSVP through Eventbrite. After 2 p.m. this event is for those 18 and older. Free.
Sharks @ The Beach: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. People of all ages can visit the Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach (1250 Bellflower Blvd.) and tour the facility, learn about the latest shark lab science and technology, interact with live marine animals, participate in crafts and see a Q&A with Dr. Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab. There will be free parking in the Foundation parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis. A Chronic Tacos food truck will be selling food. Free.
Long Beach Bluegrass Festival: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The second annual Bluegrass Festival at the Shell at Recreation Park will feature workshops for specific instruments and beginner-friendly jamming from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., then live music from four bands. Free.
Unity in the Community Cultural Festival: 11 a.m. Grace Memorial Baptist Church is hosting this celebration of diversity and togetherness featuring live performances, music, dancing, art, games and food at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.). Free.
Fixit Clinic: Noon to 3 p.m. Residents can bring their broken appliances, bikes, toys, jewelry, electronics and other items and learn how to fix them instead of throwing them away at this clinic at Sports Basement (2100 N. Bellflower Blvd.). Tools, guidance and a workspace will be provided, and those who RSVP online will receive a slight priority over walk-ins. One item per person. Free.
Trinketlandia: Noon to 4 p.m. Shop for trinkets from 15+ vendors, and trade with fellow trinket enthusiasts at this event at Plantiitas (2011 E. Fourth St.). There will also be coffee and matcha, face painting and free tote bags for the first 10 people in line. Free.
Free Skate + Dance Lessons: 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can get free skating and dancing lessons from Devotion Fitness at the Junipero Skate Plaza (1 Junipero Ave.). The session will begin with 30 minutes of skate fundamentals, then an hour of intro to dance skating. Attendees are asked to bring skates, water and a snack to share for a potluck afterwards. Free.
Ceramic + Healing Workshop: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This beginner-friendly meditative clay experience at Plantiitas (2011 E Fourth St.) will guide participants through a step-by-step pinch pot method and teach gentle grief meditation. Participants will be shaping clay with intention, to create space to feel and gently transform grief into something beautiful and functional. RSVP on Eventbrite ranges on a sliding scale from $46.65 to $65.87.
Sunday 7/20
Homelessness Distribution: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteer with Norfside LB Outreach to prepare supplies then distribute food and other essentials to North Long Beach’s homeless community. Message @norfsidelb_outreach on Instagram to sign up and to receive the location. Free.
Cars N Coffee: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Bring your cruiser to show off or come look at classic cars in the parking lot on Fourth Street and Cherry Avenue. Free coffee will be provided by Alder & Sage, and free breakfast burritos will be provided by Lola’s Mexican Cuisine. All ages are welcome. Free.
‘Rethinking the American Cowboy’ painting workshop: 10 a.m. to noon. To commemorate the last day of Rancho Los Cerritos’ “Untold Legacies: Rethinking the American Cowboy,” an exhibit that shows a true depiction of Western cowboy culture, which consisted largely of Black and Latinx people. Participants will learn about Western cowboy culture and prominent figures in this workshop, then learn how to create a rhinestone painting at Ranchos Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Road). Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online.
Tea Leaf Readings: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about your past, present and future with tea leaf readings from the We Create Collective at The Wicked Wolf (2332 Pacific Ave.). Readings are $25 each and come with a cup of tea. No reservations required.
Socialism Summer School: 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This six-week hybrid course at Toxic Toast Records (757 Pine Ave.) run by the Party for Socialism Long Beach will consist of bi-weekly class sessions, discussions and collective study to help strengthen people’s ability to analyze history and current events, study the lessons of revolutionary working class movements and clarify a collective vision for the future. Register in the link in the bio of @psllongbeach on Instagram. Free.
Monday 7/21
Young Democrats Meeting + Rapid Response Training: 6 p.m. Those interested in joining the Los Angeles County Young Democrats or Orange County chapter can attend this virtual membership meeting, which will feature rapid response training from ÓRALE (Organizing Rooted in Abolition, Liberation and Empowerment). Join via Zoom at bit.ly/YDRapidResponse. Free.
Movie in the Park: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Families can watch the 2024 animated film “Sonic 3” at Recreation Park (4900 E. Seventh St.). Activities such as raffles and movie-themed crafts will begin at 6 p.m., and the movie will begin at dusk. Free.
Concert in the Park(ing Lot): 6:30 p.m. Residents can bring their lawn chairs, family, friends and dancing moves to the Bixby Joe Coffee & Tea parking lot (4245 Atlantic Ave.) for Bixby Knolls’ Concert in the Park(ing Lot). Attendees are encouraged to purchase food and drinks from surrounding businesses. Free.
Tuesday 7/22
DIY Pet Craft: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Pet owners ages 11 and older can come to the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.) to make a personalized pet treats jar. All materials are provided, and registration is required by calling 562-989-7330. Free.
Long Beach Municipal Band: 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a performance from Long Beach’s Municipal Band, a full orchestra celebrating this week’s theme of Latin music, featuring salsa, bossa nova and mariachi at Bixby Annex Park (East Ocean Boulevard and Junipero Avenue). L. Young will bring his dynamic vocal range and versatility across R&B, soul and pop. Attendees are encouraged to bring their blankets, chairs, food and drinks to enjoy. Free.
Movie on the Beach: 8 p.m. Families and friends can watch the classic 1986 film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” at Granada Beach (5000 E. Ocean Blvd.). Local trucks will be selling food and popcorn, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks, chairs, blankets and friendly pets. Parking is free after 6 p.m. Free.
Wednesday 7/23
Harmonica Class: 11 a.m. to noon. Seniors ages 55+ in Signal Hill can learn a new fun skill with a beginners harmonica lesson at the Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Registration is required by calling 562-989-7330. Free.
Concert in the Park: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Families and friends can gather at Signal Hill Park (2175 Cherry Ave.) to enjoy a concert from Taylor Swift tribute band New Romantics. There will be community booths, concessions and raffles. Free.
Long Beach Municipal Band: 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a performance from Long Beach’s Municipal Band, a full orchestra celebrating this week’s theme of Latin music, featuring salsa, bossa nova and mariachi at Los Cerritos Park (3750 Del Mar Ave.). L. Young will bring his dynamic vocal range and versatility across R&B, soul and pop. Attendees are encouraged to bring their blankets, chairs, food and drinks to enjoy. Free.
Thursday 7/24
Senior Line Dancing: 10 a.m. to noon. Seniors ages 55+ in Signal Hill can come to the Library (1800 E. Hill St.) for a fun, healthy dance class hosted by the United Cambodian Community, who will teach multiple line dances that people can do at parties. Free.
Yoga in the Park: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Seniors ages 55+ can go to Reservoir Park (3315 Gundry Ave.) in Signal Hill to learn slow-moving, gentle yoga. Please bring your own yoga mat. Registration is required by calling 562-989-7330. Free.
Signal Hill Volunteer Social: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering within the city of Signal Hill can attend this quarterly social to learn about programs and meet current volunteers at Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Register at bit.ly/25SummerSocial. Free.
Long Beach Municipal Band: 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a performance from Long Beach’s Municipal Band, a full orchestra celebrating this week’s theme of Latin music, featuring salsa, bossa nova and mariachi at Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park at Marine Stadium (5255 Paoli Way). L. Young will bring his dynamic vocal range and versatility across R&B, soul and pop. Attendees are encouraged to bring their blankets, chairs, food and drinks to enjoy. Free.
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