From park meetups to artsy workshops, this week centers on learning new things and meeting new people, or perhaps supporting someone you don’t know at all.
Outdoor meetups this week include an Earth Day Merkado at Kubo and a ‘90s-themed field day at Bixby Park, both on Saturday. Park outings also include a Big Gay Picnic and book club meet-up, both Sunday at the Bluff, and yoga at Reservoir Park Thursday morning.
Residents can attend community gatherings such as a community breakfast at the Bembridge House Saturday morning, a bake sale and fundraiser a few hours later, and a community land trust meeting Tuesday night. There are endless new things to learn this week, with workshops covering charcoal and life drawings, creative writing, tai chi, yoga, needle felting, grant writing and more.
Friday 4/17
Free Groceries: Noon to 4 p.m. Anyone in need of groceries, clothing or hygiene items can get what they need from Long Beach Community Table (151 W. Victoria St.). No RSVP or ID is required. Free.
Crochet Club: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Crochet your own projects and socialize at this monthly meetup at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Free.
Flea Market: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Shop for vintage and thrifted goods while enjoying drinks, food, live bands, mariachi, a tattoo pop-up, a photobooth and more at Good Time (1332 Coronado Ave.).
Chaotic Singles Party: 8 p.m. This monthly party has been moving around the country and is coming to Long Beach’s Bamboo Club (3522 E. Anaheim St.). Singles are encouraged to invite their dating app matches who they haven’t met yet to meet up at this night club to see if sparks fly. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Saturday 4/18
Community Breakfast: 10 a.m. 12:30 p.m. All Long Beach residents are invited to this community breakfast hosted by the Willmore City Community Association at the Bembridge House (953 N. Park Circle). There will be giveaways for those in need, such as two bags of fresh produce for the first 75 individuals/families, children’s books and complimentary coffee and lattes from Iyali Coffee Co. Children’s crafts will be provided by Not Just A Mom’s Club.
Bake Sale: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Long Beach Rapid Response is accepting baked good donations for their bake sale this Saturday at Junipero Avenue and Second Street. All proceeds go to families that have been impacted by ICE. Donations need to be given by Friday. Message @lbrrmutualaid on Instagram to coordinate a donation.
Building Black Homeownership: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Long Beach Realist Association is hosting this family-friendly, community event to help Black residents take steps toward homeownership at Sports Basement (2100 N. Bellflower Blvd.). This event offers education on buying a home, access to financial assistance programs, and tools for building and preserving generational wealth. There will be workshops, expert panels, local vendors, music, free food and a photo booth and more. Free to attend.
Earth Day Merkado: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kubo LB, LA Climate Week, Ellerali and Vintage Renewals are hosting this marketplace where visitors can create, upcycle and shop at Kubo (3976 Atlantic Ave.). Free.
Free Groceries: Noon to 2 p.m. Anyone in need of groceries, clothing or hygiene items can get what they need from Long Beach Community Table (151 W. Victoria St.). No RSVP or ID is required. Free.
Black in Bloom: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Kreative Kulture is hosting this ‘90s-themed field day filled with Black joy and nostalgia at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.) with flag football, sack races, double dutch, spades, dominoes, painting, tug-of-war and more. There will also be prizes and food trucks. Tickets are required for certain field games and the painting session for $17.85 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Sunday 4/19
Charcoal Workshop: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Enjoy a quiet, peaceful morning at the Museum of Latin American Art’s (628 Alamitos Ave.) garden while you learn the art of charcoal drawing from artist Maria Guadalupe. No experience is needed and all materials are provided. Tickets are $5 through the museum’s website.
Mahjong: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. People of all ages and skill levels are invited to an afternoon of mahjong at Good Time (1322 Coronado Ave.). There will be assistants available to teach. RSVP at Eastneverloses.com. Tickets are $10.
Book Club: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Long Beach Bookworms is hosting this meetup at Ocean Boulevard and Lindero Avenue, where visitors are encouraged to bring whatever book they’re reading at the moment. Free.
Big Gay Picnic: 12:30 p.m. Join Long Beach Proud, Queer Circles and Lbianss for a day of friends, community and sunshine at the Bluff at Bixby Park at the corner of Ocean Boulevard and Junipero Avenue. Bring friends, blankets, food and drinks. Free.
Monday 4/20
Tai Chi: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Seniors ages 55 and older can join instructor Angie Sierra to learn gentle, flowing movements of tai chi at the Signal Hill Community Center (1780 E. Hill St.). This low-impact class is designed to improve balance, flexibility and overall well-being. No experience is necessary. Free.
Creative Writing Workshop: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Learn tips, tricks and tools on how to write a fictional short story at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). This workshop is for those 12 and older. RSVP by calling 562-989-7330. Free.
Tuesday 4/21
Free Groceries: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone in need of groceries, clothing or hygiene items can get what they need from Long Beach Community Table (151 W. Victoria St.). No RSVP or ID is required. Free.
Community Land Trust: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Learn how to build connections with the tenants in your building and neighborhood, and tips on how to become co-owners of your building at this monthly Long Beach Community Land Trust meeting at Philadelphian Church (640 Santa Fe Ave.). Food, childcare and interpretation is provided. Free.
Wednesday 4/22
Art Workshop: 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. Local artist Carlos Eduardo Gacharná is hosting this 8-week workshop series for youth ages 15-24 at the Do Good Daniels Foundation (941 East Pacific Coast Highway). This space is meant to help youth explore self-expression, build confidence and discover their unique voice through art,guided projects and hands-on activities. Youth will have access to professional art tools and snacks. Cost for individual workshops range from $2 to $8. RSVP online.
Sage Distillation Workshop: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center is hosting this series of workshops focusing on ancestral nutrition once a month. This month’s workshop will teach attendees how to create sage facial spray and smudge bundles, as well as ancestral smudging practices at 236 E. Third St. Attendees must self-identify as Indigenous, be between 12-26 years old and live in LA County. Free.
Free Groceries: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone in need of groceries, clothing or hygiene items can get what they need from Long Beach Community Table (151 W. Victoria St.). No RSVP or ID is required. Free.
Art Grant Workshop: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This info sessions and application workshop at Play Nice (1029 E. Fourth St.) is meant for all artists, creatives and creative organizations who want to learn about the Imagine28 grants. These are meant for projects in summer 2028. RSVP on Partiful. Free.
Thursday 4/23
Yoga in the Park: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Residents 18 and older are welcome to this slow-moving, beginner-friendly yoga session at Reservoir Park (3315 Gundry Ave.). Please bring your own yoga mat and reserve a spot by calling 562-989-7330. Free.
TGI2S+ Job and Resource Fair: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. LGBTQIAS2+ residents can meet inclusive employers ready to hire and community organizations who offer services tailored to TGI2S+ needs as well as attend workshops on employee rights and how to apply for city jobs at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). Attendees should dress in professional attire and bring their current resume. RSVP online. Free.
Needle Felting: 6 p.m. Playa Marketplace is hosting this needle felting art workshop at 1702 E. Broadway, where visitors can sculpt their own mini wool creation and leave with something handmade. All materials and light refreshments are provided. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online.
Virtual Vaccine Town Hall: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join Miller Children’s Memorial for a virtual town hall focused on vaccine awareness for children ages 0 – 5. Residents can get up-to-date information and answers to their vaccine questions. The event will be offered in Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL), Khmer and Tagalog. RSVP online.
Life Drawing: 7:30 p.m. Artists of all experience levels are invited to Twelfth House (1950 W. Willow St.) for an evening of life drawing and connection, while enjoying blends of teas. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.
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