As we warm up our leftovers and wave goodbye to another holiday, it’s a good time to be thankful for the special things that make up Long Beach and Signal Hill. The unique small businesses, fun and free city events and the diverse communities made up of different cultures, beliefs, ages and abilities. There’s some of everything in this week’s around town, from story time to stores and swap meets.
Residents in need of food or supplies can receive free diapers Friday afternoon or bags of food Saturday morning. Those looking to get a start on holiday shopping can choose to shop local at Small Business Saturday or search for special finds at Museum Store Sunday or the Long Beach Motorcycle Swap Meet.
Monday offers those in the job market with hiring opportunities, while Tuesday presents residents in the housing market with a chance to learn about home-buying programs and down payment options. Christmas festivities begin Wednesday, the last day of November, with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Signal Hill City Hall. Remember to stay indoors if you’re sick, and check the City’s website for information on this year’s flu and respiratory viruses as well as COVID-19 updates.
Friday 11/25
Preschool Storytime: 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children ages 3 to 5 to the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.) to enjoy songs, stories and crafts. Free.
Diaper Distribution: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Parents and guardians in need can receive free diapers from Christian Outreach in Action at the corner of 3rd St. and Linden Ave. Parents must bring their child to the distribution, as well as legal documentation for them such as a birth certificate, immunization record, medi-cal benefits card, etc. Free.
Saturday 11/26
Beach Clean Up: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help clean litter on Junipero Beach (1 Junipero Beach). Gloves, bags and free parking will be provided. Free.
Food Distribution: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Food Finders Inc. and the City of Long Beach invite residents in need to receive free groceries at Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.). Attendees are asked to bring their own bags or carts to carry the groceries they receive. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.
Small Business Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Women and nonbinary-owned businesses will be selling their products at the East Village (Intersection of 1st St. between Elm Ave. & Linden Ave.). Free to attend.
Friendsgiving: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Over 20 independent vendors will be selling their products at the Long Beach Exchange (4150 McGowen St.). Food will be available for purchase. Attendees will also be able to enjoy live music, a performance of traditional Mexican dance, raffles and more. Free to attend.
Sunday 11/27
Long Beach Motorcycle Swap Meet: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hundreds of vendors will be selling motorcycles, parts and accessories at Veterans Memorial Stadium (3700 Faculty Ave.). Admission is $10 and general parking is free.
Museum Store Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy tea, cookies, a tour of MOLAA and a discussion with author Mirelle Ortega about her illustrated book “Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land.” Purchases of $50 or more at the museum’s gift shop will be 20% off. Free to attend.
Monday 11/28
HIV Testing: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. HIV testing will be provided at Cesar Chavez Park (401 Golden Ave.). Free.
Research for Starting, Managing, and Growing Your Business: 11 a.m. to noon. Entrepreneurs and business owners are invited to learn how to use Reference Solutions, a free program available at the library, to help them start, manage and grow a business. Registration is required for this event. To register, visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/6932781878054041870. Free.
Long Beach Career Fair: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Those searching for jobs in government, sales, retail, education, information technology, engineering, healthcare, financial services, management, manufacturing, customer service or other fields are invited to connect with potential employers. It is strongly recommended that attendees dress professionally and bring an updated resume. To register for the event, visit Eventbrite. Free.
Tuesday 11/29
Karaoke: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Those 21 and older are invited to sing karaoke at Alex’s Bar (2913 E Anaheim St.). Capacity for this event will be limited. Free.
Home Buying in Today’s Market: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participants are invited by the Paladin Team to learn about requirements to buy a house, including program and down payment options at 4515 E Anaheim St. To register for this event, visit Eventbrite. Free.
Wednesday 11/30
Sensory Story Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children to this inclusive storytime at the Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.). Children of all abilities will use their senses to read, create and learn through stories, songs and play. Free.
Preschool Storytime: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring infants ages 0 to 15 months to enjoy simple books, rhymes, music and play. Infants will explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading and talking. Free.
We Don’t Talk About Crochet Club: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Teens between the ages of 13 to 17 are invited to this weekly crochet club at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). Participants will learn crocheting basics and how to make granny squares. Free.
Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 p.m. The family is invited to Signal Hill City Hall (2175 Cherry Ave.) to watch the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. The celebration will also include festive treats, music and a visit from Santa. Free.
Thursday 12/1
Toddler Storytime: 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Caregivers and parents are invited to bring toddlers ages 1 to 3 to enjoy story time, songs, bubbles and more at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave). Free.
Reading Buddies: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Parents and caregivers can bring children to the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.) where a teen volunteer will give them up to 30 minutes of one-on-one reading practice. Free.
Khmer Calligraphy: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Participants will learn to read and write consonants, vowels and their own name in Khmer at the Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E. Anaheim St.). Free.
