As we creep towards spring, those looking to break out of their winter cocoon and socialize with their community have plenty of options with this week’s things to do in Long Beach and Signal Hill.
Artists searching for their tribe can attend a socializing and drawing event at Selva Wednesday night, and actors looking for their next role can audition for the Long Beach Playhouse’s upcoming production Monday evening. Those wanting to enjoy art rather than participate in it can check out the opening reception for a surrealist exhibit Saturday afternoon or the opening receptions for two miniature galleries Saturday evening.
If nature is calling your name, Los Cerritos Wetlands invites you to a two-hour hike and discussion Saturday morning, and the city needs volunteers to help clean Lincoln Park in Downtown Long Beach Saturday as well.
For a wide range of interesting discussions, residents have their choice between a community meeting about road improvements Saturday morning, a feminist talk Wednesday evening, or an author talk the same afternoon.
Friday 3/1
Downtown Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A wide variety of fresh produce will be available for purchase during this farmers market along Promenade North, between Third Street and Fifth Street. All crops and foods sold were grown or made in California. Free to attend.
Headshot Day: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. There Is No Box (115 Pine Ave.) invites local actors to this career-building event. Local filmmakers looking for talent will also be present. Actors can get their headshots taken. Tickets cost $10 on Eventbrite.
Día Del Libro: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Stories will come to life at Semillitas (3920 Atlantic Ave.) annual Día Del Libro event. The family-friendly event will feature a storybook characters parade through Bixby Knolls, a Spanish storytime, author meet and greet, a book signing, an artisan and author marketplace, art workshops and more. Free.
Saturday 3/2
Nature Hike: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Los Cerritos Wetlands invites residents to hike to the Marketplace Marsh, an area of the wetlands typically closed to the public. This tour will be two hours long and include discussion about the history of the wetlands, the current restoration process and the surrounding areas that impact the wetlands. Attendees will meet at the parking lot at 6720 PCH and latecomers will not be permitted. Free, but an RSVP is required on Eventbrite.
Park Clean Up: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help clean Lincoln Park (101 Pacific Ave.). Volunteers will receive free park-themed blankets and are asked to meet at the swings. Free.
Community Meeting: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents can learn more about the Studebaker Road Improvement Project and give their feedback to City officials at this community meeting at the Dr. Thomas J Clark Community Center (2800 Studebaker Road). The $50 million project will provide updates to the 5-mile stretch corridor from Second Street to Carson Street. Free.
Cajun Food Fest: Noon. Four different local businesses will be serving their unique dishes during this food festival at Ten Mile Brewing (1136 E Willow St.). There will be live music. Menu prices will vary. Free to attend.
This is Not a Pipe: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Rod Briggs Memorial Gallery (2221 E Broadway) invites the public to the opening reception of its latest surrealist exhibit, featuring the work of multiple local artists. Free.
Community Market: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Residents can enjoy food and drinks while shopping from local vendors at Compound (1395 Coronado Ave.). Vendors will be selling jewelry, home decor, clothing, beverages and more while a DJ plays music. Free to attend.
Opening Reception: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The miniature art galleries Gallery 17LB (2489 Eucalyptus Ave.) and Gallery 23LB (2489 Eucalyptus Ave.), will be displaying the work of local artists Silvestri Brothers and Wes Bender. Free.
Fickle Nights: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ficklewood Ciderworks (720 E Broadway) will be hosting seven different musical performances by local artists and bands during this monthly event. Tickets can be purchased for $5 on civilcircusent.com.
Sunday 3/3
Clothing Swap: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. People of the Earth Krew invites people to donate up to ten pieces of gently-used clothing at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier (35 39th Place). Attendees can also choose among the other donated clothes to take home for free. Please do not donate accessories, home goods or anything that is torn or stained. Free.
Cocktail Class: Noon to 2 p.m. Local gourmand Brian Addison will be hosting this workshop at The Auld Dubliner (71 S. Pine Ave.), where attendees will learn how to craft an Irish coffee, a popular hot cocktail. Tickets can be purchased for $20 on Eventbrite.
Girl’s Day: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. During this event at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden (1250 Bellflower Blvd.), young girls will be able to celebrate the Japanese holiday “Hinamatsuri.” There will be crafts and activities for the entire family. Tickets range from $5 to $10 and can be purchased on the garden’s website.
Monday 3/4
Manic Mondays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mental health professionals are invited to work among their peers in a shared space at Ocean View Psychiatric Hospital (2600 Redondo Ave.). A continental breakfast will be provided. Space is limited, so registration through Eventbrite is required. Free.
Theater Auditions: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Long Beach Playhouse (5021 E Anaheim St.) is holding auditions for its rendition of “Men on Boats” by Jaclyn Backhaus. All the characters in the original were caucasian men, but in this version, the playhouse looks to cast only people of color who are female, transgender or nonbinary. Everyone auditioning should bring a headshot and resume, dress comfortably and give themselves enough time for vocal warm ups. Free.
Read to Dogs: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Young children can practice reading to certified therapy dogs at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Reading to dogs is meant to build a child’s self confidence as they learn to read. Free.
Tuesday 3/5
Youth Mariachi Lessons: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Kids and teens are invited to the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E Hill St.) for this mariachi lesson led by the Jazz Angels. Instruments will be provided. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.
Teen Cafe: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Teens are invited to enjoy snacks, crafts and discussions at the Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E Anaheim St.). Free.
Lego Club: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 are invited to build with Legos at the Alamitos Neighborhood Library (1836 E Third St.). Legos will be provided. Free.
Wednesday 3/6
Baby & Toddler Storytime: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Babies, toddlers up to 2 years old, and their caregivers are invited to Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.) to enjoy stories and playtime. Free.
Author Talk: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Author Nina Totenberg will be giving a virtual talk on her book “Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships,” based on her decades-long friendship with late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. To register for the event, visit the City’s calendar. Free.
Feminist Discussion: 5:30 p.m. This weekly online discussion hosted by The Feminist Uprising will cover the latest feminist issues in the local community and United States. The discussion will take place on the account’s Instagram live, and may not be suitable for a younger audience. Free.
Artist Social Hours: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This collaboration between Art Clout and Chroma Pop Art Collective invites artists to draw, drink, socialize and network at Selva (4137 E Anaheim St.). Some art supplies will be provided, but attendees can bring their own. Free to attend.
D&D Tavern Party & Dungeon Combat Live: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts are invited to meet new players and fight battles live on a stage at Beachwood Brewing (3630 Atlantic Ave.). Early bird tickets are $20, while general admission tickets cost $45 on Eventbrite.
Thursday 3/7
Babies & Crawlers: 11 a.m. to noon. The Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Drive) invites caregivers to bring babies who can’t walk yet to enjoy songs, stories and playtime together. Free.
All Star Comedy: 7:45 p.m. Stand up comics will be performing at the Long Beach Laugh Factory (151 S. Pine Ave.). General admission tickets can be purchased for $25 on Tixr.
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