Things to do in Long Beach: Gardening workshops, outdoor workouts, book clubs and more!

Iñigo Ibrae, the founder of Devotion Fitness, a non-profit that teaches boxing-based fitness classes, shows a student proper punching form during a class at Bluff Park on Aug. 19, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Though it may be tempting to stay bundled up indoors all weekend, don’t let the gusting winds and rainfall keep you from the many community events happening in Long Beach and Signal Hill. 

The heavy rains provide a perfect backdrop to learn new gardening skills. Residents can receive a lesson in native landscaping at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Friday afternoon or learn how to reuse food scraps to grow nutritious foods in an outdoor workshop on Willow Street Saturday morning. The Community Peace Garden is in need of volunteers to maintain the month’s harvest, with opportunities to swap crops Sunday morning. 

For those who want to venture outside their homes for indoor activities, there is a free comedy show at Ficklewood Ciderworks Friday night, a Maker’s Market and movie screening at Long Beach Exchange Saturday afternoon and an Afro-Latinx Festival at the Museum of Latin American Art on Sunday afternoon. 

Residents can celebrate the last few days of Black History Month by celebrating Black joy at the African American Cultural Center’s “Making Black America” event Saturday evening, learning African dance styles at the Signal Hill Public Library Monday night or an ancestral-focused virtual workshop Wednesday evening. 

Succulents near the beach in Long Beach on April 13, 2021. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Friday 2/24

Introduction to Native Landscaping: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Long Beach Office of Sustainability will be holding a workshop at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.) to introduce the public to the benefits of native plants. Participants will learn about ways to include native plants in their gardens and landscaping. Free.

World Cinema Series: 3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The public is invited to a screening of the 2002 Argentinian dramedy “Valentín” at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). The film takes place in 1960s Buenos Aires, and portrays the coming-of-age story of an 8-year-old from a dysfunctional family who is sent to live with his grandmother. The film will be in Spanish with English subtitles. Free.

Friendzone Comedy Show: 7 p.m. Those 21 years old and older are invited to a free comedy show at Ficklewood Ciderworks (720 E Broadway) hosted by The Friendzone. There is no cover charge, though there is a two-drink minimum. Seats are decided on a first-come, first served basis and dogs and outside food are welcome. Free. 

Residents view a handmade quilt, dolls and other creations at the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach. (Courtesy of AACCLB)

Saturday 2/25

Learn to Compost: 10 a.m. to noon. The Environmental Services Bureau will hold a workshop in its demonstration garden (2929 E Willow St.) to teach the public how to turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost that can be used in yards and gardens. This workshop will be held outdoors. Participants are urged to bring sun protection and water. Free.

Step Up College Readiness: 10 a.m. to noon. The African American History and Culture Foundation will host a series of workshops about college readiness at the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E Hill St.). These workshops will inform youth and their caregivers on how to effectively pursue a college education. Free.

Black Health Expo: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce invites members of the local Black community to connect with health resources at 729 W Anaheim St. This health expo will include presentations, workshops, a panel discussion, physical and mental health services and more. Free.

Job Fair: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Community Recreation Services Bureau is looking to hire new employees to help facilitate programs at local parks. Job seekers are invited to learn more about open positions and pick up an application during this job fair at McBride Park (1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.). There will be positions available for those 16 and older. Free.

Makers Market: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Over 25 local vendors will be selling their products at the Long Beach Exchange (4150 McGowen St.). Attendees will be able to get their face painted. A screening of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free.

Peace, Love, Health & Unity: Noon to 4 p.m. The Long Beach COVID-19 Task Force invites the public to this multi-cultural fair in Scherer Park (4600 Long Beach Blvd.), where they can enjoy food, health screenings, music, activities and more. COVID-19 vaccines will be available for those 5 and older. Free.

Pop-up Market: Noon to 4 p.m. Long Beach Vintage Etc. will be hosting 18 different vendors at its storefront (737 Pine Ave.). Products for sale will include clothing, accessories, home decor, desserts, jewelry, pet products, candles and more. Tarot card readings will also be available from Galena The Mystic. Free to attend.

Mardi Gras Celebration: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. In honor of Mardi Gras, a celebration will be held at Shoreline Village (401-435 Shoreline Drive), featuring music, dancing, beads and a parade. Balloon animals and face-painting will be available for children until 4 p.m. Free.

Making Black America: The African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (4321 Atlantic Ave.) invites residents to celebrate Black joy and accomplishments through a free event featuring music, dancing, art and a family reunion-style feast. The event is held in collaboration with PBS SoCal, KCET and KJAZZ

A woman takes a photo of the central figure of Narsiso Martinez’s piece “Legal Tender” on display as part of the “Rethinking Essential” exhibit at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach on Aug. 13, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Sunday 2/26

Community Volunteer Day: 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed to help maintain the Healthy Active Long Beach Community Peace Garden (1133 Rhea St.). Those who attend will be able to take home some of the harvest. Attendees are also invited to bring produce they’ve grown at home to trade with each other in a “crop swap.” Free.

Baddies Box: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Residents are invited to this beginner-friendly, LGBTQ-friendly boxing class held at 400 W Anaheim St. every Sunday. Classes are taught on a donation-based sliding scale from $5-35. Handwraps are required to box, and available for purchase for $15. 

Afro-Latinx Festival: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.) is holding a festival in honor of Afro-Latinx cultures. The celebration will include performances, music, food, workshops and more. Backpacks and large bags are not allowed in the museum. Free.

Community Swim Day: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy the public pool at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.). All ages are welcome. Children must be at least 48 inches tall, or be accompanied in the water at all times by an adult. For more information, call 562 741 9010. Free.

Luzien Albanese runs through some punching drills while holding five-pound dumbbells in their hands at a Devotion Fitness class at Bluff Park on Aug. 19, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Monday 2/27

Seaside Workout: 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. This early morning workout class by Energy Rich Fitness at Bluff Park (2500 E Ocean Ave.) is meant to invigorate participants while helping them get in shape. Tickets cost $25, and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

African Drums & Dance: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Teresa Smith and Chazz Ross will guide participants in practicing African dance styles accompanied by Djembe drums at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). This event is appropriate for all ages. The drums will be provided. Free.

Stephanie Flores hands a bottle of water and other essential groceries at the Norfside Long Beach Food Drive on Saturday, Oct. 1. The recipient’s face has been blurred for privacy reasons. (Emma DiMaggio | Signal Tribune)

Tuesday 2/28

Food Distribution: 10 a.m. to noon. Individuals and families in need are invited to receive groceries at Community Medical Wellness Centers USA (1360 E Anaheim St.). Attendees should bring a cart or bag to carry their food home. For more information call 562-826-1608 or 562-624-5477. Free.

Manga Club: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Teens who love manga and anime are invited to the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E Hill St.) for discussions, activities and screenings every fourth Tuesday of the month. Free.

Some of the products Cinply Essentials provide include: Wild Flower Face Steam, Frida Kahlo body scrub, and a variety of face products like toning mist, moisturizers and face cleanser. (Signal Tribune File Photo)

Wednesday 3/1

Sensory Story Time: 11 a.m. to noon. 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.

Food Distribution: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The local nonprofit Help Me Help You and the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.) will be giving out groceries to individuals and families in need. Both drive-through and walk-up services will be available. Free.

The Black Story/Future: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Earthlodge Center for Transformation will be holding a virtual event in honor of Black history month specifically for Black people. It is recommended that those who attend the online event come prepared with pens, paper, comfortable clothing, hot tea, a bowl of water with essential oil and a picture of an ancestor. It is recommended that before participating in the online gathering, attendees take a cleansing salt bath or shower the night before, meditate for 10 minutes and get a good night’s sleep. To register, visit bit.lyblackstoryfuture. Free.

A view of the front entrance of the Billie Jean King Main Library in Long Beach on May 13, 2022. The library was renamed in dedication to the Long Beach native and tennis player in 2019. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Thursday 3/2

Senior Dancing for Health: 10 a.m. to noon. The United Cambodian Community of Long Beach is holding a line-dancing class for seniors at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Seniors are encouraged to socialize with each other as they learn various country line dances. To register, call (562) 989-7323 or visit the library. Free.

English Conversation Club: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. English language learners are invited to practice English conversations together at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). This is an informal gathering and a safe space for anyone trying to learn English. Free.

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