Looking to connect with the Long Beach community this week? Whether you want to volunteer, have fun or simply spend time with your neighbors, there’s plenty of options and opportunities.
Residents and families that might need a helping hand can stop by food and grocery giveaways Friday, Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday from the Long Beach Community Table. A low-cost vaccine clinic for pets will also be held by the City on Monday, so pet owners don’t have to break the bank to protect their furry friends. Families with school age children can also receive free haircuts and shoes at a community event at Lincoln Park on Saturday.
Kids can get creative and make their own maracas at Billie Jean King Main Library or 3D print bookmarks at Harte Neighborhood Library. More creative outlets this week include a community creative cafe hosted by Birthworkers of Color on Monday and zine-making and book swapping event at Wood Coffee Co. Wednesday night.
The entire family can spend time together volunteering at cleanups throughout the city, hiking from one rancho to another or playing Loteria together at a local library.
Friday 9/19
Free Groceries: Noon to 4 p.m. Residents can get free food, hygiene products, clothing, shoes and books from the Long Beach Community Table (3311 59th St.).
Futures First Orientation: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Young adults and teens ages 16 to 24 who are not currently in school or working are invited to the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center (508 W. Willow St.) for this orientation to the Futures First program. This program helps participants explore career options, gain life skills training while connecting with mentors, internships and other support services. Learn more at FuturesFirstLB.com. Free.
Saturday 9/20
Community Clean Up: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join the Long Beach Public Works Department for a community clean up in the College Square Neighborhood. Volunteers will meet at 6703 Harbor Ave. All ages are welcome. Free.
Ranchos Walk: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community is invited to this multi-level, all-ages friendly walk from Ranchos Los Alamitos to Rancho Los Cerritos, beginning at different stages and ending with a celebration at Rancho Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Road). See all details online. Free.
Community Clean Up: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join the AOC7 Neighborhood Organization for a community clean up. Volunteers will meet at 1363 Gundry Ave. All ages are welcome. Free.
Ocean Friendly Gardening: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join the Surfrider Foundation in transforming an underutilized grass planter into a vibrant ocean friendly garden, which prevents pollution and conserves water. Volunteers will learn about the Ocean Friendly Garden program, dig rainwater retention features, plant native plants and spread mulch. The exact location will be shared upon online sign-up. Free.
Skate Jam & Turn Up: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This Fifth annual Skate Jam and Shoe Giveaway from Dreamz Into Goals invites families to a day of resources and fun at Lincoln Park (101 Pacific Ave.), featuring free haircuts, skateboards and shoes. Free.
Vida Latina: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This hands-on craft session will allow children to design and build their own maracas using everyday materials at Billie Jean King Mail Library (200 W. Broadway). Free.
Free Groceries: Noon to 2 p.m. Residents can get free food, hygiene products, clothing, shoes and books from the Long Beach Community Table (3311 59th St.).
Sunday 9/21
Friends of Puvungna Caretaking Day: 9:30 a.m. Join Friends of Puvungna in taking care of sacred land, beginning at Cal State Long Beach lot G-2 (1250 Bellflower Blvd.). Bring your own gloves, a water container, a chair to rest on and a potluck dish to share with the community. Free.
Immigration Fundraiser: 11 a.m. Long Beach Book Club is hosting another fundraiser to help families impacted by ICE raids, at Casita Bookstore (1440 E. Fourth St.). Their Aguas Frescas y Libros fundraiser will feature pepino (cucumber), horchata and sandia (watermelon) flavors for $5 each.
Environmental Panel: 11:30 a.m. Hear from speakers such as representatives from the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust, Citizen’s Climate Lobby, Bolsa Chica Wetlands and Aquarium of the Pacific during this Creation Justice Forum at the First Congregational Church of Long Beach (241 Cedar Ave.). Free.
714 Market: Noon to 6 p.m. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at 2ND & PCH (6400 Pacific Coast Hwy.) with a lively vendor market featuring more than 30 local and handcrafted vendors, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and festive photo backdrops. Free admission.
Trashion Show: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a night of fashion and sustainability at the Long Beach Playhouse (5021 E. Anaheim St.), where local designers and models will show off creative outfits made from recycled materials. Tickets are $23.18 on Eventbrite.
Monday 9/22
Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Long Beach Animal Care Services (7700 E Spring St.) will be offering discounted vaccines and microchips for pets. Cats must be brought in carriers and dogs must be leashed. Services are available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 60 pets. Treatment prices vary.
Mug Swap and Brunch: 10 a.m. Celebrate the official start of fall with a fall or Halloween-themed mug swap at Bolivar Park (3300 Del Amo Blvd.), hosted by Not Just A Mom Club. There will be coffee and pastries for adults, and snacks for kids to enjoy while they play at the playground. RSVP at the link in the bio of @notjustamomclub on Instagram. Free.
Community Creative Cafe: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tap into a creative flow with fellow artists and community members with a collage workshop led by Raina Beigler, at Birth Workers of Color’s office at 1635 E. Anaheim St. Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring extra scraps or pictures to collage. A $15-25 sliding scale is suggested for entry.
Orchid Society: 7 p.m. The South Coast Orchid Society is hosting this “Orchid Virus Testing Workshop” at the Whaley Park Community Center (5620 E. Atherton St.). Most amateur growers have heard about orchid viruses, but few of us have actually tested our plants. A fresh 3/4 square inch section of a leaf is all that is needed (please clean off the cutting tool after use, and put the sample in a plastic sandwich bag), but they will not be able to test more than one or two samples per person. Healthy blooming orchids grown by members and guests will be on display. Free.
Tuesday 9/23
Coffee With A Cop: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Meet and chat with South Division officers over coffee at a local McDonald’s (640 Long Beach Blvd.). This event is a casual way to connect with local law enforcement and ask questions. Free to attend.
Free Groceries: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Residents can get free food, hygiene products, clothing, shoes and books from the Long Beach Community Table (3311 59th St.).
Wednesday 9/24
Zine-Making and Book Swap: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Local creatives and those who are zine-curious are invited to an evening of art and book swapping at Wood Coffee Co. (2728 E. 10th St.). Visitors should bring supplies, but some paper and supplies will be available. There will also be a table with tarot and raffle prizes fundraising for a family in Gaza. Free.
Free Groceries: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Residents can get free food, hygiene products, clothing, shoes and books from the Long Beach Community Table (3311 59th St.).
Movies n’ Books Club: 7 p.m. The Art Theatre of Long Beach (2025 E. Fourth St.) is partnering with Bel Canto Books for a special screening of “Catch Me If You Can,” based on Frank W. Abagnale’s memoir. The film follows the incredible true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr., a master forger and con artist who posed as a doctor, lawyer and airline co-pilot before turning 18, all while being pursued by FBI agent Carl Hanratty. Finishing the book is optional, and everyone is welcome to join this celebration of literature and film. General admission tickets cost $15.
Thursday 9/25
Teen Art Workshop: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Teens are invited to the Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E. Anaheim St.) to explore the tradition of Mexican Amate paper and create their own unique artwork. All materials will be provided. Free.
Family Lotería Night: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Bring the whole family to Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E. Hill St.) for an evening of Lotería. Enjoy music, crafts and a chance to win prizes. This event is open to all ages. Free.
3D Printing for Kids: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Kids ages 10 to 12 are invited to the Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.) to learn the basics of 3D printing and design using the program Tinkercad. Participants will create and print their own bookmarks. No prior experience is needed. Registration through the City’s online calendar is required. Free.
Food Week Bash: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrate the kickoff of 2ND & PCH’s 10-day food festival with food and beverage tastings (21+), live salsa music by Gabrielito y La Verdad, and restaurant specials. The event takes place along Seaport Way at 2ND & PCH (6400 Pacific Coast Hwy.). General admission tickets can be purchased for $12.51 on Eventbrite.
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