Residents can spend the last weekend in March joining their community in exciting activities or learning new skills.
A few community events include a tsunami preparation fair at Rogers Mini Park or the celebration of the Community Cat Spay and Neuter Project, both on Saturday morning. More active ways to join neighbors is the Sport Basement’s FitFest on Sunday, an open mic Monday, and a dog meet-up or community zumba class Tuesday.
People of all ages have plenty of opportunities this week to learn something new, through a chess club at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Friday, a cooking class at Partake Collective Sunday, an educational lecture at the Aquarium of the Pacific Wednesday or an English conversation club at the Burnett Neighborhood Library Thursday.
Friday 3/28
Toddler Storytime: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Parents of babies and toddlers between 9 months and 3 years old are invited to bring their children to the Dana Branch Neighborhood Library (3680 Atlantic Ave.) to enjoy stories, songs and arts & crafts. Free.
Mobile Recess Program: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kids between the ages of 5 and 14 are invited to participate in sports and arts and crafts activities in a safe environment during this City-run after-school program at Hudson Park (2335 Webster Ave.). Free.
Virtual Reality Experience: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can immerse themselves in the virtual reality boxing game “Thrill of the Fight” at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Free, but advanced registration is required by calling (562) 989-7323.
Chess Club: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adults and teens over 16 are invited to play chess together at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.). Chess sets will be provided. Free.
‘Spirited Away’: 4 p.m. The last evening of the Long Beach Art Theatre’s showing of the Oscar-winning beloved Studio Ghibli film “Spirited Away,” a tale about a young girl getting swept up in the world of spirits and various creatures. Tickets can be purchased on the theater’s website or at the door at 2025 E. Fourth St.
Exhibition Opening: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Loiter Galleries (425 The Promenade N) presents “A Photographer and a Painter Walk Into a Bar,” an exhibition featuring the works of Stacey Crockett and Denise Skeeter. Crockett’s photography, capturing moments from her global travels, is interpreted by Skeeter’s metaphysical paintings. The opening reception will include live music and the chance to meet the artists. Free.
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: 8 p.m. Experience a timeless Shakespearean comedy at the Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Helen Borgers Theater (4250 Atlantic Ave.). Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or at the door.
Saturday 3/29
Tsunami Walk & Preparedness Fair: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The City of Long Beach Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications will be informing the public about the dangers of tsunamis at Rogers Mini Park (Appian Way & Nieto Ave.). Learn about tsunami risks, evacuation plans and safety strategies from expert speakers and resource booths. At 10:30 a.m., participants can join a Tsunami Walk, simulating an evacuation from a hazard zone to safety. Free.
Khmer Storytime: 11 a.m. to noon. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children to the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) to enjoy Khmer stories, music and movements led by local business Khemara Kids. This event is appropriate for kids of all ages, but especially aimed at children between 1 and 5 years old. Free.
Socialist Book Club: Noon. The Long Beach chapter of Democratic Socialists of America is hosting this reading group, deemed Red Rose Salon, where attendees will chat about primitive accumulation and how socialists can collectively organize against it. For details about location, RSVP at @dsa_lb on Instagram. Free.
Cat Spay & Neuter Project Grand Opening: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Join Long Beach Animal Care Services and The Little Lion Foundation for the grand opening of the Long Beach Community Cat Spay and Neuter Project (1179 E. Wardlow Road). This initiative aims to reduce the overpopulation of free-roaming community cats in Long Beach, Cerritos, Los Alamitos and Signal Hill through accessible sterilization services. The event will include remarks from local leaders, a tour of the facility and information about the program’s mission. Free.
Spring Resource Fair: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This family-friendly event will offer an array of healthy and fun resources at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.). The fair will feature massages, blood pressure checks, a kids’ corner, self defense sessions, community yoga, breath work, free groceries, a sound bath, dominoes, chess and spade. Free.
Live Music: 8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of jazz and swing music aboard the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy), featuring Alex Mendham and his 11-piece orchestra performing classic songs from the art deco era, including hits by Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong and Glenn Miller. Black-tie, formal or vintage glam attire is encouraged. Tickets can be purchased on the ship’s website for $42.40.
Sunday 3/30
FitFest: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sports Basement Long Beach (2100 N. Bellflower Blvd.) is hosting a day of movement, wellness and community. Events include a 5K Fun Run at 8 a.m., a shoe clinic, kids’ activities, fitness challenges, yoga and a kettlebell class. Attendees can visit vendor booths, participate in giveaways and enjoy complimentary beverages. Donations support the American Diabetes Association Step Out Walk. Free.
‘Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy Marathon: Noon to 11 p.m. A single movie ticket can get you a day’s worth of one of the most iconic fantasy film adaptations. The Art Theatre of Long Beach (2025 E. Fourth St.) will show each film with a book-centric discussion between each movie, as part of the Movies ‘N Books Club. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online.
Taste of Lagos Cooking Class: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn to prepare authentic Nigerian cuisine with Chef Simileoluwa Adebajo at Partake Collective (456 Elm Ave.). Using family recipes, she brings the flavors of Lagos to Long Beach. The menu includes akara fritters, catfish pepper soup and egusi stew with pounded yam. After cooking, enjoy a family-style dining experience. Tickets can be purchased for $105 on Partake Collective’s website.
Monday 3/31
Printmaking Mondays: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Every Monday, Place LB (2172 Pacific Ave.) invites the public to learn how to make their own lino prints. Materials will be provided. A donation of $1 to $8 is suggested, but no one will be turned away because they can’t pay.
Know Your Rights Workshop: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This workshop led by local immigration rights group ÓRALE is hosting a community defense Know Your Rights workshop, where residents can learn about the constitutional rights they have, regardless of citizenship status at 236 E Third St. This workshop is open to allies and those directly impacted. Free.
No Pulp Poetry Club: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Local poets are invited to share their work during this open mic night at Recreational Coffee (237 Long Beach Blvd., Suite A). Free admission.
Tuesday 4/1
Paws on the Promenade: 5 p.m. Bring your pup and meet fellow dog lovers at this monthly dog-friendly meet-up in downtown Long Beach at The Promenade North (235 The Promenade N.). Enjoy a group walk through DTLB while socializing with the community. Free.
Veni Vidi Solvi: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Join the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.) for an hour of puzzle-solving fun. Explore a variety of puzzles or bring your own to share with others. This event takes place on the first Tuesday of each month. Free.
Zumba at the Library: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Get a good workout with Latin and international-inspired music at the Signal Hill Library Terrace (1800 E. Hill St.). All skill levels are welcome. Free.
Wednesday 4/2
Baby Storytime: 10 a.m. to 10:45 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.
First Wednesdays at the Aquarium: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) hosts a monthly lecture series featuring various experts. This month, Dr. Laura Carstensen of Stanford University will discuss how extended lifespans can enhance quality of life. Tickets cost $5 on the aquarium’s website and $10 at the door.
Thursday 4/3
Lego Club: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. School-aged children 6 years old and up are invited to build with Legos at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Drive). Legos will be provided. Free.
English Conversation Club: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. English language learners are invited to practice English conversations together at the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E. Hill St.). This is an informal gathering and a safe space for anyone trying to learn English. Free.
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