“Another day in paradise” the saying goes, and though Long Beach and Signal Hill have their issues (lack of housing, ongoing attempts to increase equity, COVID-19 and now several local cases of monkeypox—the list goes on), the cities still seem like paradise, especially during these warm summer months. And what better way to enjoy them than getting out and participating in your community.
This week offers multiple opportunities to show your support for Roe v. Wade, including a candlelight vigil at the courthouse and a fundraiser at Alex’s Bar.
As you try to beat the heat this week, remember to provide extra care for your plant friends. Our local orchid society is hosting a talk on growing during droughts. (You can find our full feature on the club here.)
If you’re hoping to escape your house this weekend (we’re looking at you, people without centralized cooling), there are plenty of opportunities to get out into one of our many parks or beaches to listen to music or watch a movie—fingers crossed for that lovely sea breeze, and don’t forget your snacks!
Friday, July 22
My Pediatric & Respiratory Care Clinic: Noon to 4 p.m. This mobile medical clinic by Claris Health will be providing pregnancy tests, initial pregnancy ultrasounds, blood pressure checks, STD testing, well women exams and social and medical referrals at 720 Alamitos Ave. Walk-ins are welcome. All services are free.
Grill and Chill: Noon to 3 p.m. The first of a new monthly event in Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.) hosted by Mental Health America of LA. The public is invited to enjoy music, food and games. This event will be held on the fourth Friday of each month going forward. Free.
Social Connections Art Exhibit: 4 p.m. member access, 6 p.m. public access. Residents are invited to celebrate the existence and resilience of the LGBTQ community, primarily elder LGBTQ folks. This art exhibit at The LGBTQ Center Long Beach (2017 E. 4th Street) will feature artwork created in workshops and classes at The Center as well as from students and local artists. Free.
Saturday, July 23
Plastic Free July Cleanup Challenge: 9 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to participate in this beach clean up organized by LA Water Keeper and OC Coast Keeper. The goal of the event is to remove as much plastic waste from the shore as possible. Meet at Junipero Beach. Register by visiting lawaterkeeper.link/plasticfreelb. Free.
Cheers to the Queers Skate Event: 10:30 a.m. Queers and queer ally skaters are invited to skate together. The theme of the event is “Rainbow” and attendees are asked to dress in rainbow colored clothing, or whatever makes them feel validated and seen. Meet at the intersection of Junipero and Ocean. Free.
Clothing Swap and Gender Affirming Supply Closet: Noon to 4 p.m. The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach will host a clothing swap and gender-affirming supply closet. To participate, come by The Center (2017 E. 4th Street) to swap, exchange or grab free gently used clothing. Clothing will be available for ages 13 and up. Mask up! Call 562-434-4455 for more information. Free.
Soft Opening at Long Beach Exchange: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The public is invited to celebrate the soft opening of local apparel brand Stay Anchored’s new location inside the Hangar at the Long Beach Exchange (4150 McGowen St. Suite 9). Free shirts will be given out while supplies last.
City By The Sea, Live Panting and Music: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Inside a local gallery (1740 E 7th St.), attendees will be able to enjoy live painting by Azteksoulart, music by multiple performers, food by the Quesadilla Calling and various vendors.
Free Park Concert: 4:30 p.m. A free outdoor concert by the Long Beach Camerata Singers at Scherer Park. Free.
Critical Eye Movie Nights: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A screening of the film “Tangerine” by director Sean Baker at Wood Coffee Co. Plant-based Mexican food from Dear Mama will be available for purchase. ($20-$30)
Kevin Land Band with Luke Elder & The Infinite Ways: 7:30 p.m to midnight. A music video shoot and show featuring local bands at Elinor’s Drinkery (250 N Tribune Ct.). For those 21 and older. Attendees can also enjoy a selection of women-made ciders, beers and wines. There are some surprises planned for the crowd. Free.
Roe v. Wade Candelight Vigil: 7 p.m. A candlelight vigil organized by LB/OC Women Rising will take place at the Long Beach Courthouse. Attendees can write postcards to President Joe Biden demanding action, contribute to a mural by a local artist, listen to speakers and light a candle for Roe v. Wade. Free.
The Long Beach Camerata Singers have recently welcomed 16 new members to their ranks in preparation for a new season.
Sunday, July 24
Clothing Swap: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3 Women Company will host a clothing swap and summer marketplace under the patio on the corner of 1st Street and Linden Avenue. Bring 10 pieces of gently used clothing and swap out your pieces the same number that you brought. All remaining clothes will be donated to Long Beach Community Table. Free.
Free Park Concert: 4:30 p.m. A free outdoor concert by the Long Beach Camerata Singers at Los Cerritos Park. Free.
Monday, July 25
Concerts in the Park(ing Lot): 6:30 p.m. Listen to the band Buyepongo play pan-Latin tunes from the Caribbean, salsa, cumbias and more at the Bixby Joe Parking Lot (4245 Atlantic Ave.). Residents are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own chairs. Leashed dogs are welcome. Hosted by the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association. Free.
Tuesday, July 26
LB Disability Pride Month Rally: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This rally celebrating Disability Pride Month will include guest speakers, music, a sign making station and more at Harvey Milk Park (185 E 3rd St.) Attendees are highly encouraged to wear masks.
Queer Film Club : 7 p.m. A screening of the 1974 film “Female Trouble” by director John Waters. Drinks and snacks will be available. Attendees should bring their own seats. All gender identities welcome. Movie starts playing at 8 p.m.
“Encanto” at Granada Beach: 8 p.m. Watch a screening of “Encanto” at Granada Beach (5000 E. Ocean Blvd). The event will feature pre-show entertainment from local bands. The event is part of the summer-long Moonlight Movies at the Beach series. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to sit on. Food trucks will be present. The movie screenings are family-friendly and pet-friendly. The event is sponsored by Long Beach Transit. Free.
Wednesday, July 27
Summer Lunch Cruise: All day. With any purchase of a to-go order from participating residents, customers will receive a complimentary 30-minute harbor cruise by Spirit Cruises in the Shoreline Village Area. Customers must pre-order their meals by calling participating restaurants to place their orders and reserve their tickets. Boarding passes will be given out at the same time as lunch orders. Participating restaurants include Gilan Pizza, Shenanigans Pub and Tug Boat Pete’s.
Bel Canto Books CelbrAsian Laughs and Sass: 6 p.m. CelbrAsian: Laughs and Sass will take place at The Hangout. Four Asian American Pacific Islander women (contemporary romance author Jayci Lee, young adult romance author Susan Lee, twice-nominated Lefty Award author Jennifer Chow and author Suzanne Park) will be present. RSVP at www.belcantobooks.net/events. ($10)
Beatles Cover Band at Signal Hill Park: 6 p.m. Twist and shout with Beatles cover band Britain’s Finest at Signal Hill Park (2175 Cherry Ave.) as part of the city’s Concerts in the Park series. A diversity showcase organized by the city’s Diversity Coalition Committee will begin at 6 p.m., with music at 6:30 p.m. Bring snacks and something to sit on (unless you like sitting in the grass). Free.
LBC Skate Night: 7 p.m. An intermediate roller skating route. Participants should be comfortable rollerskating 10 miles or more at a moderate pace, going uphill and stopping abruptly. Meet at Rosie’s Dog Beach (5000 E Ocean Blvd.). Rollout is at 7:30 p.m. Free.
South Coast Orchid Society Talk on Growing During Droughts: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The South Coast Orchid Society of Long Beach will host a program by Donna Ballard on “Growing Orchids in the Middle of a Drought” at Whaley Park Community Center (5620 E. Atherton Street). Ballard has professional experience in houseplant maintenance, training in the American Orchid Society judging program and volunteer work with major orchid collections, with many awards to her credit. She will share her thoughts on how to adapt growing methods to new situations, such as water restrictions, extreme heat, alternatives such as indoor growing under lights, and some of the gadgets, tricks and strategies that have been proposed. Great for plant enthusiasts. Free.
Thursday, July 28
Queer Date Night: 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. This romantic evening will include a pizza making workshop led by Miller Butler Pasta and a sommelier-led tasting of natural wines from Art Du Vin Wine Bar. The date night will take place at The Urban Farm (1336 Gladys Ave.) Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite for $60.
Pro-Roe Fundraiser: 8 p.m. A show by local band Bad Cop Bad Cop and Stromhouse at Alex’s Bar (2913 E Anaheim St.) that will raise funds for reproductive rights. Tacos from Cheyrap! Filifusion will be available for purchase. The event will be filmed and live streamed. ($10)
6 comments
Comments are closed.