If you’re stuck in the between-Christmas-and-New-Year daze, these celebrations and gatherings in Long Beach and Signal Hill are the perfect way to end the year, and start a new one Monday!
The weekend is filled with different ways of celebrating the new year, from kid-friendly pajama parties at local libraries and a family-friendly day party at Roxanne’s to a bar crawl across Long Beach, firework shows on the waterfront and a ‘20s-themed party at the Wicked Wolf.
If you want to start the year off being active, Nu Image Now Wellness Center is hosting an intermediate evening hike through Signal Hill Tuesday and residents will be doing yoga on the beach at the Horny Corner Wednesday morning. Those looking to try something adventurous in 2024 can try out in the Long Beach Playhouse’s auditions Tuesday and Wednesday, or receive Tai Chi lessons Thursday.
Friday 12/29
Noon Year’s Eve Dance Party: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Young children are invited to celebrate the new year early at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W Broadway), with dancing and a balloon drop. Free.
Noon Year’s Eve Pajama Party: 11 a.m. to noon. Young children are invited to celebrate the new year early at the Brewitt Neighborhood Library (4036 E Anaheim St.), with a balloon drop, noisemakers and a dance party. Free.
Teen Crochet Club: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Teens between 13 and 17 are invited to the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W Broadway) to learn the basics of crochet and make their own granny squares. Free.
Open Mic: 6 p.m. Residents and artists of all types can attend this All Arts Open Mic at Confidential Coffee (137 W Sixth St.) every second and fourth Friday. Tickets include five minutes of mic time and can be purchased online for $5 on Eventbrite.
Saturday 12/30
80s Movie Screening: 11 a.m. The Long Beach Art Theatre (2025 E Fourth St.) will host a single film screening of the 1989 romantic comedy classic “When Harry Met Sally” starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. There will be a final showing of the film the following day. Tickets are $13.50 and can be purchased online.
Hip-Hop Bingo: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The public is invited to participate in a hip-hop-themed bingo game at 245 Pine Ave. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their pajamas. Bingo cards will be provided. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased for $35 on Eventbrite.
Saturday Night Slam: 9:30 p.m. Those 21 and older are invited to enjoy a stand up comedy performance at The Laugh Factory (151 S Pine Ave.). Tickets can be purchased on Tixr for $25.
Sunday 12/31
NYE Day Party: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Families, kids and friends can celebrate new Year’s Eve early in the day at Roxanne’s Bar (1115 E Wardlow Road) with food specials, a variety of games, non-alcoholic drinks and alcohol specials, a photo booth, DJs, all-day karaoke, cookie decorating booths and more. Ideal for those who want to spend time with the family during the day, then celebrate adult-style at night. Entry is free.
Family Fireworks Cruise: 7:30 p.m. Harbor Breeze Cruises will be hosting a two-hour cruise around the Long Beach Harbor, where those onboard can enjoy the New Year’s Eve fireworks over the water. Tickets can be purchased for $65 on Eventbrite.
The Howling Twenties New Year’s Eve: 8 p.m. The Wicked Wolf (2332 Pacific Ave.) will be holding a New Year’s celebration for those 21 and older. Tickets for $25 include access to the dancefloor, a half-hour dance lesson and one glass of champagne for the midnight toast. Tickets for $75 include access to the dancefloor, a half-hour dance lesson, one cocktail, one glass of champagne for the midnight toast and access to the upstairs buffet. Tickets can be purchased on The Wicked Wolf’s website.
New Year’s Eve Night Dive: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. This event at the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) will include music, a silent disco, karaoke, a photobooth and more. Those 21 and over will be able to purchase alcoholic beverages. This event is only for those 18 and older. Tickets can be purchased for $95 on the aquarium’s website.
New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl: 8 p.m. Nasstive Entertainment is organizing this bar crawl through the city. Ten local businesses will be participating by offering special deals for bar crawl participants. To learn more, or to purchase tickets for $39, visit Eventbrite.
Fireworks on the Waterfront: 9 p.m. and midnight. There will be two separate fireworks shows over the Long Beach Harbor, an earlier one for those who want to get to bed early, and one at midnight to ring in the New Year. Free.
Monday 1/1
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.
Karaoke: 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Port City Tavern (4306 E Anaheim St.) invites those 21 and older to sing karaoke. Free.
Tuesday 1/2
Six-Mile Urban Hike: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nu Image Now Wellness Center (3351 East Hill St.) is organizing this group hike across Signal Hill. This hike will be at an intermediate to fast pace. Beginners should condition their body before joining or plan to be left behind by the group. Workout attire is strongly recommended. Hikers will leave right on time, so participants are urged to arrive a few minutes early. Free.
Local Theater Open Call Auditions: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Long Beach Playhouse (5021 E Anaheim St.) is holding open call auditions for its upcoming production of “Ben Hur.” Auditions will continue at the same time the following day. Actors must be available to perform every single Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. between Feb. 24 and March 23. Those who audition are asked to bring headshots and a resume. This is a volunteer acting role, and actors will not receive any pay for their work. Free.
Wednesday 1/3
Galactivated Yoga on the Beach: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to a seaside yoga session at Horny Corner (57 Bay Shore Ave.). Participants are asked to bring a towel or mat and water. Children are welcome. Free.
Cuentos y Crafts: Noon to 1 p.m. Children between 3 and 5 years old and their parents are invited to enjoy arts, crafts and a bilingual storytime at Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E. Hill St.). Free.
Silent Film Screening: Noon to 2 p.m. The Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) is kicking off its 1920s silent film screening series with the 1922 classic horror film “Nosferatu.” Free.
Lecture & Cocktails: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event at the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) will include a discussion by Peter Kareiva, President and CEO of the Aquarium of the Pacific, and a screening of the documentary film “National Parks Adventure.” Alcoholic beverages for those over 21 will be available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased for $5 on the aquarium’s website or $10 at the door.
Thursday 1/4
Anime Los Angeles: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This four-day anime convention will feature vendors, cosplayers and entertainment at the Long Beach Convention Center (300 E Ocean Blvd.). Tickets to all four days cost $100. Tickets for individual days range in cost from $35 to $45. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
Tai Chi for Wellness: 11:45 a.m. Anyone interested in learning how to practice Tai Chi is invited to 5608 E Los Santos Dr. for a lesson taught by Angie Sierra. Free, but donations are accepted.
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