Events this week highlight Long Beach’s diversity and community-centric culture, with ways to support nonprofits and celebrate Latin American Heritage Month.
Agaves Ultra Lounge is kicking off the weekend with a free two-day party complete with drink specials and plenty of dancing, while KUBO LB will recognize Latinx poetry and local libraries invite families to partake in loteria and Spanish story time. Spooky gatherings are beginning to creep in as well, with a speakeasy at the Queen Mary Thursday night.
Residents can support the annual citywide fundraiser to help Long Beach’s nonprofits at a free event at the Recreation Park Bandshell Sunday or a community bike ride through Bixby Knolls the same morning. Other ways to support the community include Compound’s market Saturday morning, a golf and taco party at the Heartwell Golf Course Tuesday night or at Long Beach State’s women’s volleyball game Thursday night.
Friday 9/13
Movies & Moonlight: 6 p.m. The public is invited to watch the animated film “IF” at the outdoor shopping complex 2nd & PCH (at the intersection of Second Street and Pacific Coast Highway). Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs to sit on. Free.
“In The Blood”: 7:30 p.m. The Garage Theatre will premiere its latest show from Pulitzer-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks “In The Blood.” The show will mark longtime member Craig Johnson’s directorial debut in this show that examines how America treats homelessness and poverty. Tickets are $25 for general admission, and the show runs through Oct. 12.
Mexican Independence Party: 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Celebrate Mexican Independence with live music, DJs, dancing and drink specials at Agaves Ultra Lounge (200 Pine Ave.). The event runs for two days. Ages 21 and over. No cover charge. Register on Eventbrite.
Saturday 9/14
Strollers Walking Club: 7:15 a.m. Join Bixby Knolls residents on this peaceful stroll through the neighborhood, with free coffee and treats along the way. Strollers should meet at the Coffee Bean (4105 Atlantic Ave.) at 7:15 a.m. Free.
Reading Meetup: 10 a.m. The Silent Book Club Long Beach chapter will be holding a gathering of readers at SteelCraft Long Beach (3768 Long Beach Blvd.). Attendees are invited to bring whatever book they’re currently reading. Free.
Summer Shoe Giveaway: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Made New Foundation (5580 Cherry Ave.) will be giving away Vans shoes and merchandise for youth between the ages of 11 and 26. There will be food and music. Free.
Ribbon Cutting: 11 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of a new ocean-side sports court at Junipero Beach (2630 E Ocean Blvd.), including a basketball court and roller skating area. Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome. Free.
Community Market: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public can discover local artists, handmade goods and food vendors at this marketplace hosted by local nonprofit Compound (1395 Coronado Ave.). Free admission.
Classical Spanish and Flamenco Music and Dance: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Flamenco dancer Susana Elena will introduce and perform a variety of dances from Spain and Gypsy Spain while solo classical guitarist Pietro Ruscigno plays a selection of the timeless compositions created for the Spanish guitar at the Bret Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W Willow St.). The audience will learn how to clap to flamenco rhythm, use their arms and hands like flamenco dancers, and at the show’s end, children are invited onstage to join in a simple flamenco dance performed with scarves. Free.
Brewery Gallery: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Two Long Beach artists have teamed up to create the “Duality” show at ISM Brewing (210 E Third St.). The show will be running through Oct. 31. Free.
Live Music: 8 p.m. Local band Kool Breezz will be performing at 562 Pacific Grill (2050 Pacific Ave.). No cover charge.
Sunday 9/15
Long Beach Gives Live: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join this special fundraising event featuring live music, food trucks and community activities at the Recreation Park Bandshell (4900 E Seventh St.). The event celebrates Long Beach Gives, a citywide day of giving that supports local nonprofits. Attendees can enjoy performances by local artists and learn more about participating charities. Free admission; donations encouraged to support various causes.
Kidical Mass: 11 a.m. Families with kids of all ages are invited to this monthly group bike ride through Bixby Knolls. This event will promote the annual Long Beach Gives Fundraiser. Families can meet in the back parking lot of Pixie Toys (3914 Atlantic Ave.). Free.
Celebrating Latinx Poetry: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The public is invited to celebrate and appreciate poetry by Latinx writers at KUBO LB (3976 Atlantic Ave.). The panel of poets will include liz gonzalez [sic], Mia Amore Del Bando, Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo and more. Register for free on Eventbrite
Monday 9/16
Spanish Storytime: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children of all ages will be able to enjoy Spanish stories read by library staff at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Free.
Family Loteria: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The public is invited to a family-friendly game of loteria at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Free.
Tuesday 9/17
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 Alamitos Neighborhood Library (1595 W Willow St.). Legos will be provided. Free.
Farmers Market: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. This market at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.) features local vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods and live music. Free entry.
Beginner-Friendly Driving Range & Tacos: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Those interested in golf can practice their swing at Heartwell Golf Course (6700 E Carson St.) while enjoying tacos. Open to all skill levels. A bucket of balls will cost $17; tacos prices vary.
Wednesday 9/18
Coffee With a Cop: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to meet and have coffee with their local police officers at Milana’s New York Pizzeria (165 E Fourth St.). Free to attend.
Queen Mary Movie Night: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The public is invited to a screening of the 2023 movie “Wonka” at the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy.). Admission is free, but registration is required. To register for this event, visit queenmary.com. Couples can also purchase a movie experience package online for $99, which includes reserved couch seating for four, assorted small snacks and a bottle of champagne.
Thursday 9/19
Washington Huskies vs. Long Beach State Beach: 7 p.m. Cheer on the home team during this women’s volleyball game at Walter Pyramid (1250 N Bellflower Blvd.). Tickets can be purchased for $12 at longbeachstate.com.
Community Film Double Date: 7:30 p.m. Long Beach Community Media Arts and The Echo Park Film Center will each present a film about the community they represent, “Dear Long Beach: Diary Films” and “The Sound we See: A Los Angeles City Symphony.” These independent films will show at the Long Beach Art Theatre (2025 E Fourth St.) with $13.50 tickets.
Magic After Hours: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. This community mixer at Beachwood Brewing and Distilling (3630 Atlantic Ave.) will feature a happy hour, a magician, a tarot card reader and a live DJ. Free.
Spooky Speakeasy: 8 p.m. Those 21 and over are invited onboard the Queen Mary to listen to a variety of spooky stories, each one paired with a specialty beverage. Tickets are purchased for $55 on the Queen Mary’s website.
