For those not quite feeling the spirit of the season yet, this week provides plenty of iconic summer activities to fill the days.
Local bands and inflatable movie screens will be at a park near you—Long Beach and Signal Hill have returned with their lineup of concerts and movies at the park. Residents can watch “Frozen” at MacArthur Park on Friday or “Lightyear” at Orizaba Park Monday and El Dorado West Park Wednesday.
For a more adventurous trip into the outdoors, residents can search for endangered turtles Saturday morning and children can learn about nature at Willow Springs Park Thursday. Residents can finish up their turtle trek and head straight to a community potluck and picnic at Heartwell Park Saturday.
Two patriotic parades will encourage pets and children to dress in their best while they travel through the park or along the beach.
Friday 6/30
Leaders of Violence Prevention Symposium: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Long Beach Advancing Peace Initiative will be hosting a symposium at the Miller Family Health Education Center (3820 Cherry Ave.) in honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Month. This event will include mini-lectures, a panel discussion and spoken word performances. Free.
Movies in the Park: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The public is invited to an outdoor screening of the animated movie “Frozen” at MacArthur Park (1321 E. Anaheim St.). Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic food. The movie will begin at dusk. Free.
Saturday 7/1
Turtle Trek: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Ecologists will lead residents on a stroll through the Los Cerritos Wetlands to spot a glimpse of endangered Pacific Green Sea Turtles that have taken up residence nearby. Participants may also see rabbits, hawks or a burrowing owls on this journey. The hike is open to people 7 years and older, and will begin at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and First Street. Parking is available. Closed-toed shoes are required. Free.
Dog Parade: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friendly local dogs are invited to march in a patriotic parade starting at Lincoln Park (101 Pacific Ave.). Five honorees and their pets will be recognized for their public service. All dogs that participate must be fully vaccinated, leashed, in control and with their owner the entire time. Free.
Community Potluck & Picnic: 11 a.m. Local hiking group Hike, Explore, Repeat will host a potluck and picnic at Heartwell Park (5801 Parkcrest St.) open to the public. The group will be joined by hiking and nature enthusiasts hoping to meet like-minded individuals. Free.
Book Donation Drop Off: Noon to 2 p.m. The friends of Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) invites residents to donate their gently-used books on the curbside on the first Saturday of each month. Free.
Relaxing Rock Painting: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Teens and tweens are invited to try the soothing practice of painting rocks at Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.). Free.
Sunday 7/2
Family Game Night: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. SteelCraft LB (3768 Long Beach Blvd.) will be hosting a family game night every Sunday night. Residents can bring their own games or check some out from Hangry Belly. Free.
Blues & Soul Legend: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Musician Arthur Adams will be performing at Malainey’s Grill & One Hell of an Irish Bar (168 N Marina Dr.). Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite and prices range from $22 to $50 depending on seating.
Sunday Funnies: 7 p.m. Those 21 and older are invited to this weekly comedy show at the Laugh Factory (151 S Pine Ave.). General admission costs $25, and tickets can be purchased on Tixr.
Monday 7/3
Power Up Your Summer: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Children and families can find organized games, healthy snacks and nutrition education at Cesar E. Chavez Park (401 Golden Ave.). Free.
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.
Big Bang on the Bay: 5:30 p.m. This annual Independence Day celebration at Boathouse on the Bay (190 N Marina Dr.) will include dinner and a fireworks show. The event will be catered by Naples Rib Company. Tickets are $75 for adults and $30 for children under 10 years old. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit boathouseonthebay.com.
Movies in the Park: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The public is invited to an outdoor screening of the movie “Lightyear” at Orizaba Park (2937 E. 14th St.). Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic food. The movie will begin at dusk. Free.
Tuesday 7/4
Kids Bike Parade: 9:50 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kids and their parents are invited to participate in a two-mile bike ride along Granada Beach (1 Granada Ave.). The event will also include a patriotic speech contest and a patriotic costume contest. Speeches should be no longer than 90 seconds. Awards will be given out at the end of the event. Free.
4th of July BBQ: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) will host an all-you-can-eat buffet on the front plaza and VIP lunch on the Rooftop Veranda overlooking Rainbow Harbor. Ticket prices vary between the plaza BBQ and rooftop lunch from $55 to $130. All tickets include admission to the aquarium and can be purchased online.
4th of July Boat Party: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Deep House Brunch and Catalina Classic Cruises (1046 Queens Hwy.) will be hosting an Independence Day celebration at sea. The sunset cruise will include house music, tacos, and fireworks. Tickets cost $55 on Eventbrite.
Fireworks: 9 p.m. The public will be able to enjoy a fireworks show from the downtown waterfront, including the Lions Lighthouse for Sight, Shoreline Village, Rainbow Harbor and Marina Green. Parking will be extremely limited, and using ride-shares is advised. Free.
Wednesday 7/5
Food Pantry: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.) and Help Me Help You will be distributing groceries to families and individuals in need. Both drive-thru and walk up service will be available. No registration or appointment is needed. Free.
Adult Art Club: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Adults are invited to learn to make embroidered tea towels at the Brewitt Neighborhood Library (4036 E. Anaheim St.). No registration is necessary, but supplies are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.
Karaoke: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Residents can perform their favorite ballads at this weekly karaoke night at Dutch’s Brewhouse (4244 Atlantic Ave.). Entry is free.
Long Beach Municipal Band Concert: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Long Beach Municipal Band will be continuing its 114th season at Los Cerritos Park (3750 Del Mar Ave.) with a theme of “Star Spangled Salute.” Residents are invited to bring chairs, blankets and picnic food. Free.
Movies in the Park: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The public is invited to an outdoor screening of the movie “Lightyear” at El Dorado West Park (2800 N Studebaker Road). Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic food. The movie will begin at dusk. Free.
Thursday 7/6
Junior Naturalist Program: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Children between the ages of 6 and 10 are invited to engage with the natural habitat, create nature-themed crafts and spend time outdoors at Willow Springs Park (2745 Orange Ave.). Each child must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be held each Thursday in July with varying themes. To register, visit bit.ly/3Cy4HKk. Free.
International Quilt Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This three-day festival at the Long Beach Convention Center (300 E. Ocean Blvd.) will feature 400 quilts across 33 special exhibits, 200 plus vendor booths selling quilts, fabrics, sewing machines and more, along with a selection of 33 hands-on, instructional classes for quilters of all levels. Admission tickets range in price from $12-$15. Three-day passes cost $35. For more information regarding the festival’s special exhibits, vendors, classes and ticket options, visit quilts.com.
Lego Club: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. School-aged children 6 and older are invited to build with Legos at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.). Legos will be provided. Free.
Makin’ Games the Next Level: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. People of all ages are invited to create their own interactive pixel art games on the program Bitsy at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). Free.
Be S.A.F.E. Movie in the Park: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. A screening of “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” will take place at Scherer Park (4600 Long Beach Blvd.). Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic food. Free.
