Enjoy a week packed to the brim with outdoor activities, community get-togethers and health-focused fun.
Start your weekend off in a relaxing fashion with yoga at Reservoir Park, a wellness fundraiser at Compound or by attending a community health and awareness fair at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Those searching for a runners high can join the monthly meeting of the Latinas Baddie Run Club or take part in the 33rd annual Pride Run along Ocean Boulevard Sunday morning.
Burgeoning artists can pursue their passions at AOC7’s literary fair, Long Beach Community Media Arts’ intro to 16mm filmmaking workshop or Brewitt Neighborhood Library’s adult crafternon session. Interactive experiences can also be found through an educational gardening session at Farm Lot 59 and an immersive meetup with the Long Beach Beekeepers.
Anniversaries are plentiful in Long Beach this week, with Good Time throwing a free party to celebrate its third birthday Saturday afternoon, and the South Coast Orchid Society celebrating 75 years with a hands-on workshop Monday night. Plus, community members are invited to celebrate the legacy of Harvey Milk Thursday night at Promenade Park or at the Signal Hill Public Library.
Friday 5/16
Movie in the Park: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Families and friends can grab a picnic blanket or chairs to watch “Grease” at Cesar Chavez Park (401 Golden Ave.). Free.
On Such A Winter’s Day: 8 p.m. As part of the Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s New Works Festival, this new play features a series of monologues from different women in California trying to achieve the American dream, reflecting on what they’ve lost and found in their pursuits. This show will run from Friday to Saturday, and tickets are $26.50 for general admission.
Saturday 5/17
Garden Workshop: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn how to make sunflower seed balls and the benefits of sunflowers at Farm Lot 59 (2714 California Ave.). Long Beach Youth Farmers will also lead farm tours. Free, but online RSVP is encouraged.
Latina Baddie Run Club: 9 a.m. All levels of runners are welcome at the monthly Latina Baddie Run Club at 3300 E. Ocean Blvd. This month has a dress code to wear your country’s flag’s colors. Free.
Mental Health Escape Rooms: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Local nonprofit Our Generation Cares is hosting this mental health-themed event, where youth can experience hands-on growth and healing through themed escape rooms. The event at OGC Headquarters (285 E. Broadway) will also include a DIY merch station, food from Desperado Cafe and a music studio experience. Free.
Adaptive Sports Fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Long Beach nonprofit Playmakers is hosting the second annual Adaptive Sports Fair at Long Beach City College’s Sports Complex (3932 Faculty Ave.). People of all ages and disabilities can play over a dozen sports and connect with organizations with inclusive sports teams to join. Free, but RSVP is encouraged.
Yoga in the Park: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. All levels are welcome to this slow-moving gentle yoga practice with instructor Lacey Marsac at Reservoir Park (3315 Gundry Ave.). This lesson is for ages 18 and older, and residents are asked to bring their own yoga mat. Free.
Fundraiser Day of Wellness: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A day of music, healing, art and wellness will take over at Compound (1395 Coronado Ave.) during their fundraiser for evacuees of the Eaton Fire in Pasadena and Hurricane Helene in Appalachia. All day there will be collage-making, live DJ sets, ambient music sets and screen printing. For an extra cost, residents can participate in yoga or meditation sessions, and screen printed T-shirt and tote bags will be available to purchase. Free to attend, and additional services can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Literary Fair: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The AOC7 neighborhood group is hosting its annual Literary Fair at Lincoln Elementary School (1175 E. 11th St.). There will be books, music, art, food, resources, games and raffles. Free.
Community Health Fair: Noon to 4 p.m. The Six is hosting this community health and awareness fair at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.), with over 40 community partners, resources, live music, dancing, activities, giveaways and more. Free.
Intro to 16mm Filmmaking: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Long Beach Community Media Arts will host this hands-on workshop where attendees can learn the basics of shooting on 16mm film at PLACE (2172 Pacific Ave.). You can also learn about film history, camera mechanics and analogue cinematography techniques before putting your new knowledge to the test. This workshop is open to all levels. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through the link in the bio of @lbcommunitymediaarts on Instagram.
Good Time 3rd Anniversary: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Local cafe Good Time (1322 Coronado Ave.) is throwing a party for its third birthday, in collaboration with @lbfoodcoma. There will be food, fun, friends and more. Free.
DSF Werks Fundraiser: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy a silent auction, raffles, a live DJ, photo-ops, food and drinks at this fundraiser for DSF Werks at Steelcraft Long Beach (3768 Long Beach Blvd.). Free.
Sunday 5/18
Pride Run: 8 a.m. The 33rd annual Pride Run invites residents to a healthy, fun way to celebrate pride with this scenic route with 5K, 10K and a kid-friendly 200-foot dash beginning at the intersection of Ocean Blvd. and Junipero Avenue. Prices vary from $48 to $54. Register online.
Beekeeping in the Park: 10 a.m. The annual Willow Springs Park Experiences are kicking off with this beekeeping event at the park’s bee sanctuary (2745 Orange Ave.). The Long Beach Beekeepers will teach attendees about honey bees, and protective jackets and gloves will be provided. Space is limited, so reservations are required by emailing WSPExperiences@gmail.com. Free.
Kid Bike Ride: 11 a.m. Kidical Mass is celebrating 13 years of community, kid-focused bike rides through Bixby Knolls at this special bike ride and mini festival. Riders take off from the Pixie Toys parking lot (3914 Atlantic Ave.), and festivities after include a bike blessing, a live DJ, bike maintenance pop-up, celebratory treats and more surprises. Free.
Modern Makers Festival: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. One of the largest makers festivals is returning to Marine Stadium (490 Bayshore Ave parking), featuring local makers, junior artists, food vendors, DIY crafts, activities and more. This festival is pet and kid-friendly, and there will be bike valets. Free.
‘80s Pride Dance Party: Noon to 8 p.m. Celebrate Long Beach Pride weekend with this dance floor takeover at Marina Green Park (386 E. Shoreline Drive). This high-energy ‘80s-themed dance party will feature legendary Pride anthems and prizes for the best dancers. Free.
Orchestra Performance: 4 p.m. The Long Beach Chorale and Chamber Orchestra will play a powerful performance of Mozart’s “Requiem” with a full orchestra, chorale and four soloists at the Grace Presbyterian Church (3955 N. Studebaker Road) on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $40 for adults and $15 for children, and can be purchased online.
562 Night Market: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Celebrate the local Asian-American community at this festival and market at Millikan High School (2800 Snowden Ave.). There will be student clubs, small businesses, games, food and performances. Free.
Fundraiser, Show and Market: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Queer n All is hosting this fundraiser show and market at Alex’s Bar (2913 E. Anaheim St.) with vendors and live music. Funds will go to 7th Street Collective. Free.
Monday 5/19
Sound Bath: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Residents can enjoy a meditative sound bath experience tuning into your mind and body at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Erika Segura from The Sound Bath Studio will guide participants through meditation and sound healing. Attendees are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or blanket. Space is limited. Call (562) 989-7323 to register or for more information.
Orchid Workshop and Club Anniversary: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The South Coast Orchid Society continues its 75th Anniversary Year with a hands-on workshop on orchid culture and repotting at the Whaley Park Community Center (5620 E. Atherton St.). Experts will evaluate plants brought in by members and visitors to see if they are good candidates for repotting (no more than one or two healthy, bug-free plants per person), then will lead attendees on how it’s done. This will be a great opportunity to handle different potting media, and learn why they are used. A fee of $5 per person will help cover the cost of supplies. Bring gloves and a cutting tool is possible. Free.
Short Film Showcase: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A diverse lineup of independent cinema, including short films, documentaries, music videos and more, will be shown at Phil Trani’s Fine Food (3490 Atlantic Ave.) at its first-ever Filmmaker Showcase. The restaurant will also have food and drink specials. Free.
Tuesday 5/20
Storytime: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Join the library staff for stories told in the Spanish language at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Snacks and craft to follow. Free.
Arts, Culture, and Tourism Committee: 3:30 p.m. Councilmember Mary Zendejas invites the public to this committee meeting at the Long Beach City Hall Civic Chambers (411 W. Ocean Blvd.) to discuss the upcoming 2028 Olympics and opportunities for businesses, neighborhoods and residents during the planning stage.
Salsa Dancing: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Beginners and lifelong dancers alike can attend this salsa dancing class and free dancing experience at 2ND & PCH (6480 Pacific Coast Highway) on the third Tuesday of every month. This month’s gathering is ‘90s themed, and attendees are encouraged ‘90s-style. Free.
Wednesday 5/21
Watercolor Works: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kids ages 7 to 12 are invited to get creative at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 E. Britton Drive). Kids will use pastels and watercolor techniques to create a colorful masterpiece. No registration required, but space is limited. Free.
Free Food: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Long Beach Community Food Table offers free food to residents on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at these times, on Fridays from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. at 3311 E. 59th St. No appointment is needed. Free.
Thursday 5/22
Prenatal Workshop: Noon to 1 p.m. Birth Workers of Color is hosting this weekly workshop series at the Community Resource Center in Long Beach (5599 Atlantic Ave.). This week’s workshop will focus on the fourth trimester. Sign up by calling 562-256-9810. Free.
Youth Week Workshops: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Youth can participate in workforce and education workshops, hear from the Youth Advisory Council and explore career and education opportunities at the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Youth Career Services Center (508 W. Willow St.). Free, but online registration is required.
Adult Crafternoon: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Residents can learn to create 3D poppy flowers at Brewitt Neighborhood Library’s (4036 E. Anaheim St.) adult crafting hour.
Harvey Milk Birthday Celebration: 6 p.m. Celebrate the legacy of Harvey Milk at the Harvey Milk Promenade Park (185 E. Third St.). There will be cake and refreshments. Free.
Harvey Milk Commemoration: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This Harvey Milk Commemoration includes a painting activity, followed by an open mic for writers, artists, and songwriters to share their works celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Each performer is allotted five minutes. Light refreshments will be provided. Free.
