Local beaches are sure to be crowded amidst this weekend’s heat wave, so instead spend your time among neighbors and friends at a number of Long Beach and Signal Hill gatherings.
Creative minds can find solace from the heat and new friends at events like the annual DIY Film Fest at the Art Theatre Friday and Saturday, a zine and button-making session at the Signal Hill Public Library Saturday or a Studio Ghibli zine fest at PLACE Sunday.
Touch grass and do other physical activities this week through a gardening workshop in Signal Hill Saturday morning, a beginner’s tai chi lesson at the Signal Hill Public Library Monday, an all-ages basketball clinic at Admiral Kidd Park Tuesday and Thursday night, line dancing at 2ND & PCH Wednesday night or bird-watching at Rancho Los Cerritos Thursday morning.
This week’s community-centered or supporting events include a fundraiser for a Lakewood family trying to afford fees to adjust their legal status on Saturday morning, a back-to-school supplies giveaway and a toy swap both Saturday afternoon, a resource fair Tuesday or a 2026 budget meeting Wednesday.
Friday 8/8
DIY Club: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. This hands-on DIY crafts program at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.) gives participants the chance to express themselves by creating a wood slide painting. All materials will be provided. Register with Signal Hill Public Library to reserve your space at 562-989-7323. Free.
DIY Film Fest: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy a wide range of independent short films at the opening night of DIY Film Fest at the Art Theatre of Long Beach (2025 E. Fourth St.). Tickets for Friday are $22, with two options available for Saturday, and can be purchased online.
Saturday 8/9
Fundraiser Yard Sale: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Support a local family with their legal status adjustment fees at this yard sale at 5837 Dagwood Ave. in Lakewood.
Gardening Workshop: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Residents will give “reduce, reuse, recycle” a whole new meaning by learning simple ideas at home, in the garden and in the kitchen through this workshop at the Signal Hill Community Garden (1917 E. 21st St.). The workshop includes making seed bombs, nontoxic weed remover, reusing old cans and toilet paper rolls. Call 562-989-7330 to register or for information. Free.
Back-to-School Supplies: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pools of Hope and the College Square Neighborhood Association is hosting their 10th annual back-to-school event at 6801 Long Beach Blvd., where families with children can receive backpacks, school supplies, groceries, access to local resources and free food. Youth ages 5-17 can also receive free swim access. Free.
Toy Swap: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Parents and caregivers of children can come swap out toys and books their child has outgrown to receive new goodies at this swap hosted by Not Just a Mom Club at 425 E. First St. There will also be art activities and an ongoing art activation event in the surrounding area. Free.
Women’s Suffrage Zine and Button-Making: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. People 16 and older can come to the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.) to create zines and buttons based on the women’s suffrage movement. All materials will be provided. Call 562-989-7323 to register. Free.
Bookstore Romance Day: 4 p.m. Romance novel lovers can hear from three romance writers (Jayci Lee, Falon Ballard, and Sabrina Sol) at Bel Canto Books (2106 E. Fourth St.) during their Bookstore Romance Day. Visitors who purchase a romance book will receive a free gift. Free to attend.
Sunday 8/10
Studio Ghibli Zine Fest: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fans of the Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli can see independent art and zines inspired by films such as “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Porco Rosso,” “Spirited Away” and many more, at this zine fest at PLACE (2172 Pacific Ave.). Masks are required for entry. Free.
Rod Briggs Gallery Opening: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This solo exhibit from Perin Mahler combines surrealism and social commentary through four years of work, premiering at the Rod Briggs Gallery (2221 E. Broadway). Free.
Sounds of Summer Tour: 8 p.m. The Beach Boys will perform live at the Long Beach Terrace Theater (300 E. Ocean Blvd.) joined by special guest John Stamos. Celebrate decades of hits like “Good Vibrations” and “California Girls” during this one-night-only event. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster starting at $48.80.
Monday 8/11
Beginner Tai Chi: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Join instructor Angie Sierra and experience the gentle, flowing movements of Tai Chi at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). This low impact class is designed to improve balance, flexibility, and overall wellbeing. Call 562-989-7330 to register or for information. Free.
Concerts in the Park(ing Lot): 6:30 p.m. The Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra will be performing in the parking lot of Howard CDM (3737 Long Beach Blvd.) to cap off this year’s Concerts in the Park(ing Lot) series. Free.
Movie in the Park: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The public is invited to an outdoor screening of the movie “Wicked” at College Estates Park, (808 Stevely Ave.). Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic food. The movie will begin at dusk. Free.
Tuesday 8/12
Kid’s Karaoke: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Kids of all ages can enjoy an enchanting and musical afternoon at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.) as they take turns singing. To register, call 562-989-7323. Free.
Superheroes Shield Up for School: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Get ready for the new school year at this superhero-themed vaccination and resource fair hosted by the Long Beach Health Department at the Main Health Facility (2525 Grand Ave.). Families can access school-required vaccines (K-12), health resources, school supply giveaways and more. Sensory-friendly accommodations will be available. Free admission.
Basketball Clinic: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Hoops After Dark invites the community to a free basketball clinic at Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.) every Tuesday and Thursday through Aug. 21. Free.
Wednesday 8/13
Fiscal Year 2026 Community Budget Meeting: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend this budget meeting hosted by the City of Long Beach at Browning High School (2120 Obispo Ave.). This meeting is an opportunity for residents to learn about the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget and share feedback. To request reasonable ADA accommodations, call 562-570-6465 at least 72 hours in advance. Register for the meeting on the City’s online event calendar. Free.
Face Painting: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Signal Hill residents can get their face painted by talented artists to celebrate summer whimsy at the library (1800 E. Hill St.). Register for this event by calling 562-989-7323. Free.
Line Dance Night: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Practice line dancing at 2ND & PCH (6400 Pacific Coast Hwy.) during this monthly outdoor class that blends classic Western line dances with R&B and pop hits. This event is appropriate for all experience levels. All ages are welcome, no partner required. Free.
Thursday 8/14
Bird Walk: 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Birders and those curious about bird-watching can explore the species in Ranchos Los Cerritos’ garden (4600 N. Virginia Road) on the second Thursday of each month. During this guided walk, staff will be present to answer bird and nature-related questions. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars and meet in the parking lot at 8 a.m. This event will be cancelled if it rains. Register on the rancho’s website. Free.
Yoga in the Park: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Seniors ages 55 and older can take part in this slow-moving gentle yoga session at Reservoir Park (3315 Gundry Ave.). Attendees are asked to bring their own yoga mat and water. Register by calling 562-989-7330. Free.
Baby Storytime: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Babies up to 18 months old and their caregivers are invited to the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.) to enjoy stories, nursery rhymes, songs and more. Free.
Beachside Beats Fest: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of live music at 2ND & PCH (6400 Pacific Coast Hwy.) during this summer concert series held once a month. Free.
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