Long Beach is rolling out the big screens this week with a full lineup of outdoor and indoor movie screenings across the city. Families can catch “Inside Out 2”, “Garfield”, “Finding Nemo” and “Kung Fu Panda 4” at free movie nights in local parks, complete with themed crafts, jumpers and raffles.
For those looking for a retro summer vibe, the Moonlight Movies on the Beach series continues with a beachfront screening of “Dirty Dancing” at Granada Beach. Whether you’re in the mood for a family-friendly film or an ‘80s romance, there’s something for every movie lover.
Live music fans will find plenty to enjoy — from the high-energy Day Trip Festival at the Queen Mary, featuring electronic acts like Tiësto and Duke Dumont, to laid-back outdoor performances in historic park settings. Enjoy blues rock at Rancho Los Alamitos and reggae in a parking lot in Bixby Knolls. The Long Beach Municipal Band will also bring its signature sound to Whaley Park. Mixing sound and serenity, the Summer Solstice event at Willow Springs Park will begin with a meditative sound bath.
Kids and their families can fill their week with educational activities, including storytimes in Khmer and English, composting and art workshops, and a theater performance. With events for all ages spread across Signal Hill and Long Beach every day, it’s a great week to get out and explore the local area together.
Friday 6/20
Kids’ Composting Workshop: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kids between ages 6 and 12 are invited to Dana Neighborhood Library (3680 Atlantic Ave.) for a composting workshop with Long Beach Recycles. Kids will learn how to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil using worms, helping them understand the basics of composting and sustainability. Registration through the City’s online calendar is required. Free.
Crochet Club: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) to crochet together for an hour. This event is appropriate for all skill levels. For more information, call (562) 989-7323. Free.
Movie in the Park: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy a screening of “Inside Out 2” at Signal Hill Park (1780 E Hill St.). The evening includes kids’ activities like a jumper, themed crafts and a raffle. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinners. Free.
Saturday 6/21
Summer Solstice in the Park: 9 a.m. to noon. Celebrate the first day of summer at Willow Springs Park (2745 Orange Ave.) during this community event. The morning begins with a sound bath and guided meditation by Kali SoundBaths at 9 a.m., followed by a peaceful guided nature walk through the park at 10:30 a.m. Guests are encouraged to bring water, sun protection and something comfortable to sit on. Registration is required for some activities. Learn more and sign up on the City’s website. Free.
Family Theater: 11 a.m. Families are invited to enjoy a free live theatre performance of “The Spirit of Black Folklore” at the Beverly O’Neill Theater (330 E. Seaside Way). Presented as part of a monthly series of free performances by International City Theatre, this show brings to life powerful and humorous folktales from African and African American cultures—celebrating resilience, pride and joy. This event is appropriate for all ages. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Reservations can be made on the International City Theatre’s website. Free.
Khmer Storytime: 11 a.m. to noon. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children to the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) to enjoy Khmer stories, music and movements led by local business Khemara Kids. This event is appropriate for kids of all ages, but especially aimed at children between 1 and 5 years old. Free.
Cowboy Festival: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate Juneteenth and cowboy history during this festival at Rancho Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Road). This family-friendly event highlights the exhibit “Untold Legacies: Rethinking the American Cowboy” with games, live performances, hands-on activities,m and demonstrations from local artists and cowboy culture enthusiasts. Event partner Urban Saddles will also showcase their equine-centered youth programming. Admission is $5 per person; children under 3 attend free. Tickets are available on the rancho’s website.
Sunday 6/22
Day Trip Music Festival: 1 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy house, techno and disco beats during this two-day music festival at the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy.). Featuring multi-stage performances by headline artists like Tiësto, Duke Dumont, and Gorgon City. This event is for those 21 and older. General admission tickets for one day can be purchased on the festival’s website for $137.90.
Summer Concert: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy a blues rock performance by the Laurie Morvan Band during this concert at Rancho Los Alamitos (6400 E. Bixby Hill Road). Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and relax on the lawn with family and friends. Free shuttle service begins at 4:30 p.m. from CSULB Lot G13. Admission and parking are free, but reservations on the rancho’s website are required.
Monday 6/23
Movie Night at the Library: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. El Dorado Neighborhood Library (2900 Studebaker Road) will be screening the family-friendly animated movie “Finding Nemo.” Free.
Movie in the Park: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy a screening of “The Garfield Movie” at Drake Park (951 Maine St.). The evening includes kids’ activities like a jumper, themed crafts and a raffle. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinners. Free.
Concerts in the Park(ing Lot): 6:30 p.m. Local band One Drop Redemption will perform in the Bixby Joe Coffee & Tea parking lot (4245 Atlantic Ave.). Attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs, food from local businesses and friendly dogs. Free.
Tuesday 6/24
Kitchen Pail Giveaway: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pick up a free kitchen pail for your food scraps at the La Bodega Mexicana #1 (6001 Atlantic Ave.). These pails make it easier to collect and transfer food scraps into residents’ new green carts for composting. This giveaway is for residents who have already received their City-serviced green carts. Pails are limited as supplies last. Free.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Watch a screening of “Dirty Dancing” at Granada Beach (5000 E. Ocean Blvd). The event will feature pre-show entertainment from local bands. This screening is part of the summer-long series of movie screenings at the beach. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to sit on. Food trucks will be present. The movie screenings are family-friendly and pet-friendly. Alcohol is prohibited. Free.
Concert in the Park: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Long Beach Municipal Band will be performing live at Whaley Park North (5620 Atherton St.). Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic food. Free.
Wednesday 6/25
Baby Storytime: 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Babies, toddlers up to 2 years old, and their caregivers are invited to Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.) to enjoy stories and playtime. Free.
Reading Buddies: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Parents and caregivers can bring children between the ages of 5 and 8 to the Brewitt Neighborhood Library (4036 E Anaheim St.) where a teen volunteer will give them one-on-one reading practice. First come, first served. Free.
Thursday 6/26
Art Workshop: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Kids ages 6 to 12 are invited to El Dorado Neighborhood Library (2900 Studebaker Rd.) for a hands-on art workshop led by the Long Beach Museum of Art. Participants will learn artistic skills and create a colorful piece of art to take home. Space is limited and registration through the City’s online calendar is required. Free.
Movie in the Park: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy a screening of “Kung Fu Panda 4” at Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.). A jumper will be available for kids. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinners. Free.
