We at the Signal Tribune would like to wish our beloved readers a happy Thanksgiving week with a full list of ways to get out of your house and get active before stuffing your face full of food. There is art to be seen, beaches to be cleaned (or trotted across) and free community events to enjoy for residents of all ages.
Friday afternoon residents are invited to ask the question, “Who The #$&% Is Jackson Pollock?” at a free movie screening at the Billie Jean King Main Library. Holiday festivities are kicked off Friday night with a Thanksgiving Shabbat dinner for young Jewish adults in the city, hosted by Jewish Long Beach and other organizations. Early weekend risers can get the chance to witness the city’s annual youth fishing derby at El Dorado Regional Park or participate in a beach clean up at Granada Beach. For those who use Saturdays to catch up on sleep, the afternoon offers robot races and more at Shoreline Village or a new gallery exhibit in Cambodia Town’s Munzón Gallery.
Local bars and coffee shops will be hosting free events throughout the week for those wishing to network, work quietly beside someone friendly or belt out some ballads at karaoke night. Prepare for Thursday’s large dinners with a 5k or 10k run or walk at Granada Beach Thanksgiving morning.
Head to our website, signaltribune.com, for a list of Thanksgiving food distributions throughout the weekend.
Friday 11/18
Rapid HIV/STI Testing: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Long Beach Health Department will be providing HIV and STI testing at the Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center (6301 Myrtle Ave.) in Houghton Park. For more information, call (562) 570-4289. Free.
Art Film Series: 2:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The public is invited to this screening of the 2006 biographical film “Who The #$&% Is Jackson Pollock? ” in the Miller Room of the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). Free.
Young Adult Thanksgiving Shabbat: 7 p.m. Jewish Long Beach, Beach Hillel and other local Jewish organizations invite Jewish young adults to a Thanksgiving Shabbat dinner. To register for this event, reach out to @jewishlongbeach on Instagram. The event will take place in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood, and the exact address will be sent to those who register. Free.
Saturday 11/19
Youth Fishing Derby: 8 a.m. Youth are invited to participate in this fishing event at El Dorado Regional Park (7550 E Spring St.). Those 15 and younger will be provided with complimentary tackle and fishing poles for the competition. Those 16 and older must have a California State Fishing License to participate. Free.
Beach Clean Up: 10 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help clean Granada Beach (1 Granada Ave.) during this monthly event organized by Justin Rudd. Bags and gloves will be provided for volunteers. Free.
World Mental Health Day: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.) to enjoy this resource fair including games, activities, self-care packages, sound baths, music and more. Free.
STEAM Saturday: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children ages 8 and up to participate in robot races, coding challenges and lego free play at Shoreline Village (419 Shoreline Village Dr. Suite Q). Participation costs $20 per child. To register, visit Eventbrite.
Filling The Void: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The opening reception of a group art show at the new Munzón Gallery in Cambodia Town (1730 E Anaheim St.). Free.
Sunday 11/20
DIY Smoke Wands Workshop: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. In this workshop organized by Leafveins and local plant store Plantiitas (2011 E 4th St.), participants will learn how to make their own smoke wands (also called smudge sticks) using sustainable herbs as an alternative to white sage. This workshop costs $20 per person.
Silent Disco: 5 p.m. So We Are Silent Disco invites the community to surrender themselves to the music and tune into their bodies on the shore of Junipero Beach (1 Junipero Ave). All participants are given a pair of headphones and are encouraged to try “ecstatic dance” while listening to a curated playlist. General admission costs $25. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Monday 11/21
Research for Starting, Managing, and Growing Your Business: 11 a.m. to noon. Entrepreneurs and business owners are invited to learn how to use Reference Solutions, a free program available at the library, to help them start, manage and grow a business. Registration is required for this event. To register, visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/6932781878054041870. Free.
Industry Night: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Long Beach professionals are invited to The Exhibition Room (1117 East Wardlow Rd.) to network while enjoying cocktails. Free to attend.
Tuesday 11/22
Blood Drive: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help save lives by donating their blood at the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.). To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Code: MOLAA. All blood donations will automatically be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.
We Don’t Talk About Crochet Club: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Teens between the ages of 13 to 17 are invited to this weekly crochet club at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). Participants will learn crocheting basics and how to make granny squares. Free.
Karaoke: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Those 21 and older are invited to sing karaoke at Alex’s Bar (2913 E Anaheim St.). Capacity for this event will be limited. Free.
Wednesday 11/23
Sensory Story Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children to this inclusive storytime at the Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.). Children of all abilities will use their senses to read, create and learn through stories, songs and play. Free.
Let’s Work: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a weekly coworking date for the queer community organized by Cuties LA at Wood Coffee Co. (2728 E 10th St.). Free.
Animation Film Series: 3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The public is invited to join a screening of the 2008 Disney PIXAR animated film “WALL-E” at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway).
Bear City Comedy: 7:30 p.m. A roster of stand-up comedians perform weekly at Que Sera (1923 E 7th St.). This event is for those 21 and older. Free.
Thursday 11/24
LB Turkey Trot: 7:30 a.m. & 9 a.m. The public is invited to participate in a Thanksgiving run/walk at the beach (1 Granada Ave.) hosted by Justin Rudd. Registration for the 5K or 10K costs $40 until Nov. 22 and $45 after Nov. 22. Please do not bring dogs, bikes, inline skates, skateboards or scooters. Please do not wear Native American costumes. Wheelchairs welcome. Service animals are welcome. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/LongBeachTurkeyTrot/.