Whether you want to spend the week cooling off indoors or celebrating summer alongside the community, there are a wide range of fun, free events in Long Beach and Signal Hill.
‘Tis the season for live music in all forms, like a concert at the Signal Hill Public Library’s courtyard, a community sing-along at the Recreation Bandshell or vinyl DJ sets at Footwork Records, all on Saturday. For a more relaxing weekend, residents can attend a gallery opening at Loiter Galleries, a movie trivia at the Art Theatre of Long Beach, both on Friday, or nature-centric hangouts at Willow Springs Park Sunday.
Community gatherings this week include the unveiling of the revamped Artesia corridor in North Long Beach, a health and resources fair at Signal Hill Public Park or a Water Safety Day at two Long Beach locations, all on Saturday.
Friday 5/30
Camera Buy-Back: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Photographers can sell their used cameras and gear at Tuttle Cameras (5467 E. Carson St.) during this collaboration event with Used Photo Pro. There will also be sales on select gear and a sneak peak at the new Fujifilm X Half Digital Camera from noon to 4 p.m. Free.
Art Exhibition Opening Night: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Loiter Galleries (425 The Promenade North) invites the public to the opening night of an exhibition featuring the women of the Dragonfly Wing Collective — Colleen Flynn, Maribeth McFaul, Lara Kempke and Linda McClure. Free admission.
Movie Trivia Night: 7:30 p.m. Test your film knowledge at the Art Theatre of Long Beach (2025 E. Fourth St.) during Movie Trivia Night, hosted by the theater’s film programmer, Kennedy Ghaill. Compete solo or as a team of up to 10 people across five rounds of challenging movie trivia. No phones allowed. Prizes include free show tickets, posters and surprise giveaways. Free admission.
Saturday 5/31
North Village Neighborhood Group Cleanup: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help clean up litter in the North Village neighborhood. Volunteers will meet at 5609 Linden Ave. Free.
Artesia Great Boulevard Ribbon Cutting: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Celebrate the completion of the Artesia Great Boulevard Project at this celebration at the intersection of Lime Avenue and Artesia Boulevard. The event will include complimentary bike tune-ups by Pedal Movement, a Bike Rodeo from the Long Beach Health Department and community resource booths. The ceremonial ribbon cutting and remarks from Mayor Rex Richardson and other City leaders will take place at 10 a.m., followed by a community bike ride at 10:30 a.m. Free.
Community Resources & Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn about medical and community resources, and healthy lifestyle tips at Signal Hill Park (2175 Cherry Ave.). The highly immersive and interactive Health Fair also includes activities for all ages, giveaways and refreshments. Contact (562) 989-7330 for any questions. Free.
Water Safety Day: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The City of Long Beach will host this family-friendly water safety day at the Belmont Plaza Pool (4321 Olympic Plaza) and Silverado Park Pool (1540 W. 42nd St.) with CPR demonstrations, swim lesson evaluations and more. Recreational swimming is available from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free.
Mini Concert: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can enjoy a concert from Isaku Kageyama, one of the most recorded taiko artists, combining decades of training in Japan with modern music at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.) in the Zinnia Courtyard. Free.
Footwork Records Relaunch: 4 p.m to 8 p.m. Local record store Footworks will celebrate the official relaunch of them becoming a vinyl-listening bar, with a night of drinks and live DJ sets at 400 E. Third St. Entry is free.
Sing-A-Long Beach: 5 p.m. Families and friends can sing together to rock and roll anthems, movie themes and other popular music at the Bandshell at Recreation Park (4900 E. Seventh St.). Songs will be led by the Long Beach Youth Chorus. Attendees can bring blankets, chairs, food and drinks. Free.
Rocky Horror Picture Show: 11:45 p.m. Watch the cult-classic film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” while the shadow cast Bit of Mustard performs along at the Art Theatre of Long Beach (2025 E. Fourth St). Tickets are $15 online or at the door. Those 18 and younger require an adult.
Sunday 6/1
San Gabriel River Cleanup: 8 a.m. to noon. Join the Surfrider Foundation for this community clean-up along the San Gabriel River, beginning near the El Dorado Park area. Attendees can help divert trash from the ocean while learning about the sea turtle habitat now thriving along the river. Supplies will be provided, but if people have their own they’re encouraged to bring them. Those interested are encouraged to sign up online to receive the exact location. Free.
California Turkish Festival: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Turkey at the annual California Turkish Festival at ShoreLine Aquatic Park (200 Aquarium Way). This family-friendly event features traditional Turkish cuisine like kebabs and baklava, live music and dance performances, and a bazaar with handmade crafts. All ages are welcome to join in this vibrant cultural celebration. Free admission.
Willow Spring Experiences: 1:30 p.m.; 3:30 p.m. Nature lovers can enjoy a doubleheader of experiences at Willow Springs Park (2745 Orange Ave.), featuring community dancing and a guiding exercise at 1:30 p.m. and drawing at 3:30 p.m. Free.
Monday 6/2
Senior Social Club – Silver Sneakers: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Seniors ages 55 and older can join this strength and stretch class to improve overall flexibility and body musculature with exercise bands at the Signal Hill Public Library Community Room (1800 E. Hill St.). Attendees can work at their own level while standing or seated in a chair. Yoga mats are recommended, but some exercises can be done from a seated position. Contact (562) 989-7330 to register. Registration is required. Free.
Tuesday 6/3
Signal Hill Diversity Breakfast: 9 a.m. Signal Hill’s Diversity Coalition Committee presents the annual Diversity Breakfast recognizing Ron Settles Day of Remembrance at the Signal Hill Public Library terrace (1800 E. Hill St.). Breakfast will be served. Registration is required and space is limited. RSVP at https://bit.ly/DCCEvent25. Free.
Spanish Storytime: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Families with young children can join Signal Hill library staff for stories told in the Spanish language at 1800 E. Hill St. Snacks and craft to follow. Free.
Paws on the Promenade: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dog lovers and their pups are invited to this monthly pet-friendly meet-up and group walk at The Promenade North (235 The Promenade N.) in Downtown Long Beach. Free.
Wednesday 6/4
Harmonica Class: 11 a.m. to noon. Learn a new instrument at this beginner-friendly harmonica class each Wednesday through July 23 at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.). Instruments will be provided, but registration is required as space is limited. Register by calling (562) 989-7323. Free.
Everyone’s Shoreline Community Celebration: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Celebrate the future of Long Beach’s waterfront during this celebration at Seashell Park (100 Aquarium Way). This event will showcase the City’s new Downtown Shoreline Vision Plan Concept with interactive stations, a collaborative art project and complimentary water taxi rides on the Aqualink. Free admission.
Thursday 6/5
Paper Lotus Flower Making: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Adults and teens over 16 are invited to the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.) for a relaxing workshop where they will learn how to make paper lotus flowers. All materials will be provided. Space is limited while supplies last. Free.
