Beach Streets Downtown Open Street Event on March 19

A block party, concerts, a community festival, kid’s zones, food tasting and bands playing on restaurant patios are just some of the entertainment and activities planned for the “Beach Streets Downtown” Open Street event on Saturday, March 19, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Broadway corridor will be opened up for walking, bicycling, skating and socializing, by temporarily closing the street to vehicle traffic from Pine Avenue to Euclid Avenue.
“Beach Streets will have entertainment and activities for families and people of all ages,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “We’re making it easy to have fun while walking, roller skating or bicycling with your friends and neighbors.”

“I’m proud to once again support an incredible event that gets people outdoors to explore their city,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. “Beach Streets is a great opportunity for residents to visit a local small business, or taste a new restaurant. Exploring a neighborhood on foot, or on a bike, allows you to see the nooks and crannies of a community that you would otherwise miss while driving in a car.”

Entertainment and activities will be provided along the 4-mile route, including several activity hubs:

·         Pine Avenue from 1^st to 8^th Streets in Downtown

·         Linden Avenue from 1^st to 4^th Streets in the East Village Arts District

·         Cherry Avenue from 2^nd to 4^th Streets, including Bixby Park

·         4^th Street from Cherry Avenue to Junipero Avenue, on Retro Row

·         Broadway between Redondo and Euclid Avenues, Beach Streets Block Party

“Bixby Park will feature a festival with live music, our weekly farmer’s market and other family-friendly activities,” said Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal. “Retro Row has dedicated space for a kid’s zone, a rock-climbing wall, a mobile skateboard clinic, and much more. This event will have something for everyone, guaranteed.”

Open Street events are gaining popularity throughout North America, and an estimated 25,000 people participated in the similar Beach Streets Uptown event along Atlantic Avenue in June, 2015.

“Long Beach has many hidden treasures,” said Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez. “Beach Streets Downtown is a great way to discover a new business or restaurant, especially along North Pine Avenue.”

The Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) will be activating locations throughout the downtown footprint with various versions of their signature events, including live music; special restaurant tastings; bicycle activities; a dog friendly event; and a special version of “Live After 5” that will become a post-event finale with bands and a beer garden.

“We’re pulling out all the stops for a fantastic block party at Broadway and Euclid Avenue,” said Councilwoman Suzie Price. “We’ll have lots of great local bands, and I hope everybody can come out and enjoy this wonderful event.”

Many City Departments are participating in Beach Streets Downtown, with healthy, active-living activities, booths and information for the whole family, including the Health Department, Fire, Police, Library, Parks, Recreation and Marine, Airport, Port, Public Works and more.

Several intersections for vehicles to cross Pine Avenue and Broadway will be maintained along the route, however, the entire route and the extended streets will be closed to vehicles, motorcycles, scooters and anything with a motor. Exceptions will be made for officially marked transportation for those with disabilities. Acceptable modes of transportation along the route include: bicycles, skates, Rollerblades, skateboards, walking, etc.

Open Street events promote the pursuit of innovative strategies to achieve environmental, social, economic, and public health goals. By repurposing streets for cyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized users, cities are encouraged to consider other ways our streets can be used.
Funding for Beach Streets Downtown is generously provided by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, grant funding from Los Angeles County, and other local and City sources.
For more information, including updates, entertainment, maps and parking information, please visit www.beachstreets.com, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BeachStreets, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BeachStreetsLB.