LBLN Weekend Round-Up

Long Beach is a diverse city and there’s always something to do. Our team has compiled a list of events that you don’t want to miss this weekend.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Night Dive is back! This adult only (18+ event) runs from 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. There will be live music, DJs, art and food trucks. All exhibits will be open except for the Lorikeet Forest and the lights will dim at 10:30 p.m. to ensure the animals get a good night’s rest. Tickets are $24.95 for general admission and $19.95 for Aquarium members.

Studio Pick is hosting Friday Funday for Adults from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Beginners will learn how to create art with a chain-pulling painting technique. A $50 ticket includes admission and 2 glasses of wine (or you can BYOB), and all materials. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

The Fairfield Family YCMA is hosting a Family Summer Kick-off  from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The free community event will have food, haircuts, and entertainment such as petting zoos and inflatable games. When we say free, we mean free. The YMCA is covering the cost of the entire event so if you and your family are looking for free snow cones or free drawings to win various YMCA activitie such as swimming lessons, a week of summer camp and an one month family membership.. .The branch is located at 4949 Atlantic Avenue. 

The Pike Market on Bay Street runs from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. The event promises something for everyone whether it’s pets, plants or candles. There will be at least 50 vendors selling food, drinks, boutique items and more. The market will be at the Pike Outlets, located at 8 Bay Street.

Born This Gay is a Long Beach Pride celebration with queer musicians, artists, food vendors and drag performers. This free event was founded last year after the city canceled its pride festival the past two years due to COVID-19. It will take place from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Recreation Park. The address is 701 Federation Drive.

So We Are Silent Disco Pride Night  is a guided dance journey located at 2630 East Ocean Boulevard, the beach in front of the Saltwater Deck Cafe. Tickets are between $10-$25 and are non refundable. The disco runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Dana Neighborhood Library will be holding a Wild Wonders event from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The interactive show will have various critters for attendees to learn about. The event is part of the Summer Reading Program, which you can find more information about here. The Dana Neighborhood Library is at 3680 Atlanic Avenue. 

PetSwapp Beach Party will be held from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Rosie’s Dog Beach. Brutus Bone Broth will be providing snacks for the pups and there will be food and drinks for the humans attending as well. PetSwapp will have water, bowls and tennis balls. It’s recommended that guests bring plenty of sunscreen and a towel. The dog beach is located at 5000 E. Ocean Blvd. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

Roxanne’s will host the first Long Beach Anime Fest this Sunday. They will have the largest Long Beach Anime Marketplace outside of Anime Expo, themed drinks, and music from local artists. The festival is an all ages event. Guests are encouraged to show up in cosplay. Tickets run from $10-$50 on eventbrite, so pick them up now while they last. This event is expected to sell out.

The Puerto Rican Festival, also known as the Dia de San Juan Festival, is back as an in-person event this year. Tickets are $42.50 online and $55 at the door. The festival will be held at the Rainbow Lagoon, located at 400 E. Shoreline Drive from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. 

The Bach Neighborhood Library is holding its first  LGBTQIA+ Resource Picnic and Paw Pride Walk from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. There will be activities, music, and light refreshments. Attendees are encouraged to bring along their furry family members for the Paw Walk. The Bach Neighborhood library is at 4055 N. Bellflower Blvd. 

For those who want a more zen Sunday, Healthy Sunday Mornings – Fitness, Yoga and Meditation will be held at 5098 E. Ocean Blvd. It starts at 10 a.mBring a mat and water bottle. Tickets are $35 on eventbrite and more information about the location will be made available once your ticket is purchased. 

This is our weekly weekend round-up that will be posted every Friday. If you or anyone you know is having a public event, we’d love to feature it. Please send all information to longbeachlocalnews@gmail.com

By Casey N. Wilson