LBLN Weekend Roundup

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

Latinx Games Festival 2022 will be held this weekend at The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA). There will be three days of panels, games, roundtable discussions, and a career fair for the fourth annual festival. The tickets from the in-person and online event range from $19.95 to $129.99. MOLAA is located at 628 Alamitos Ave.

Oktober Fest celebrations at the Scottish Rite Center kick off this weekend and run until Oct. 9. Friday hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (for the 21+ crowd only), Saturday goes from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday is family day and runs from noon to 7 p.m. The 2nd annual event will feature live performances, contests, games, and of course, traditional German beer and food. Dressing up for the event is encouraged.

FRIDAY

Project Navigate and CAN host a Grill and Chill on the fourth Friday of every month. Attendees can enjoy games, snacks, and music at Bixby Park from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Bixby Park is at 130 Cherry Ave. 

Fourth Fridays are back on 4th Street between Cherry Avenue and Temple Ave. The monthly event has local artist pop-ups, extended hours for businesses, live entertainment, and special Fourth Friday deals. It runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

SATURDAY

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Baja Splash Cultural Festival is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The 21st festival is a celebration for National Hispanic Heritage month and features traditional dances, live music, and educational programming. The price of admission is included with the purchase of general admission tickets. The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way. 

Omar Awaida Tribute Mural Community Painting Day will be held in honor of Joseph Awaida, Raihan Dakhil, and their son Omar who were fatally struck by an intoxicated driver on Oct. 31 in 2019. The community event will be at Los Cerritos Park at 3750 Del Mar Ave from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Unity Dance Festival celebrates diversity, dance, health, freedom of expression, and overcoming obstacles. Part of the ticket sale proceeds will go to an organization dedicated to helping the homeless and displaced. The festival will be held at Under the Sun, located at 244 E. 3rd St. from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

SUNDAY

The Mary Jane 5k is a race fit for beginners, joggers, and experienced runners to raise awareness of the benefits of hemp. The Mary Jane mile is a one-mile timed course and there is also a 5k and 10k race. All runners will receive a free plate of tacos after the completion of the race. The race will be held at Shoreline Aquatic Park located at 200 Aquarium Way.

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

Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific

By Casey N. Wilson