What's good in the LBC: Father's Day activities, a cornhole tournament, movie nights and more

You never need to feel bored in a city with so much going on, so here's our weekly recap of events happening in and around Long Beach.

Caitlin Antonios

Jun 10, 2024 — 5 min read

The sun sets behind Alamitos Bay Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021. Photo by Brandon Richardson.

You don’t have to talk to us at Watchdog about tight budgets, but pinching pennies doesn’t have to mean you have to stay home all week. While there are plenty of events, workshops, shows and more that require a ticket, we’re focusing this week on free events that you and your loved ones can attend.

Here are four free events to start with:

Queen Mary movie night (Wednesday, June 12)

The Queen Mary will show Barbie on deck this Wednesday at 6 p.m. (fun fact: part of that movie was filmed right here in Long Beach. See if you can spot part of Ocean Boulevard during the movie’s chase scene). Tickets are free, but people interested in attending are encouraged to reserve their spot online here. Parking in the lot is $10 with validation. Attendees can bring a lawn chair, blankets, and movie snacks to enjoy the show. If you can’t make Wednesday’s event, the ship will host three more movie nights. Those dates can be found here.

Fitness Pop-up (Wednesday June 12)

Athletics clothing company Vuori will host a spop-up at 2ND & PCH by the grand staircase this Wednesday. Bring a yoga mat, water, and a towel and be part of a free, guided yoga class from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The class is free, but RSVPs are encouraged to reserve a spot.

El Dorado Nature Center summer concerts (Thursday, June 13)

The El Dorado Nature Center will host six concerts lakeside this summer starting with The Salty Suites show on June 13. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will run from 7 to 8 p.m. Members of the El Dorado Nature Center can enter a half hour earlier than general admission. Chairs and BYOD (bring your own dinner) are encouraged. More information can be found here.

Juneteenth Celebration (Saturday, June 15)

The Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration will be held at Rainbow Lagoon Park. The event is free to the public, but reserved seating is available. The festival will run from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and feature DJ Pee Wee (aka Anderson .Paak). Check out more details here for information on what you can and can’t bring into the festival.

The Long Beach Post laid off Caitlin Antonios on March 22, yet she’s still reporting on the city without pay. Thank Caitlin for her work.

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Here are some low-cost events happening now through the weekend.

June 12

El Dorado Library's Book Club will discuss books written by LGBTQ+ authors at this month’s meeting in honor of Pride. Join them on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at El Dorado Neighborhood Library.
Taste of Downtown returns for a two-day event June 12 and 13 from 5 to 9 p.m. where you’ll be able to sample bites from some of Downtown’s restaurants like L’Opera, Cafe Sevilla, Shannon’s, Altar Society, and newly opened Baby Bros Wings & Pizza. Admission is free, but tickets to sample food are $1 per ticket and can be purchased here.

June 13

Want to sharpen your art skills? Guest artist Derick Edwards will demonstrate acrylic painting techniques on canvas paper at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Museum of Latin American Art. Materials will be provided, tickets are priced at $5.

June 14

The Wizard of Oz turned 85 this year. Celebrate the classic tale at the Art Theater with special showings on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. that includes a TCM intro and restored Scarecrow extended dance scene. Tickets are priced at $12 for adults and discounts for students, children under 12 and seniors.

June 15

Take out your dancing shoes and learn some basics through improv instead of choreography and drills. No partner is needed and light snacks and refreshments will be provided. The workshop will run from 6 to 8 p.m. and tickets are priced at $35 (after Eventbrite fees, it’ll be just under $40 per ticket).
Beachwood Brewing & Distilling in Bixby Knolls will begin its inaugural cornhole tournament Saturday, June 15. The tournament schedule and information on how to apply can be found here. While it’s not free to enter, it certainly is free to watch, if that’s your type of thing.

Father’s Day activities

Hotel Maya’s Fuego will have a Father’s Day brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Brophy Dale Trio will perform live both days starting at 11:30 a.m. The bar will offer some specialty cocktails like the “Classic Dad” with whiskey, Mexican cola, lime juice and lime wedge and the “Papa Ta' Picoso” with Blue Curacao, jalapeño infused tequila, lime juice, Tajin rim and lime wedge. Reservations can be made here.
Ambitious Ales will have a donut and beer pairing Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Four specialty donuts will be provided from Holey Grail Donuts, which recently opened in Belmont Shore. Tickets are priced at $30.
Boathouse on the Bay will also have a Father’s Day brunch featuring an omelette station, carving station and a variety of chilled seafood. The brunch buffet is priced at $75 per adult and $30 per child under 10. Reservations can be made here.
Cafe Sevilla will do a Father’s Day brunch and bottomless mimosas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The brunch will feature a live DJ and dinner will have Latin jazz. Reservations can be made online.
The Aquarium of the Pacific will have a barbecue lunch on Sunday on the outdoor Veranda dining area to celebrate the holiday. Tickets are priced at $89 for adults ($59 for members) and can be purchased here. The menu includes bbq beef brisket, grilled chicken, macaroni and cheese, loaded baked potatoes and more.
The Carvery will have a special brunch and dinner service from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dads will enjoy a complimentary dessert with the purchase of one entree and all-day happy hour. Reservations can be made here.
District Wine will have a Father’s Day Beer Tasting from noon to 6 p.m. A flight of four specialty beers will be priced at $19 and there will be a special brunch menu from noon to 3 p.m. Reservations can be made here.