A portion of Pine Avenue in Downtown to close, host 2 weeks of community events
The section between Broadway and Third Street will close starting Saturday Aug. 24 to host six events that will activate the space.
Starting this weekend, a portion of Pine Avenue in Downtown Long Beach will be closed for two weeks as a slate of community events meant to activate the space kicks off with The Big Gay Pine Avenue Takeover.
The fundraiser, the first of six events over the next two weeks, will include live entertainment, drag performances, carnival games and a full bar. The slate of events ranges from “Ascend,” which is touted as a “mini Burning Man,” to a roller disco with drink specials and the second annual “Viva Long Beach” celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in early September.
Councilmember Mary Zendejas, who represents the Downtown area, said in a statement that street closures like these can benefit urban centers by encouraging people to walk and support local businesses.
“By temporarily transforming streets into pedestrian-friendly zones, Downtown Long Beach is paving the way for a more connected community,” Zendejas said in the release. “As we look towards the Olympics and updating the Downtown Shoreline Plan, this temporary closure acts as a test-run for closing down streets to vehicular access and encouraging pedestrian-friendly cores.”
The events will close down a one-block portion of Pine Avenue between Broadway and Third Street and are being done in partnership with the Downtown Long Beach Alliance, the nonprofit that advocates for businesses and residents within its two assessment districts.
"Our goal with these street closures is to reimagine urban spaces as dynamic places where the community can come together, celebrate, and thrive," Austin Metoyer, president and CEO of the DLBA, said in a statement.
"These events not only foster a sense of belonging and unity but also contribute to the economic vitality and cultural richness of our city," Austin continued. "We're excited to see Pine Avenue filled with life and energy.”
A larger portion of Pine Avenue was temporarily closed during the pandemic as many businesses were forced to use the outdoors to serve customers.
The nine-month closure saw an increase in people shopping and dining in the Downtown area, however, the city began to reopen Pine to vehicular traffic in the summer of 2021.
Here is a full list of events coming to Pine Avenue over the next two weeks. Click the links for more information.
Aug. 24 “Big Gay Pine Takeover” presented by LB Living 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Aug. 28 “Sunset Health & Wellness Fair” 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Aug. 29 Roller Disco 5 p.m to 9 p.m.
Sept. 5 Roller Disco 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sept. 6 “Ascend” presented by LB Living 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sept. 7 “Viva Long Beach” 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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