What's good in the LBC: Midsummer Scream returns, Night Dive at the aquarium and more
You'll be busy in Long Beach this weekend as Halloween comes early and a late-night, adults-only party returns to the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Before we get into all the events happening around town, here is your reminder to join Long Beach Watchdog for our official launch party Thursday at ISM Brewing.
It'll be a double celebration: One for our launch as a worker-owned news organization and another for ISM's award-winning brews. Chef Fonzy De Zuniga has curated a three-course menu to pair with their winning beers. See all the details (including the after party information) and purchase tickets here.
Here are some events going on this week:
Night Dive at the Aquarium of the Pacific (July 26)
The Aquarium of the Pacific will have a Country Western-themed Night Dive event this Friday where guests can explore exhibits after hours from 7:30 to 11 p.m. The event is 18+ and advanced tickets ($44.95 per person) are required. The event will feature food trucks a cash bar and live music, including a band performance and DJs. Space is limited, but the aquarium will have two more similar events in August and October if you miss out on this one.
Fourth Fridays on Retro Row (July 26)
On the fourth Friday of the month, Retro Row brings together local artists, live entertainment, food and more for a free family-friendly event. The festivities run from 6 to 9 p.m. This Friday's theme is "Summer Roll Out" — so skates, bikes and anything else with wheels are welcome.
Midsummer Scream (July 26-28)
Midsummer Scream returns for its seventh year at the Long Beach Convention Center. Celebrate, shop and experience all things Halloween and horror at the two-day event packed with special guests like actor David Dastmalchian from "Late Night with the Devil," "The Walking Dead" director Ernest Dickerson and more. For more details and to purchase tickets, click here.
More events happening:
Thursday
- Beachwood Brewing in Bixby Knolls will host Knights of the Round (Turn)Table, a music listening event to discuss the greatest albums of our time. This week's event will focus on the music from rock band Chicago. The event starts at 6 p.m., with records spinning at 6:30 p.m. Food can be purchased from a neighboring restaurant. RSVP instructions can be found here.
Saturday
- The Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival will be held at Marine Stadium from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Watch the boat race and learn more about the more than 2000-year history of dragon boat racing in China and beyond. The event will have food, musical entertainment, performances and more.
- Got Your Back will collaborate with Baby Gee from 2 p.m. to sell out for another raw bar takeover and wine pairing. The last time they did the event, it sold out quickly, so make sure to swing by early to grab some fresh oysters.
Sunday
- The Rancho, a food and natural wine festival will return to Rancho Los Cerritos from noon to 6 p.m. Minaret Records, an independent jazz label, is bringing a lineup of nine artists and over twenty vintners will be on hand to showcase their wines. The event will also feature special guests and food. Tickets are $76.54 (plus fees) and include access to the event, music and wine tasting. More information here.
Ongoing events:
- Dine LA Restaurant Week continues until July 26. Get specials and deals on menu items from these Long Beach restaurants: Ammatoli, BO Beau Kitchen + Roof Tap, Cali Chilli, Michael's on Naples, Rakkan Ramen and Ruth's Chris Steak House.
- Long Beach Burger Week has specials on burgers around town until July 28. Find participating restaurants and what they're offering here.
- Compound's newest art installation, "Delta Venus," is now on view. Australian artist Paige Hasaballah was commissioned to celebrate the end of the current "Chaos to Cosmos" exhibit at Compound. View the installation through Sept. 15.
Editor's note: The headline has been updated to correct the name of Midsummer Scream.
