What's Good, LBC? New museum exhibits, roller disco, Greek festival and more
We've collected some of the coolest events, shows, and festivals going on throughout the week so you're never bored in Long Beach.
Did you know Long Beach has five museums?
Each of our local museums have their own specialisation; for example, the Long Beach Museum of Art focuses on European and American works while the Museum of Latin American Art highlights modern and contemporary art from some 20 different Latin American countries and artists.
If you're ever at a loss for what to do in town, I'd highly recommend swinging by one of the museums in town to checking out what they've got on display.
Otherwise, there are more than a dozen events going on in Long Beach this week and throughout the weekend. Here's what we've found for you:
Roller Disco (August 29)
Downtown Long Beach will host two roller discos, the first comes Aug. 29 from 5 to 9 p.m and the second arrives Sept. 5. The events are part of the Summer on Pine series where Pine Avenue from Third Street to Broadway Avenue will become a pedestrian mall closed to traffic. Residents are encouraged to bring their skates and show-off their skills.
Grace & Space exhibit (ends November 1)
The Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum's Grace & Space exhibit features the work of resident artist Jason Pereira. Pereira was raised in Carson, but is a descendant of Amerika Samoa. The exhibit is 18 months worth of stories through paintings, it will end on Nov. 1 so, catch it before it's gone.
Long Beach Greek Festival (August 31 to September 2)
If you catch a whiff of grilled meat in the air this weekend, you're not going crazy. The Long Beach Greek Festival returns this Labor Day Weekend to serve up Greek foods like souvlaki (pork and chicken), gyros, lamb chops and more. Check out the full menu here. In addition to food, there will be Greek dancing lessons, performances, live music, opportunity drawings, shopping and more. Admission is $5 and the event opens at noon each day. Details can be found here.
More events happening:
Tuesday
- The Moon Jays will perform a free concert at Colonnade Park on Naples Island. The performance will start at 5 p.m.
Wednesday
- Lebanese restaurant Open Sesame on Belmont Shore's Second Street will host a 25th anniversary celebration with a special ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Guests who dine at the restaurant from Monday, Aug. 26, to Friday, Aug. 30 will be entered for the chance to win a $100 gift certificate.
- Another free Summer on Pine event will take place Wednesday. Pop Sunset, a community wellness festival from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. will feature fitness classes, food, health tips and eco-friendly shopping.
Thursday
- Enjoy a wine and painting night on the Queen Mary this Thursday starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $49 per person and include painting materials and one drink.
Saturday
- International City Theatre will have a free family theater day this Saturday at the Beverly O'Neill Theater at the Long Beach Convention Center beginning at 11 a.m. The event is free, but reservations are required.
- Good Time will host a lineup of comedians this Saturday. Tickets are $17.85 per person after fees.
Sunday
- The Art Theatre of Long Beach will screen the 1928 "Passion of Joan of Arc," a silent film accompanied by a live nine-piece George Sarah ensemble at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission and can be purchased here.
- Fireworks will light up Alamitos Bay, Naples Island, and the Peninsula in Long Beach to celebrate Labor Day.
- Harbor Breeze Cruises is offering a bay fireworks cruise with $75 general admission tickets.
- The Big Bang on the Bay Block Party will return including waterfront seating, catering from Naples Rib Company, live music and more. Tickets are $75 for general admission. More details and ticket purchase can be found here.
- Hotel Maya will have live music pool-side featuring artists like Mike the Steel Drummer, DJ Butter Baby, Francisco Reyes Trio, and more on Saturday and Sunday. Fuego, the hotel's restaurant, will serve brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or guests can grab burgers, hot dogs, and tacos from noon to 4 p.m.
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