Recurring Local Summer Events
Summer is a time for much-needed fun and relaxation. With so many events lined up for summer, we had to share the many activities to enjoy the summer season that are going on all across the city. These event series are free or low cost and bring out the best of what our city has to offer when the weather is perfect for getting out and enjoying it all.
Stroll & Savor
Belmont Shore
Come hungry to Stroll & Savor, the Belmont Shore Business Association's most popular event of the year. Over 50 eateries will be participating, providing samples of food and drink along 30 blocks of Second Street in Belmont Shore. Past delicacies have included everything from sliders to cupcakes to fried oysters. In 2023, these events will be held on two consecutive nights each month from May through August. Purchase a sheet of 12 tickets for $15 at Second Street shops starting the Friday before or at the Chase bank on Second Street the night of the event.
Wet & Wild Fun at the Wibit
Alamitos Beach
Long Beach residents will soon have the chance to stay cool while staying active this summer, as the city brings back its popular inflatable aquatic playgrounds at two local beaches.
The inflatable “Wibit” playgrounds will be blown up and placed in the water just off the Alamitos Beach and Bayshore Avenue beach. The Alamitos Beach playground includes multiple floating structures, including “springboards, bouncers, monkey bars and other elements to encourage water play”, the city said in a news release. The Bay Shore Avenue beach playground includes multiple climbing structures, bouncers and domes.
The Wibit playgrounds will be open during supervised lifeguard hours and all participants are required to pass a swim test before being allowed on them. Children nine and under must be accompanied by an adult, and life jackets and personal flotation devices will not be allowed while using the playgrounds. Admission is free and the inflatable playgrounds will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and remain in place through Sept. 4.
First Fridays
Bixby Knolls
Join the fun celebrating July First Fridays in 70s style. What started years ago as a smaller gathering has now grown into a staple, block party-style event for the Bixby Knolls community. Local artists come out to entertain and show off their work, while some businesses stay open later for a chance to help local artists and get the word out about their own store. These events truly showcase a sense of the community’s support for each other and are here every first Friday of the month.
Fourth Fridays on 4th Street
Retro Row
This community event takes place on 4th Street (between Hermosa and Temple) on the Fourth Friday of every month, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can expect to enjoy extended store hours, food and drink specials, discounted merchandise, pop up shops, live music and artists all along the thoroughfare.
2nd Saturday Art Walk
East Village Arts District
Just blocks away from the beach in the heart of the East Village Arts District is the Long Beach Art Walk. With an arts community as diverse as the port city it resides in Long Beach celebrates the arts every 2nd Saturday of the month. Features painting, sculpture, performances, trades, and live music all your senses are sure to be satisfied when paired with food and beverages from a variety of restaurants and bars located within the art walk.
Beach Cleanup
Belmont Shore
Beach cleanups are a fun and easy way to volunteer your time by helping to keep our beaches and ocean clean! The 30-Minute cleanup seeks to create a clean and safe place for residents, visitors and aquatic wildlife along the Long Beach coast. Come down on the 3rd Saturday each month at 10 AM. During the effort, volunteers progress toward the Belmont Pier and the Peninsula. Volunteers are asked to wear shoes and sunscreen. No reservation is necessary, and large and small groups are welcome to volunteer. Bags and gloves are provided along with refreshments. Students can also receive volunteer recognition forms so they can report service hours. Cleanup meet will start at 1 Granada in Long Beach, CA 90803.