Arts Month in Long Beach

October is Arts Month in Long Beach, and the city will be alive with creative energy. From open studio tours and symphony performances to photo walks and neighborhood events, there's no shortage of ways to experience the city’s rich cultural landscape. Whether you're a lifelong art lover or looking for something new to explore, here are some of the best ways to celebrate the arts all month long.

LONG BEACH OPEN STUDIO TOUR

Interact with Long Beach’s creative community during the annual Long Beach Open Studio Tour. This free, self-guided event runs over four weekends in October, each spotlighting a different neighborhood: Uptown (Oct. 4-5), Downtown (Oct. 11-12), Eastside (Oct. 18-19), and Belmont Shore (Oct. 25-26). Meet local artists, explore their creative spaces, and enjoy art at your own pace. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the city’s diverse and talented art community.

CREDIT: Long Beach Open Studio Tour

LONG BEACH SYMPHONY

The Long Beach Symphony kicks off its 2025-26 Pop Series Oct. 18 in the Long Beach Arena with The Music of Journey. This salute to the classic rock band promises an evening of emotive rock hits paired with an orchestra, rock band, and brilliant vocals. The symphony begins its Classical Series Nov. 1 with Beethoven & Beyond, featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, also known as the Pastoral.

DTLB UNFILTERED

Each October during Arts Month, DTLB Unfiltered invites photographers to capture Downtown Long Beach from fresh, inspiring perspectives. Open to all skill levels, the contest features seven categories that spotlight the people, places, and moments that shape the DTLB community. To help spark creativity, join one of the DTLB Unfiltered Photography Walks. These guided, two-hour walks offer a fun way to explore Downtown, connect with fellow photo enthusiasts, and snap shots to submit to the contest.

CREDIT: Bob Ring

ART MUSEUMS

Long Beach is home to four remarkable art museums, each with a distinct focus. During October, the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave), will continue its activities highlighting Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month while, across the street, the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum (695 Alamitos Ave) aspires to communicate the collective wisdom of Pacific Islands people of Oceania through rotating installations and lived experiences. Long Beach Museum of Art (2300 E Ocean Blvd) opens The California Effect, Oct. 4, reflecting on the state’s outsized impact on culture. The Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach (1250 Bellflower Blvd.), is presenting Solastalgia, exploring eco-grief through multimedia works by nine artists.

NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS

October is a great month to check out one of the weekly neighborhood art events that happen around the city. Featuring artists/artisans/makers and their wares, these events occur in neighborhoods such as Bixby Knolls, Belmont Shore and Retro Row. DTLB Art Walk takes place Saturday, Oct. 11, throughout Downtown Long Beach’s unique neighborhoods offering a chance to support local artists, visit and shop at participating Downtown businesses.

CREDIT: Downtown Long Beach Alliance

PUBLIC ART

Long Beach is home to a collection of public art second to none in Southern California with scads of amazing murals, sculptures and historic mosaics dotted throughout the city. Heck, even utility boxes get turned into art. The Arts Council for Long Beach has constructed an excellent digital resource to guide you to virtually any work of art you desire. Its Public Art Map not only has every piece of public art in the city, but also allows you to search using numerous filters, whether by neighborhood, specific artist, art type, etc.

BELMONT SHORE SIDEWALK CHALK ART CONTEST

Join a colorful celebration at the 21st annual Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 AM to 4 PM. The event transforms the Second Street business corridor–mainly between Laverne and Granada avenues–into an open-air gallery, featuring over 50 artists—from seasoned professionals to emerging talents and student creators. Artists receive free supplies and lunch, and will compete for a $1,000 grand prize.

CREDIT: Justin Rudd

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About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.