The Best of Long Beach—

Get Nerdy in Long Beach

As one of SoCal’s most creative cities, it’s no surprise Long Beach supports, celebrates and nurtures the many subcultures that spring up around fandom, gaming, and special interests.

Those of us who love the niche corners of pop culture—from Dungeons & Dragons to Dragon Ball Z—might be labeled nerds, but we wear it proudly … along with our wizard hats, superhero capes, and princess crowns. Read on for more on events, attractions, and places in Long Beach to celebrate your nerd-dom.

CONS

There are two major annual conventions in Long Beach where cosplay and fandoms are celebrated. For nearly 20 years, the Long Beach Comic Con has drawn princesses, superheroes and creatures of all kinds to stalk the halls of the Long Beach Convention Center (300 E Ocean Blvd), listen to panel talks with their favorite creators, and even compete in bouts of Cosplay Chess. For upcoming dates, visit the Long Beach Comic Con website.

COSPLAY

Held in Long Beach since 2022, Animé Los Angeles is a convention held in January that brings together lovers of the Japanese art form, along with cosplayers of the highest caliber. In recent years, local restaurants and businesses have started to get in on the fun, offering themed specials and collectible ribbons to attendees.

GAMING

We nerds love a good game, whether it’s tabletop, role playing, or video. Gather your party (or your conclave or shipmates) and test your skills at PanIQ Room (327 Pine Ave) in Downtown Long Beach, where the escape room challenges range from scary (Insane Asylum, Haunted Manor) to fantastical (Pirates of Tortuga, Wizard Trials). Or check out the inventory and meet other players at The Game Chest (4800 E 2nd St), which offers tabletop games, toys, collectibles, and puzzles, or Retro Games Plus (2749 E Anaheim St), an independent video game and collectibles store.

NERDY TATTOOS

How about a Long Beach tattoo artist who specializes in cartoon characters and anime designs? Commemorate your fandom at Alf’s Body Art Studio (5347 E 2nd St) in Belmont Shore with a permanent proclamation of your nerdery. Owner Alf was inspired by the art of classic Nintendo games growing up, and today creates bright color, Japanese style, and illustrative tattoos alongside his team of four tattoo artists (all female, he’s proud to point out).

COMIC BOOKS

Sometimes doubling as a nerdy clubhouse, your local comic book store is both a haven and a paradise. In Long Beach, you can find classic comics, graphic novels, manga and more at Amazing Comics (5555 E Stearns St), a Long Beach institution for 35 years. This shop also stocks collectibles, toys and figurines. Head to Pulp Fiction Comics (3925 E Anaheim St) for titles from all genres, new releases (join their email list for updates on preorders), and signing events with artists. You can find even more to feed your mind at Long Beach’s many bookstores.

TRIVIA

The greatest forum for nerds of all stripes to showcase their treasured knowledge is the trivia night. At pubs, breweries, and even a retro movie theater in Long Beach, trivia nights happen nearly every night of the week. Film nerds can match wits and test their cinematic sorcery at the Art Theatre’s (2025 E 4th St) monthly movie trivia nights. For other local events, visit our trivia nights blog.

Author

Claire Atkinson
Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for over 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.

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