Long Beach for Singles

With the approach of Valentine’s Day – an entire holiday built around the couple – let's remember that, in the end, we’re all individuals. So, at that time when you are bombarded with ideas for things to do with someone else (and hey, at any time of year!), here are a few things for you, YOU, to do in Long Beach. Fun things, healthy things, things that are delicious and good for the community. And who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone while doing them.

PIE MAKING CLASS

Food has a long history both as a solitary pursuit and as a romantic activity. Is there anything more beautiful than pie? No there isn’t. The Pie Bar (450 Pine Ave.), the sweetest site in Downtown Long Beach, offers classes to teach you how to make a pie from scratch – crust, filing, everything. Your ticket allows you to make a whole pumpkin pie while you enjoy a bottomless flute of champagne. Space is limited – 10 spots – and they usually fill up. For more information or reservations, click here.

Credit: The Pie Bar

KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TURNTABLE

This is one of a number of regularly scheduled events in Bixby Knolls. The parameters of Knights of the Round Turntable are simple: individuals meet at a Bixby business/location and listen to each song on a classic album – recent listens have included Nirvana’s “Nevermind,” Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill,” Queen’s “Night at the Opera” and Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black.” After the last track, everyone chats about what they heard. It's a great way to meet people who are passionate not only about music, but about particular artists that move you as well.

YOGA ON THE BLUFF

A jewel of the city, Yogalution Movement’s daily yoga classes on the bluffs above the beach at Ocean Boulevard and Junipero Avenue take place seven days a week at 11 a.m. The hour-long practice is free, though donations are always appreciated. The practice attracts large crowds of varying levels of yoga expertise and builds a real camaraderie. You can see that when class ends and folks stick around to chat. During the summer a second daily class is added at 6 p.m.

SPEED DATING, CONGREGATION ALE HOUSE

Congregation Ale House (201 E. Broadway), the terrific brewery/restaurant, is the site of numerous speed dating events minus the cheesiness: no bells, whistles or name tags. You’ll meet others in a cool atmosphere, spending a few minutes with each other and recording your feelings on a card. That card is turned in at the end of the evening and results are emailed back to you the next day. If you match with someone, each of you will be notified and you can take it from there. Organized by age range – 32-44, 25-39 – here's a schedule of upcoming events.

GAY FOR GOOD

Nowhere do we see the power of the individual more than when many of them come together to help. There are, of course, countless organizations eagerly waiting for people to help them do good. Gay For Good mobilizes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) and ally volunteers, promoting unity, fostering inclusion with a boots on the ground approach to uniting neighbors through a wide-range of volunteerism that has included pet adoptions, distributing meals to families and toys to children, writing letters of thankfulness to first responders and healthcare workers and providing water.

Credit: Gay for Good, OC-Long Beach
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.