This Weekend in Long Beach

What's Happening in Long Beach, CA This July?

Here are our top picks for weekend events and activities in Long Beach this month. Enjoy!

FIRST FRIDAYS IN BIXBY KNOLLS

When: July 5

Join us on July 5 for a block party-style First Fridays in Bixby Knolls! Filled with live music, art, entertainment, and the best from local restaurants, breweries, and shops.

As always, most businesses on Atlantic Avenue will stay open late. The Big Red Bus will be driving around the district to help you get to all the festivities and is free to ride! The Bus will begin from Beachwood Brewing at 6:30pm and continue around the route until 9:30pm.

LONG BEACH REGGAE FEST

When: July 6

The Long Beach Reggae Fest presented by the Caribbean American and Heritage Foundation will feature artisan vendors, food from at least five Caribbean nations, a customized car display, Domino & Chess Competition, and dancing. Proceeds from the festival support the foundation's cultural exchange programs.

TANABATA FESTIVAL

When: July 7

The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of California State University Long Beach will host the Tanabata Festival. According to legend, the two stars Orihime and Hikoboshi, which are usually separated from each other by the milky way, are able to meet. Giveaways, crafts and music at the Garden.

QUEEN MARY NIGHT MARKET

When: July 11

Queen Mary's Night Market is back! This popular event brings the community together with diverse food vendors, pop-up shops, live music, and a beer garden. It's perfect for a fun night out with family, friends, or a date.

MUSICAL THEATRE WEST: DISNEY'S NEWSIES - THE BROADWAY MUSICAL

When: July 12-28

Inspired by the historic Newsboy Strike of 1899, Disney's Tony Award-winning musical Newsies follows rebellious newsboy Jack Kelly as he rallies his fellow newsies to fight against unfair newspaper prices. This inspiring tale of courage and friendship features unforgettable songs and dazzling dance numbers that will have you cheering for the underdogs and ready to "Seize the Day."

ANNUAL CATALINA SKI RACE

When: July 13

Don't miss the 75th anniversary of the Long Beach to Catalina Water Ski Race on July 13, 2024! This thrilling 63-mile open-water race features elite athletes reaching speeds up to 100 mph as they are pulled by high-speed boats from Long Beach Harbor to Catalina Island and back. This prestigious event is a must-see for any water sports enthusiast.

DOWNTOWN ART WALK

When: July 13

It's a full day of art, culture, and community!

The Downtown Long Beach Art Walk happens on Saturday, July 13, in conjunction with the Long Beach UbeFest, a celebration of the purple yam that’s a staple in many Southeast Asian desserts. Click the link below to learn more about the full run-down of events featuring live music, film screenings, art exhibitions, and more.

WEST COAST TACO & BEER FESTIVAL

When: July 13

Get ready for the fiesta of the summer! The West Coast's largest traveling Taco & Beer Festival is hitting Long Beach, bringing unlimited tacos and beer from dozens of amazing vendors, plus DJs, entertainment, and shopping! Eat, sip, repeat!

SWEAT AT LONG BEACH PLAYHOUSE

When: July 20 - August 17

Experience the powerful Pulitzer Prize-winning drama SWEAT at the Long Beach Playhouse. This deeply moving story follows a group of lifelong friends in Reading, Pennsylvania, as their bond is tested by layoffs and economic hardship. Filled with humor and heart, SWEAT explores the forces that divide us and the resilience of the human spirit. Get your tickets now for a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.

LONG BEACH LEGACY TRIATHLON

When: JULY 20 TO JULY 21

This premier athletic event offers a unique opportunity to race the proposed Olympians and Paralympics will tackle in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, with options for all skill levels, including Sprint and Olympic distances, Corporate Challenges, and Kids Splash & Dash. Now organized by supertri, known for its innovative racing format, this triathlon promises to be a thrilling challenge. Come out and support the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles' Pediatric Cancer Research Program!

LOVE LONG BEACH FESTIVAL

When: JULY 20-21

Get ready for two days of sun-soaked fun at the 9th annual Love Long Beach Festival! This all-ages extravaganza features a mix of DJs and live music, yoga and meditation sessions, immersive sound healing experiences, creative arts and crafts, food trucks, vendors, and fully stocked bars to keep the good vibes flowing.

Credit: Dark Matter Photographs

LONG BEACH BURGER WEEK

When: JULY 21-28

Get ready to sink your teeth into the juiciest week of the year! The 2nd annual Long Beach Burger Week is back, celebrating America's favorite culinary icon in all its glory.

From classic cheeseburgers to wild creations topped with Hot Cheetos, mac 'n cheese, and even peanut butter, there's a burger for every craving. With $5, $10, $15, $20, and $25 options available at restaurants, food trucks, and pop-ups across the city, you can journey on a delicious burger adventure while supporting your local favorites. Whether you dine in, take out, or get it delivered, don't miss this mouthwatering celebration of all things burger!

LONG BEACH ANTIQUE MARKET

When: JULY 21

Discover treasures from the past at the Long Beach Antique Flea Market! Held on the third Sunday of every month at Veterans Memorial Stadium, this massive market features over 800 vendors offering a vast selection of antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing, home decor, and unique finds.pen_spark

MIDSUMMER SCREAM: HALLOWEEN & HORROR CONVENTION

When: JULY 26-28

Get ready for a spooktacular summer! Midsummer Scream, the world's largest Halloween and horror convention, is back in Long Beach for its 7th year!

Immerse yourself in a Halloween wonderland with exclusive theme park previews, hundreds of spooky vendors, thrilling haunted houses, mind-blowing makeup demos, and much more. It's a 2.5-day Halloween theme park packed with every spooky delight imaginable.

NIGHT DIVE AT THE AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

When: JULY 26

Night Dive returns on Friday, July 26. This adults-only event features food trucks, cash bars, DJs throughout the Aquarium galleries, art, and a live band performing on the stage in front of the Honda Blue Cavern. Night Dive will sell out so be sure to purchase your tickets early.

LONG BEACH DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

When: JULY 27

Witness one of California's largest dragon boat competitions as teams race across the water in colorful, ornate boats. In addition to the races, celebrate the rich tapestry of Chinese history and heritage with traditional art demonstrations, acrobatics, dance performances, exhilarating martial arts displays and more while you're there.

ALEX MENDHAM & HIS ORCHESTRA

When: JULY 27

Step back in time and experience the glamour of a bygone era with Alex Mendham & His Orchestra at the Queen Mary's Queen's Salon. This spectacular 11-piece ensemble brings the jazz and swing music of the art deco era to life with a modern energy and passion, evoking the magic of Hollywood's golden age.

Dance the night away or simply sit back and soak in the ambiance as the orchestra takes you on a musical journey through timeless classics from Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, Glenn Miller, and more.

Black-tie, formal, or vintage glam attire is encouraged.

credit: www.alexmendham.com