Summer is just around the corner, with graduation prep, garden parties, and outdoor activities in Signal Hill and Long Beach.
Plant parties are in the spotlight this week, including a Friday morning senior gardening meetup at Houghton Park, a harvest and garden event at the Peace Community Garden on Saturday morning, and a chance to shop and trade rare plants on Saturday at Plantiitas.
If you are looking to help those who need a helping hand, there are many opportunities for people in the community. Long Beach is hosting its third donation event on Saturday morning, Plantiitas is hosting a queer prom to help raise money for a local resident to get top surgery, and Running for the Rescues is hosting a fundraiser to homeless pets.
The city also has a number of art-focused events, including a patchwork show, magazine fest, graduation cap decorating, and children’s workshops.
friday 5/26
Gardening with love: 10 am to 1 pm Seniors are invited to spend time together gardening at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.). Participants will receive a pot to take home. Refreshments will be available. Free.
More than stories: 3 pm to 4 pm School-age children are invited to the Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.) to develop cultural literacy, as well as language and social skills through stories by AAPI authors. Free.
Saturday 5/27
Peace Garden Community Day: 8 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to the Community Peace Garden (1133 Rhea St.) to help care for the plants and take home an extra harvest. Attendees are also encouraged to bring produce they grew at home to trade with their neighbors. Free.
Unity for the homeless through the donation campaign: 9 am to 1 pm The City of Long Beach will host its third drive-thru event to collect essential items for the homeless in Long Beach. Participants are invited to bring hygiene kits, backpacks filled with hand warmers, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and charging cables; pet care kits, clothing and food at 2525 Grand Ave. Free.
TropiCool: 10 am to 4 pm Attendees can purchase and trade rare and unique plants at Plantiitas (2011 E 4th St.). The therapist José Navarro will also give a workshop on the connection between plants and mental health. To register for the event or workshop, visit linktr.ee/plantiitas. Free.
Food distribution: 11 am to 2 pm Food will be available for those who need it on a first-come, first-served basis at Pools of Hope (6801 Long Beach Blvd.) Attendees must bring a personal shopping bag or cart to take their food home. Step-by-step services will be available. Free.
Queer Prom Brokeback Hoedown: 6 pm to 10 pm The public is invited to a fundraiser at Plantiitas (2011 E 4th St.) to help a local member of the queer community pay for topside surgery. There will be music, dancing, raffles and vendors. To get a ticket, visit Eventbrite and leave a donation in the amount of your choice.
sunday 5/28
Bike Tour: 8:45 am to 1 pm Those who want to get to know their city better are invited to take a 30-mile bike tour of the city. This family event is for beginning and intermediate cyclists who are comfortable using bike paths and streets. The tour will begin along the Marina Green (386 E Shoreline Dr.), before heading to Los Cerritos Park, the San Gabriel River Trail, and back to the Marina Green. The use of helmets is strongly recommended for adults and mandatory for minors. The tour is free, but it is necessary to register on the website of the City Council.
THE ZineFest: 11 am to 6 pm This tenth annual zine festival will take place at the EXPO Arts Center (4321 Atlantic Ave.) for the first time. Several creators will sell their fanzines and other products. Free to attend.
Patchwork Show: 11 am to 5 pm More than 250 vendors will sell their handmade wares at Marine Stadium (5255 Paoli Way). There will also be music, food trucks, activities and more. This event is appropriate for all ages. Friendly dogs are welcome. Free to enter.
Honoring our heroes: 5:30 pm to 8 pm The Office of Veterans Support will host a family community event to commemorate Memorial Day at the Long Beach Navy Memorial at Shoreline Aquatic Park (200 Aquarium Way). Patriotic music will be provided by the Navy Band Southwest Harborside Brass Quintet. At 5:45 p.m., historic light aircraft will fly over the event. The event will include guest speakers, interactive art, historical information, and more. A flag ceremony will take place at sunset.
monday 5/29
Running for the rescues: 7:30 am to 11 am This marathon will raise money for homeless pets. Runners will meet at 5400 E. Ocean Blvd. There are options to participate in the 5K, 10K, 15K and half marathon, which range in price from $28.99 to $42.99.
Night of curiosities: 7 pm Those 21 and over are invited to the Auld Dubliner (71 S Pine Ave.) to participate in a weekly trivia competition hosted by America’s Pub Quiz. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Free to attend.
Tuesday 5/30
Food distribution: 10 a.m. to noon. Individuals and families in need are invited to receive free groceries at Community Medical Wellness Centers USA (1360 E Anaheim St.). Food will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees must bring a cart or bag to take their food home. For more information call 562-826-1608 or 562-624-5477. Free.
Graduation Cap Decoration: 3 pm to 5 pm High school seniors graduating this year are invited to decorate their graduation caps at the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E. Hill St.). A limited amount of supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.
Wednesday 5/31
Teen Movie Matinee: 4 pm to 5:55 pm Teens are invited to this screening of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.). Fresh popcorn will be provided. Free.
Silverado Park Community Meeting: 5:30 pm to 7 pm The public is invited to the Silverado Park Community Center (1545 W 31st.) for updates and next steps for the Silverado Park Playground Project. Free.
Thursday 6/1
Put it Workshop: From noon to 1:30 pm Residents are invited to the front yard of a private residence (816 Alamitos Ave.) to discuss the restoration of The Dime Alley in Central Long Beach. Attendees will be able to share their concerns and comments while learning about the project. This event is organized by the Long Beach Community Design Center, the architectural firm HED, and OCEAN Org. Free.
Agape Artworks: 2 pm to 3 pm The Long Beach Public Library and Agape Children’s Museum will host weekly interactive art activities for school-age children at the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E Hill St.). Free.
