Arts Month in Long Beach

Celebrating its 90th anniversary, the Long Beach Symphony kicks off the 2024-25 season Oct. 5 in the Terrace Theater with a performance of Beethoven’s Egmont Overture. The choice is significant since Egmont was the first piece the LB Symphony ever performed back in 1934. Along with its Classical Series, the symphony will also offer its popular POPS Series as well, including tributes to Kings of Soul, Women of Rock and 80’s Dance Party. For the full calendar, visit the Long Beach Symphony webpage.

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. On Oct. 6, Long Beach Museum of Art will open Motion Pictures, a solo exhibit of works by LA-based painter Greg Ito. The Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach (1250 Bellflower Blvd.), continues its Tuesday Talks featuring artists and academics discussing current exhibits.

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.