This Weekend in Long Beach

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

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

WALK FOR KIDS BENEFITTING THE LONG BEACH RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

When: May 4

The Walk for Kids™ is an annual community fundraiser that supports the children and families who rely on the life-changing services and programs provided by the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House.

Join us at Shoreline Park for a fun-filled, family-friendly event overlooking Long Beach's gorgeous Rainbow Harbor.

REC PARK BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

When: May 4

Friends of Recreation Park Bandshell with support from the California Bluegrass Association will host a free concert in the park featuring performances by Honey Buckets, The Salty Suites, Matt Michienzie Band, Joy Louise, Lucky Punch, Cobblestone Ramblers and special guests The Honey Whiskey Trio. Kenny Feinstein from Water Tower will serve as the emcee and artist at-large.

CHILDREN'S DAY FESTIVAL

When: May 4

The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of California State University, Long Beach will host a Children's Day Festival with activities and fun for kids and families.

Children's Day, Kodomo no hi, is celebrated each year in Japan on May 5. Traditionally, families decorate by hanging karp or koi fish streamers outside of houses to bring luck and good fortune to the children inside.

CELEBRATING AAPI-LATINX: DANCE PERFORMANCE WITH MALAYA FILIPINO DANCE ARTS

When: May 5

Celebrate AAPI Latinx Heritage at the Museum of Latin American Art! In Tagalog “malaya” means to be free and Malaya demonstrates the feeling of freedom when they perform, embracing both Filipino and American cultures. Join us as this ensemble of performing artists share their ancestral, indigenous, and present lives through regional dances and discussion.

molaa.org

GREASE: ACT OUT THEATRE COMPANY

When: May 10-19

With a cast and crew of over 80 people and a soaring production design, the nonprofit Act Out Theatre Company’s production of the classic musical Grease will open for public performances on May 10 and continues with an additional 5 performances on May 11, 17, 18 and 19.

PLAYA LARGA NIGHT MARKET

When: May 10

Get ready for the new and different kind of night market in town! Join us for a noche full of awesome food curated by local food influencers, live music, a full bar, fun games, shopping, dancing and mucho más.

NIGHT DIVE AT THE AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

When: May 10

Will you go to Prom with me? Grab your date or group of friends before going to the ultimate adult prom at Night Dive at the Aquarium! Dance to your favorite songs across the generations with The Funky Hippeez, snap a pic in the photo booth, visit the DJs spinning in our galleries, grab a bite from the food trucks on the plaza, and enjoy a drink from the cash bars while strolling through the Aquarium. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the party goes until 11:00 p.m.! Advance reservations required, open to guests ages 18+.

KJLH WOMEN'S HEALTH EXPO

When: May 11

The KJLH WOMEN'S HEALTH EXPO is a FREE experience filled with fun activities, Live radio broadcasts, workshops, panel discussions, healthy food demos, dancersize, free massages, skin demos, free health screenings, giveaways and more.

MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH AT THE AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

When: May 12

Indulge in a unique Mother’s Day experience by enjoying a delicious meal served on the outdoor Veranda dining area with picturesque views of Rainbow Harbor. While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Aquarium and marvel at the magnificent ocean animals while creating cherished memories. All mothers will receive a complimentary mimosa or soft drink.

DETROIT '67 AT LONG BEACH PLAYHOUSE

When: May 18 to June 15

Motown beats and family drama collide in "Detroit '67," playing at Long Beach Playhouse May 18-June 15. Witness a Detroit basement transformed into a dream or a burden, as siblings fight for their futures amidst a city on fire. Don't miss this powerful play - visit the Long Beach Playhouse website for tickets!

LONG BEACH PRIDE FESTIVAL & PARADE

When: May 18-19

The 41st Annual Long Beach Pride Festival & Parade celebration features the famous Long Beach Pride™ parade, live music by headline artists and local favorites, three stages, food and drink, 150+ arts/crafts vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, parade, sponsored presence, games, giveaways and more.

LONG BEACH CAMERATA SINGERS: EVENING OF SONG

When: May 18

Hooray for Hollywood!

Showcasing the talents and personalities of our individual singers, you will leave the theater tapping your toes and humming your favorite songs from classic Hollywood movies!

Credit: Long Beach Camerata Singers

LONG BEACH PRIDE RUN

When: May 19

The Shoreline Frontrunners of Long Beach will host the 32nd Long Beach Pride Run on May 19, 2024. This vibrant event celebrates diversity and inclusivity through a 5K Race/Walk and 10K Race along Long Beach's scenic Shoreline Bike Path. The event finishes just in time for the Long Beach Pride parade.

WORLD BALLET SERIES: SWAN LAKE

When: May 19

Experience the legendary! Swan Lake, the ballet of all ballets, will be performed one night only as a part of the World Ballet Series. See the iconic Dance of the Little Swans, count the 32 fouettés performed by Odile and immerse yourself in magical Tchaikovsky's music.

LONG BEACH BBQ FESTIVAL

When: May 25

Get ready for a finger-lickin' good time at the 2nd Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival! Brought to you by Axiom Kitchen and NoahS's Arc Foundation in collaboration with LB Living, this sizzling food and music event is happening at Shoreline Aquatic Park. Join Axiom Kitchen, Full Send BBQ, Brother’s Keeper BBQ, Big Brian’s Meats, Zook’s Kitchen, Good Smoke Better Eats, OSO Good BBQ, Fat Boys BBQ LA, Janer Family BBQ, Inglorious Funnels, and many more BBQ, retail and craft vendors for a day of food, beer, music, arts, games, shopping and FUN!