Summer officially began at 3:07 a.m. Thursday, June 21, and there’s plenty to do in Long Beach on the solstice’s opening days.
Thursday, June 21
Make Music Day: This citywide celebration of music on Summer Solstice takes place all over the city, with more than 100 musicians performing. For a full list of events and performances, click here.
Stroll & Savor in Belmont Shore (File photo).
The last night of Belmont Shore’s Stroll & Savor event runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday on Second Street. The event includes music, and more than 40 restaurants serving sample-size portions. Tickets for food cost $10 for a book of 12. Additional Stroll & Savor events are planned for July 18-19, and Aug. 15-16.
Concert in the Park(ing Lot): The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association is teaming up with Make Music Day to open its Concert in the Park(ing Lot) series at Georgie’s Place, 3850 Atlantic Ave. Enjoy the 1920s sounds of “Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys.”
Summer Solstice Farm Dinner: Celebrate the start of summer with top Long Beach restaurants at the Organic Harvest Gardens farm. Four-course meal with seasonal crops; $60 per person, drinks included. 6 to 9 p.m., 6751 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach.
Friday June 22
Movies in the Park: “Wonder” will be shown at Whaley Park, 5620 E Atherton St. Movies and popcorn are free. Movies begin at dusk.
Friday to Sunday, June 22-24
The Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week takes place Friday to Sunday, June 22 to 24. Hosted by Alamitos Bay Yacht Club and Long Beach Yacht Club, the annual regatta features more than 130 boats. Races start Friday at 12:55 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday races commence at 11:55 a.m.
Saturday, June 23
The Long Beach Health Department will mark National Healthy Homes Month with a Housing and Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MacArthur Park, 1321 E. Anaheim St. The free event will include health screenings, community resources, educational games, drawings, prizes and healthy snacks and drinks. For information, call 562-570-4488.
Summer and Music will kick off with the return of FKA 720. DaM-FunK will headline this year’s fest; DJ Tuan Digglz and DJ Osamu will also perform. A.skate Foundation families will be hosted by Dave Van Patten from 2 to 5 p.m. A pro skate and cash-for-tricks event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., and music is from 7 to 10 p.m. Pow! Wow! Will also feature on-site live painting. Craft beer will be provided by Beachwood Brewing, with a special SAM brew. The events will take place in the lot west of The Promenade in Downtown Long Beach, between Broadway and Third Street.
City of Long Beach’s ‘100 Days of Summer’ Programming Kicks off Friday with Free Concert
The Long Beach Bayou Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24, at the Queen Mary Events Park, 1126 Queens Highway. Cultural music, cuisine and music, along with Cajun and Creole cuisine, are in store. The festival also presents a wide range of groups, featuring Cajun, zydeco and blues artists.
Willmore City Walking Tours: Hosted by Long Beach Heritage, walks explore the heritage of Long Beach’s first residential neighborhood. Meet at the Bembridge House, 953 Park Circle; 9:30 a.m. to noon. Reservations are required by 5 p.m. on Friday. Tour limited to 15 people.