11:17am | The Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) released their 2012 events calendar yesterday, full of events created and produced with the diverse cross-section of Downtown residents, employees, visitors and businesses in mind. Information on events is below; for updated information throughout the year please visit www.downtownlongbeach.org.
Celebrate Downtown 2012
January 26, 2012, 6:30. to 9 p.m.
Celebrate Downtown 2012 will kick off the New Year by lauding the accomplishments made in Downtown and honoring those who have made it possible. This evening mixer will feature live entertainment, recognition of the community’s contributions to Downtown, and the first ever Spirit of Downtown Award which will honor those who have served our community and embody the dedication, love and fortitude of great leaders.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, California 90802
Valentine Wine and Dine
February 14, 2012
Valentine Wine and Dine features more than 20 restaurants and entertainment venues throughout Downtown Long Beach will offer special discounts, romantic dinner menus for two, special desserts and live music to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Where: Throughout Downtown
Downtown’s Amazing Chase
March 10, 2012
During Downtown’s Amazing Chase, participants will solve clues, perform challenges and explore Downtown Long Beach as they compete for prizes. From intellectual conundrums, to physical feats, to food-eating fun, Downtown’s Amazing Chase will keep participants on their toes for several hours of action-packed entertainment.
Where: Throughout Downtown
Thunder Thursday
April 12, 2012
Thunder Thursday is the official kick-off event for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Pine Avenue comes alive with a daredevil motorcycle stunt show, freestyle motocross demonstrations, a professional pit stop competition featuring celebrity drivers, static race car displays, driver autographs, live music and more.
Where: Pine Avenue and Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802
Taste of Downtown – East Village
April 25 & 26, 2012, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Taste of Downtown features some of Downtown’s finest restaurants serving up sample-sized portions of their signature dishes under the stars. This event takes place on back-to-back nights and features a unique East Village Arts District flair with festive live music and art displays.
Where: First Street between Elm and Linden Avenues, Long Beach, CA 90802
BikeFest Tour of Long Beach
May 5, 2012, rides start at 6:30 a.m., Finish Line Festival is from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
One of the premiere bicycle fundraising events on the west coast, the BikeFest Tour of Long Beach presented by Wells Fargo will bring cycling-related fun and festivities to Downtown Long Beach. In addition to the Tour, this event includes a Family Fun Ride, the Metric Century Ride, and the new 100-mile Cruz Gran Fondo which kicks off near the Queen Mary loops through Long Beach, Cypress, Seal Beach and Signal Hill. After crossing the finish line, riders, family and friends, can join Long Beach’s own Bicycle Ambassador and Olympian Tony Cruz at the free Finish Line Festival which includes live entertainment, a vendor fair, kids’ fun zone and a free bike valet. Proceeds will support pediatric cancer research at Miller Children’s Hospital of Long Beach. Registration is open www.bikefestlb.com.
Where: The Pike, Pine Avenue and Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802
Pink Party
May 18, 2012
The Pink Party kicks off Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride weekend in style and helps raise funds for the Center Long Beach’s Mentoring Youth Through Empowerment Program. The Pink Party has grown into one of the most anticipated events of Pride Weekend in Long Beach, featuring the Long Beach Drag Diva contest, special guest DJs, dance performances and over-the-top décor.
Where: The Pike, Pine Avenue and Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802
Summer and Music (SAM)
June through August
The all ages, family-friendly Summer And Music (SAM) series brings a full season of free outdoor concerts to the streets of Downtown. Highlights include the Battle of the Tribute Bands, Funk Fest and BuskerFest.
Where: Throughout Downtown
Taste of Downtown – Waterfront
June 13 & 14, 2012, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Taste of Downtown features some of Downtown’s finest restaurants serving up sample-sized portions of their signature dishes under the stars. This event takes place on back-to-back nights and features a festive Waterfront atmosphere with great views and a laid-back feel.
Where: Pine Avenue Pier at Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach, CA 90802
Taste of Downtown – Pine Avenue
August 22 & 23, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Taste of Downtown features some of Downtown’s finest restaurants serving up sample-sized portions of their signature dishes under the stars. This event takes place on back-to-back nights and features a festive dining experience in the heart of Downtown Long Beach.
Where: Pine Avenue and Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802
Latin American Parade and Festival
September 8, 2012
The streets of Downtown will come alive during the Latin American Parade and Festival. This outdoor street festival and parade features the sounds of Latin music and the tastes of authentic cuisine. Food vendors will offer delicious Latin American cuisine, there will be live musical acts performing on the main stage, art displays and more.
Where: Throughout Downtown
Halloween Scavenger Hunt
October 31, 2012
Participating businesses will offer food, drink and merchandise specials for the 21 years and older crowd as a part of the Halloween in Downtown promotion. Each participating location will feature a frightening clue displayed prominently in a window or near the entrance. Participants are encouraged to write down as many clues as possible to compete for a prize package.
Where: Throughout Downtown
Festival of Lights
December 1 through 24, 2012
The holiday season turns bright during Festival of Lights as dozens of Downtown businesses create festive light displays in their storefronts. Downtown consumers visit the participating businesses where they can vote for their favorite holiday display at each of the establishments. Those who vote will be entered to win a Downtown Prize Package.
Where: Throughout Downtown
New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2012
Downtown Long Beach celebrates New Year’s Eve in style beginning with a family-friendly event at the waterfront featuring live music, a magician, balloon artist, a trackless train and a ten-minute fireworks preview show. The party continues on Pine Avenue with a festive adult celebration and concert taking up two city blocks.
Where: Waterfront Celebration, 300 South Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
Pine Avenue Celebration, Pine Avenue and Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802