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VOTING HAS BEEN EXTENDED! All polls will now be open until Friday, January 8 at 11:59PM.

In the final division of Best of Long Beach 2015, we take a look at the things in the city that make us think, feel, laugh, dance, relax and smile. Our arts, culture and entertainment connect us; they’re the cultural fabric that weaves a city as diverse as Long Beach together. So take a moment to think back on this year, and then tell us below what you loved most in 2015.

Vote for your favorites below, or if you don’t see your choice, add it. Please double-check that your choice is not already on the list before adding a new option. Businesses must be within the Long Beach city limits to qualify. Happy voting, and good luck to all of our nominees!

Best Open Mic in Long Beach

Long Beachers are a creative bunch. If you live in the city, chances are you or someone (or everyone) you know is a singer/songwriter, musician, author, poet or artist of one discipline or another. So it’s no surprise that businesses throughout the city frequently open up their floor for creative types to get up and share their talent. Where is the best open mic in Long Beach?

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Best Karaoke in Long Beach

As we continue our theme of re-igniting old rivalries, we bring back a favorite category for those of us with less musical talent, but still a song in our hearts. Whether you’re hitting the high notes on “I Will Always Love You” or making up the lyrics to “Benny and the Jets” as you go along, where do you go for the best karaoke in Long Beach?

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Best First Date Spot in Long Beach

You only get one chance to make a good first impression. You want to seem cultured but not pretentious, spontaneous but also put-together and mature. When it comes to first date plans, do you go classic and romantic, or fun and creative? Where’s the best first date spot in Long Beach?

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Best Tattoo Artist in Long Beach

Tattoos may have hit the mainstream in the past few years, but they’re still a big commitment. You’ve got to know your artist, and know what they’re all about before you can wear their artwork on your skin forever. Who is the best tattoo artist in Long Beach?

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Best Non-Traditional Art Gallery in Long Beach

Long Beach has some great art galleries, but there’s also a plethora of less-traditional places to go see some amazing art. Whether it’s in a secret passageway or, where you grab your coffee or at your local breakfast spot, where is the best non-gallery art gallery in Long Beach?

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Best Up-and-Coming Artist in Long Beach

Long Beach is home to many professional working artists, and is churning out new talent constantly. Up-and-coming artists have moved beyond just dabbling; they’ve begun to define a style of their own, and they’re starting to get recognition, whether through group galleries or social media. Who’s the best up-and-coming artist to arrive on the scene in 2015?

NOTE: Long Beach is so full of up-and-coming talent, we’ve decided to split this category in two. You can now vote for your choice for Best Up-and-Coming Artist in Visual Arts, and in Music and Performing arts. Vote for your pick in both categories below!

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Best Place to Hear Live Music

A live band adds an extra layer of ambiance to a good meal, a great glass of wine, or just a warm cup of coffee. Restaurants, bars and coffee shops that provide live music for their patrons also do a service for working musicians, and those just starting out. Where do you go in Long Beach to enjoy some live music while you’re out on the town?

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Best Family-Friendly Activity or Event in Long Beach

Finding fun activities for a day out with the whole family is not always easy. Differing ages and interests mean not everyone is always going to be happy. But when you do find something that everybody can enjoy, it really is a magical thing. What’s your go-to for a fun day out with the whole family?

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Long Beach Arts Advocate of the Year

The arts are so important in Long Beach, but where would we be without the people who support them? The city is is lucky enough to have dedicated individuals working hard to build and advocate for our the arts scene. Whose hard work touched your life this year?

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Best Long Beach Album of 2015

We’re bringing back this hotly-contested category to celebrate the Long Beach brand who laid down the best new tracks in 2015. Straight up and to the point; what Long Beach album that dropped this year is getting the most playtime in your rotation?

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Previously: Best of Long Beach 2015: Food & Drink

Votes will be verified at the discretion of the Long Beach Post. Results not final until all votes are verified, and an official winner is announced.