It’s not quite Halloween, but it is a full-fledged El Niño-spiked fall. Thunderstorms, you say? Rain? Perhaps…but it’s still 80 degrees! Get into the full fall spirit with our top five things to do this weekend, ranging from a bonafide Oktoberfest celebration to a musical inspired by a real-life tabloid sensation.
The 1992 tabloid star Bat Boy made his Long Beach Playhouse debut this Thursday, as the once-allegedly true story about a half-bat, half-human child found in a West Virginia cave is brought to frightening life on a local stage, the playhouse announced Monday. While the tabloid “news” story was debunked, Keythe Farley, Brian Flemming and Laurence O’Keefe turned the wildfire fib into a musical entitled Bat Boy. Now, with Executive and Producing Artistic Director Andrew Vonderschmitt in the director’s chair, Bat Boy: The Musical will close the Long Beach Playhouse’s Studio Theater season with a batty story close to home. Theater goers can attend the “Two for One Preview” on Friday, October 16 (tickets are $12) and/or the “Opening Night Champagne Reception” with the cast on Saturday, October 17 (tickets are $27). Tickets are available here or by calling 562.494.1014. Bat Boy is set to run through November 14. Please be advised the play contains adult language and content.
Sunday brings with it Kidical Mass’s Annual Zombie Bike Ride in Bixby Knolls. As usual, the bike brigade will leave Georgie’s Place at 3850 Atlantic Avenue at 1:00PM. Organizers encourage participants to arrive early to get painted by their on-site “zombie” face painting artist. Sponsored by the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association and led by former Olympian Tony Cruz, Kidical Mass offers long beach residents an opportunity for family-friendly recreation. The route is about two miles and children of all ages are invited to participate. At the end of the route, everyone is treated to free ice cream. Gear up!
Those looking to enjoy all things German this weekend—including das bier!—and be able to give back to the community may want to head down to Promenade Square Park in Long Beach, where the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. will present Long Beach Oktoberfest. The inaugural event—set for Saturday, October 17—will feature a Leinenkugel Bier Garden, live bands, German food trucks as well as games and activities, including mug holding, corn hole and giant jenga, according to a press release. Beers will be served in 12-ounce cups at $5 a cup. Organizers said no steins will be sold or allowed at the event. Tickets for general admission are $10. For $20, upgrade to VIP status and get a Leinenkugel T-shirt, two free beers and access to special, limited edition-style beers such as the “Uber Oktoberfest.” If you are looking to get into this event for free, make sure to head out to the beach (at Belmont Shore, One South Granada Avenue) at 10:00AM that same day for an hour-long beach cleanup. The first 100 participants aged 21 or older will receive a Leinenkugel T-shirt and free admission ticket to Oktoberfest. Bags and gloves will be provided by Community Action Team. Attendees beyond the first 100 receive a discounted voucher to 
Oktoberfest.
Meanwhile, the opening night for the POPS! Series of the Long Beach Symphony is set to begin on Saturday, October 17 at 8:00PM with a Halloween Symphony Spooktacular at the Long Beach Arena. Guest conductor Benjamin Rous will be leading popular melodies composed by John Williams, James Horner and Bernard Hermann. Patrons are expected to bring their own picnics and libations. Doors open to the POPS! Series at 6:30PM and the concert will begin at 8:00PM. Tickets to both Long Beach Sympony series are $20 and available here or 562.436.3203.
Since its opening in 2007, Kafe Neo has served the Long Beach community, specifically the Bluff Heights and Retro Row neighborhoods, and the occasional out-of-towners mouth-watering Greek and American food aplenty. This year, the “American Kitchen with Greek Soul” will celebrate eight years of bringing divine fare to the city’s discerning palates with a Greek Block Party on Fourth Street. Those who attend the event on Sunday, October 18 can look forward to live entertainment in the parking lot, featuring DJ G Sverk, a live Greek band and other local bands, as well as an anniversary menu featuring Roasted Whole Lamb on the Spit and a Greek Beer Garden to wash it all down. To find out more about the event, contact Gus Sverkos at 562.388.3434 or [email protected]. To learn more about the establishment, click here.
File photos.