File photo.
This Labor Day weekend celebrate our urban neighborhood and its distinct variety of nature with a free, first-of-its-kind event: the City Roots Urban Nature Festival and Concert at the Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach. Anchored by a twilight bluegrass concert overlooking the water, the festival celebrates Long Beach’s bountiful natural parks with music, outdoor education workshops and more.
Brought to you by the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust and Friends of Colorado Lagoon, the City Roots Urban Nature Festival and Concert will take place on Saturday, September 5 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM.
“We’re very excited to bring together so many allied organizations promoting the unique benefits of urban nature, along with two mobile museums, live raptors, a great food truck, and one of the finest new-grass bands around,” said Courtney Christenson, operations and development for Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust.
The Colorado Lagoon certainly has a history. According to the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust, it was many a year ago that the lagoon and the wetlands were one, before urban development fragmented the once abounding natural sanctuary. The two wetlands organizations, in a symbolic re-joining, seek to bring this fun celebration to the community in an effort to realize all that Long Beach has to offer.
With a soundtrack of bluegrass and American roots music, City Roots will feature hands-on exhibits, kids’ activities, and local organizations promoting natural open space, outdoor education, recreation, natural history, wildlife and more. South Bay Wildlife Rehab will attend with live owls and raptors, and two mobile science and ecology museums which can be explored at no charge.
Congressman Alan Lowenthal’s office will host a complimentary bicycle valet service for those arriving on two wheels and Third District Councilmember Suzie Price’s office will treat festival-goers to a build-your-own-s’mores bar.
The evening will close with a live twilight performance by the much-adored bluegrass band The Salty Suites. Fans have described their sound as nothing short of “angelic,” so be prepared to become a fan for life (if you’re not already) as you kick back and enjoy the waning summer.
Lawn and beach seating for the free concert is limited. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 5:00PM to stake a grassy claim with picnic blankets or lawn chairs, then take in the festival and grab a grass-fed, free-range or vegetarian gourmet dinner from the Canvas Food Truck before the show starts at 7:00PM.
Held on the north bank of the Lagoon, guests may enter from 6th Street, adjacent to the golf course, or from the south bank, crossing the pedestrian bridge over the water. No dogs are permitted at the Lagoon.
For more information, please visit the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust’s Facebook page here.
The North Bank of the Colorado Lagoon is located on 5119 East Colorado Street.
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