2:00pm | Some don’t like the sport — they just like the energy and want to partake in the festivities indirectly related to the event at hand. It’s a common thing (I myself can’t do baseball and, to be frank, I have no idea why; I grew up with it, my father is obsessed with it, I should — in all senses — enjoy baseball. And yet, whenever my Dad would shell out tickets, I would find myself exploring the rowdy stadium more than watching the game. I can’t say the same for football, er, soccer — you won’t get me to take my eyes off the ball).

In this spirit, here’s our guide for what to do without having to watch a single race car pass by.
 
Friday, April 13

  • Starting today at 2:00pm, the Go-Cart Charity Race at Alamitos Bay Landing will have you watching racing — but from the driver’s seat. Much more appropriate in our opinion. Even better, you’ll be able to check out some actual racers (just don’t tell them you’re not into what they do — kinda rude) and jam to some live music if you’re not one for the go-carts. 109 N. Marina Drive.
  • Tonight from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Roar in Belmont Shore will offer a car show, live music, and even more — you guessed it — drivers for autographs. C’mon, you’re in the Shore, go to Tavern on 2 and grab a deelish craft beer and gawk at some utterly awesome vehicle machinery. 2nd Street between Corona and Covina Avenues.
  • At 6:30pm, head to the tracks not for a race but for the Tecate Light Fiesta Friday Concert featuring Belanova. Good times. Plus Tecate (not just light, we promise).

Saturday, April 14

  • The Lifestyle Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center is actually on all three days — and it’s free on all three days. There are tons of things to do for kids and adults alike and while you won’t escape the racing theme (sorry, guys and gals, not sure you’re gonna escape that at all), it is an escape from the roar of the tracks.
  • 6:45pm, the second concert from the Tecate folks — officially titled Tecate Light Rock-N-Roar Concert will feature Joan Jett & the Blackhearts at the Rock-N-Roar Stage on the tracks. Honestly, don’t miss it. Joan is rock legend and if you don’t like rock legend, well… There’s many a Starbucks to get your Norah Jones on at.


Sunday, April 15

  • So… We give you: exploration. Yes, that strange thing where you are not told where to go or what to do. You just meander. The city’s population just grew by almost 200,000 and there’s an energy and liveliness to everything from Downtown to the Shore. And we’re not gonna lie to you: are you sure you don’t wanna check out the IndyCar Race? What is better than a beer (or water, we don’t judge), a cool breeze (let’s hope not a cool rain), and humans accelerating towards speeds of 170mph? And even if our superfluous and dreamy description of Grand Prix doesn’t convince you to hit the tracks, at least hit up a business and enjoy the vibrance Grand Prix brings to Long Beach.