Photo of a sand sculpture in Florida. Can Long Beach bring the same talent?
The Great Sand Sculpture Contest
81 years in the making and it still remains epic in all senses of the word. Granada Beach in Belmont Shore transforms into a mini sand metropolis that brings together both professional and community sculptors–and together, they turn the minuscule granules into massive pieces of coastline art. This years theme is “Sculpting Literacy in Your Community.” Honestly: you gotta check it out.
WHERE: Granada Beach Boat Ramp, 1 Granada Avenue
WHEN: August 10 & 11, 10AM to 4PM
WEBSITE: www.lbsandcastle.com
ADMISSION: Free
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Proving Grounds 2013: BMX Competition
Houghton Park will play host to No Fear’s summer Proving Grounds event, held at three SoCal parks, that offer the opportunity of a lifetime for amateur and unknown BMXers. Riders of all ages–quite literally, given that anyone under 11 falls into the Novice group while anyone over 35 hits the Old Guy group–are given the chance to score sponsorships, meet new competitors, and help the sport grow. Those wishing to enter do need to pay a small fee but viewing the competition is free.
WHERE: Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Avenue
WHEN: Sunday, August 11, 10:30AM
WEBSITE: bmx.transworld.net/2013-no-fear-proving-grounds/
ADMISSION: 1st Class (Amateur) – $30 | Additional Class (Amateur) – $10 | Open Class – $40
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Long Beach Jazz Festival
Rainbow Lagoon will be transformed into the epicenter of jazz and blues this weekend as the Long Beach Jazz Festival celebrates its 26th year. Headlining this year is none other than the Empress of Soul herself Gladys Knight. Other highlights include jazz bass guru Stanley Clarke, saxophonist Euge Groove, and group The O’Jays.
WHERE: Rainbow Lagoon on Shoreline Dr between Ocean and Pine.
WHEN: August 9, 7PM to 10:30PM; August 10, 12PM to 10PM; and August 11, 12PM to 10PM
WEBSITE: www.longbeachjazzfestival.com
ADMISSION: General admission is $50/day advanced order; $55/day at the gate.
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Rock the Queen!
Feel the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s come alive as three tribute bands take over three stages on the biggest queen in town, the Queen Mary. The Queen’s Salon, the Royal Salon, and the Veranda Deck will headline DSB, a Journey tribute band; Wanted, a Bon Jovi tribute band; and Hello Operator, a White Stripes tribute band. Prepare for six hours of nostalgic, musical bliss.
WHERE: The Queen Mary
WHEN: August 10, 7PM to 1AM
WEBSITE: www.queenmary.com/events/rock_the_queen.php#sthash.6ALRSxlH.dpuf
ADMISSION: $15 online; $20 at the door
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Cruise the Pike Classic Car Show
While jazz emanates from the Rainbow Lagoon, you are free to meander a collection of some of the most valuable classic cars in the States as this classic car show overtakes The Pike.
WHERE: The Pike at Rainbow Harbor on Pine, south of Ocean Boulevard
WHEN: Sunday, August 11, 3PM to 6PM
WEBSITE: www.laydbackproductions.com/?page_id=4234
ADMISSION: Free