The following is a curated roundup of weekend events in Long Beach published every Wednesday on the Hi-lo/Long Beach Post. Have an event to share? Email [email protected] with “Things to Do” in the subject line.
We’ve found a few diversions to check out this weekend, from a fireworks show to Disney on Ice. Plus, a night market with Cambodian street food and a tropical take on how to spend your New Year’s Eve.
Happy New Year and get to scrollin’!
DISNEY ON ICE – LONG BEACH ARENA (Thursday – Sunday)
Looking to add that sweet cherry on top to your kiddos’ holiday festivities before the year ends? Well, Disney on Ice is coming to Long Beach beginning Thursday, Dec. 30 on through Jan. 2 at the Long Beach Arena.
Expect to see all of the Disney characters you know and love such as Mickey, Minnie, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie, the Disney princesses and more with musical numbers and, as always, world-class figure skating.
Tickets start at a fair $25. Keep in mind this event requires its attendees to show proof of vaccination with their original card or provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within two days of the show. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
The Long Beach Arena is at 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS SHOW – SHORELINE WATERFRONT (Friday)
There’s a very good chance you already know about this annual fireworks show, perhaps you’ve even been going to it since you can remember. So, this is our official notice that yes, New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Shoreline Waterfront is still very on this year (unless, God forbid, there’s some sort of city ordinance—looking at you omicron).
Knocking on wood, you can expect a lovely fireworks show launching at midnight this New Year’s Eve (that’s Friday, Dec. 31) in the Downtown area along the shoreline. So, Aquatic Park, Shoreline Village, and the Pine Avenue Pier are all great spots to catch the show.
The free event is organized by the Downtown Long Beach Alliance which means there will be plenty of live music and Downtown businesses offering special menus. There’s a nifty little map you can check out, click here, for more info on that.
And by the way, bring an umbrella or hoodie because the weather is looking to be a little wet in the evening.
Shoreline Aquatic Park is at 200 Aquarium Way.
NEW YEAR’S EVE TIKI BASH – BAMBOO CLUB (Friday)
Look, it’s gonna be cold on New Year’s Eve. We’re talking temperatures below 50 degrees and maybe even some rain. But, the Bamboo Club will be ringing in the New Year nice and toasty warm thanks to heaters they’ll have stationed throughout their outdoor patio for their New Year’s Eve Tiki Bash.
Of course, that’s not the main event. There will be two DJ tables featuring local artists (fan-favorite DJ Dennis Owens will spin all the funk and soul vinyl he’s known for) both indoors and out on the patio. Bamboo Club will be offering its full food menu until 11 p.m., followed by a new late-night yakitori skewers menu until closing.
And then, of course, there are the cocktails. Tropical, delicious, and honestly way too binge-able. You’ve been warned.
General admission tickets cost $25. Also, if you don’t feel like standing, there are still a few table reservations available for purchase. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.
Bamboo Club is at 3522 E. Anaheim St.
PAJAMA BRUNCH PARTY – CAFE SEVILLA (Saturday)
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Show up to Cafe Sevilla in your pajamas Saturday, Jan. 1 and the restaurant will give you one free mimosa. Might be that welcome bit of the ol’ hair of the dog you need after a proper night of New Year’s Eve debauchery.
This special only applies during the restaurant’s brunch hours, so 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The restaurant highly recommends making a reservation, which you can do online, click here, or by calling 562-495-1111.
Cafe Sevilla is at 140 Pine Ave.
BJORK NIGHT – QUE SERA (Saturday)
Que Sera is hosting a special music night on New Year’s Day featuring the music of Iceland’s pop star, Björk. We’re talking all her tunes, from every album, every song, b-sides, remixes, fan edits, and deep cuts from The Sugarcubes era (that was her band before she embarked on her solo career).
The evening will also feature drag by Puzzi Niggrr, Kiki Krazier and Siri.
Only costs $5 to attend. Per city ordinance, patrons must show proof of vaccination in order to attend. Click here for more information.
Que Sera is at 1923 E. Seventh St.
CAMBODIA NIGHT MARKET – CAMBODIA TOWN (Sunday)
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Support local vendors while you shop homemade crafts and other goods at the Cambodia Town Night Market Sunday, Jan. 2 at the MAYE Center.
The four-hour event will also feature live music and Cambodian street food vendors, including Battambong BBQ.
Cambodia Town Night Market is from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5 at the MAYE Center, 2153 E. Anaheim St.
SPONSORED BY THE AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC
SHARK LAB DIRECTOR SHARES CONSERVATION SUCCESS STORY – AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC (Wednesday)
Marine Biologist and Cal State Long Beach Shark Lab Director Dr. Christopher G. Lowe presents “Living with White Sharks — The Great California Conservation Success Story,” an educational program focused on the white shark population’s recovery off California’s coast and how concerns about public safety create unique conservation challenges.
As part of the First Wednesdays series at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Dr. Lowe will share how Cal State Long Beach’s Shark Lab has employed novel technologies to track where white sharks swim and the potential risks they pose to people.
The free event — capped off with a cash bar cocktail hour, music and a paint-a-shark art activity — will take place in-person and on livestream from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, in the Honda Pacific Visions Theater. Reservations and full COVID-19 vaccinations or a negative COVID-19 test are required. RSVP online, click here, or by calling 562-590-3100.