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.
Are you sick of live music recommendations? We hope not because we’ve got a number to direct you toward this weekend, including an electronic show at Alex’s Bar, a cover band at (surprise, surprise) at The Gaslamp and another free show at the El Dorado Nature Center.
We’ve also found a new pop-up art gallery, a body-positive skating roll out, a couple of unique makers markets and more.
Get to scrollin’!
SUMMER CONCERT – EL DORADO NATURE CENTER (Thursday)
The free and very popular summer concert series at the El Dorado Nature Center is back after going on hiatus due to the pandemic, with the first performance slated for Thursday, July 8.
Classic rock cover band Corday will take stage first on July 8. The four-piece band plays a mix of classic rock anthems, ’80s jams, disco and whatever else they feel like throwing in the setlist—family-friendly, they promise.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets or other seating. Picnicking is allowed—however, alcohol is not permitted at city parks. And, while the show is free, a $5 donation to the Nature Center is encouraged and appreciated.
Show is from 7-8 p.m.
El Dorado Nature Center is at 7550 E. Spring St.
FART BARF CONCERT – ALEX’S BAR (Friday)
Alex’s Bar has brought back nearly all of its live entertainment and events since the pandemic and this Friday the venue welcomes comical electronic trio Fart Barf. There’s very little to dislike about this band, but if you’re still on the fence, click here.
The last time Fart Barf played at Alex’s Bar, it was to an empty room, so it’s safe to say they’re pretty excited to be back in full force.
Joining Fart Barf on the lineup are local acts Wargirl, Assquatch and Drugs (who are opening the show). Tickets cost about $13 and may be purchased online.
Doors open at 8 p.m. Show starts at about 9 p.m.
Alex’s Bar is at 2913 E. Anaheim St.
GALLERY 83 ART SHOW WITH ARTIST BAKER’S SON – VIOLET TINDER STUDIOS (Saturday)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9SC7mWha1Z/
A new pop-up art gallery set to spotlight women, queer and people of color is hosting its first summer show this Saturday, July 10.
Every Saturday through the end of August, an artist will take over the first-floor space of Violet Tinder Studios, a professional photography studio in Belmont Heights, and showcase their works.
Kicking off the series is Keith Magruder (known under the moniker Baker’s Son), a mixed media artist who predominately uses watercolors and paper to highlight the socio-political intersectionality of food and culture.
Magruder’s exhibition on July 10 and 11 will present his show “Flea Market” which is a collection of ‘80s and ‘90s pop-culture toys, media and entertainment objects made by hand from paper and painted with watercolors. The result is deceptively realistic replications of 3D objects.
The exhibition will be open from noon to 7 p.m.
Violet Tinder Studios/ Gallery 83 is at 3300 E. Broadway.
SUNS OUT, BUNS OUT – BODY POSITIVE SKATE ROLL OUT (Saturday)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPgyHgghh7A/
Local roller skater and influencer Courtney Shove (known online as Fat Girl Has Moxi) is calling skaters of all shapes and sizes to join her Saturday, July 10 as she and her crew skate along the Long Beach pedestrian path in a celebration of self-love and inclusivity.
Shove encourages attendees to dress up in clothes or makeup they might not usually feel comfortable wearing as a symbol of defiance to unhealthy notions of societal beauty standards (it’s also just a lot of fun).
Skaters will meet at the beach parking lot at Junipero Avenue and East Ocean Boulevard at 11 a.m. Skaters will take off at 11:30 down Junipero Hill, and skate on the pedestrian path to Lions Lighthouse and back.
Over 200 skaters showed up to the inaugural rollout in 2019. The 2020 rollout was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year.
SELENA TRIBUTE CONCERT – THE GASLAMP (Saturday)
If the Netflix Selena reboot, “Selena: The Series” is still fresh in your mind, Saturday night at The Gaslamp is your chance to experience the Tejano singer’s music through something other than your television speakers.
Cover band “Dreaming of You” will take stage at 8 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.) Tickets cost $25 and may be purchased online, click here. The ticket buys you a table reservation, however dinner and drinks are not included.
The Gaslamp is at 6251 East Pacific Coast Highway.
CD1 DOWNTOWN CLEAN-UP (Saturday)
Help spruce up the Downtown area with councilwoman Mary Zendejas from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 10. This inaugural cleanup by the district is hoping to make as great an impact as possible, so the more the merrier.
Meet up is at City Place on the corner of Fourth Street and Pine Avenue. The city will provide gloves, bags and other supplies—just show up with your helpful self.
Click here for more info.
SMALL BUSINESS FAIR (Saturday & Sunday)
Come check out the wares of over 50 vendors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday July 10 and Sunday July 11.
Shop handmade jewelry, clothing, skincare, home decor, food, desserts and more.
The event also promises raffles, face painting, live music, and a photo booth to commemorate the day.
Click here for more info.
Small Business Fair is at 636 N. Locust Ave.
BRUJITA MARKET – MARIE’S TEK TEC (Sunday)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ_rLiTAdon/
The occult and new age merchandise are the bulk of this local makers market at Marie’s Tek Tec (that’s the patio space behind Roxanne’s Bar).
Come find tarot cards, crystals, handmade jewelry, botanical sprays—even some food.
The market will be open from noon to 4 p.m.
Marie’s Tek Tec is at 1115 E. Wardlow Road.