Things to do in Long Beach this weekend including….giveaways and a self-defense seminar

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.

This weekend’s activities are, admittedly, a strange blend of holiday activities (some Christmas, most for Thanksgiving). We’ve also found a promising comedy show, comic book-making workshop, a free self-defense training class and a three-course sitdown vegan dinner that encourages guests to dress in Harry Potter fashion.

Get to scrollin’!

LATINO COMEDY NIGHT – LAUGH FACTORY (Thursday)

Brown-ish, hosted by comedian Erik Rivera, at the Laugh Factory features the talents of six Latino stand-up comedians.

Thursday’s lineup includes comedians hailing from HBO Max, FOX, Comedy Central and FUSE—so, we wager it’ll be a good show.

Lineup includes:

• Sasha Merci (FUSE’s “Like Share Dimelo”)
• Isa Medina (La Mesa)
• Chris Garcia (Comedy Central)
• Danielle Arce (FOX’s “Laughs”)
• Nick Guerra (HBO Max’s “Love Me At My Worst”)
• Luis Villasenor (FOX’s “Laughs”)

Tickets cost between $22-$30, click here to purchase. Free, VIP tickets are available, click here, but keep in mind: Free tickets must be presented at the box office 30 minutes before showtime.

Doors are at 7:30 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m.

Laugh Factory is at 151 S. Pine Ave.

HOLIDAY KICKOFF – PIKE OUTLETS (Thursday)

The Pike Outlets are gearing up for the holiday season nice and early, inviting the community to get into the yuletide spirit from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18 with their Holiday Kickoff.

The free event will feature a welcoming parade with Santa, a lighting of a giant Christmas tree and meet-and-greets and photos with Santa, one of his elves and Frosty the Snowman.

The Sugarplums, Southern California Brass Consortium, Emerald Street Band and Cabrillo High School Drumline will provide the evening’s live music entertainment.

The Pike Outlets are at 95 S. Pine. Click here for more info.

SALUD GREAT HALL FEAST – SALUD (Friday)

Vegan eatery and juice bar, Salud, is hosting a three-course vegan meal Friday, Nov. 19 from 7-9:30 p.m. at their location on Retro Row.

The evening will also include a Harry Potter-themed trivia activity (patrons are welcome to dress up in their finest Hogwarts garb).

The event costs $50 to attend. Tickets also include a free goodie bag and a festive photo to take home.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Salud is at 1944 E. Fourth St.

TRUCKS-GIVING – 14TH STREET PARK (Friday)

On Friday, Nov. 19, 11 food trucks will be stationed at 14th Street Park in the Washington Neighborhood from 5-8 p.m., giving away free meals to people experiencing homelessness.

The public is also invited to purchase food from the trucks, which will be serving gourmet burgers, Peruvian and Brazilian cuisine, BBQ, sandwiches and more, with proceeds benefiting the Mayor’s Fund to End Homelessness.

The area will have tables and chairs in the park for people to sit and eat; A DJ will also be onsite playing music. Click here for more information and for a list of participating food trucks.

Trucks-Giving will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19 at 14th Street Park (on 14th Street between Pacific and Chestnut avenues).

VOICEWAVES YOUTH WORKSHOP: INTRO TO COMICs – COMPOUND (Friday)

Learn how to create dynamic comic book stories with illustrators and recent Cal State Long Beach school of art graduates Genesis Lugo and Valor Aguilar from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19 at Compound community arts center.

Lugo, who has a degree in animation, and Aguilar, who got his degree in fine arts, are currently producing a new comic book together, titled “How Did We Get Here?—Long Beach.” In addition to the workshop which will give a full run-down on the basics of comic bookmaking, attendees can also catch a glimpse of the production behind “How Did We Get Here?—Long Beach.”

The free event is presented by Voicewaves, a local student-led new publication. For more information about the artists and to reserve your spot, click here.

Compound is at 1395 Coronado Ave.

FREE SELF-DEFENSE SEMINAR – TOO FACTOR ATHLETICS (Saturday)

Learn how to protect and defend yourself with instructors from Brav3, who are offering free self-defense classes at Too Factor Athletics Saturday, Nov. 20.

The two-hour class will teach basic skills such as situational awareness, basic strikes, basic kicks, and more.

Reservations are required. To join, [email protected] or DM Brav3’s Instagram, here.

Too Factor Athletics is at 903 E Wardlow Rd.

LOCAL HEARTS TURKEY GIVEAWAY – HOMELAND CULTURAL CENTER (Saturday)

Local Hearts Foundation, a non-profit run by Tito Rodriguez or “Hood Santa,” will be back this year with another massive turkey and food giveaway in Central Long Beach, to assist those who could use a little support during the holiday season. An estimated 1,000 families will be able to get a turkey.

The giveaway will also offer canned goods, pantry staples, hygiene products and winter clothing for children and the elderly from Diamond Supply Company, which is one of the sponsors of the event.

Rodriguez said they have 19 palettes of food, nine of them from Proctor & Gamble, to donate. Singer Realty Group has also donated 200 Ralph’s grocery gift cards that will be handed out during the event.

The giveaway will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Homeland Cultural Center. For those who want to get involved or donate, click here.

Homeland Cultural Center is at 1321 E. Anaheim St.