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.
If by chance your weekend is not tied up with the Grand Prix, we’ve found some great events to get your mind off the rumble happening Downtown. We’ve found a new musical debuting this weekend that combines the glitz of Old Hollywood with the glam of Paris. There are also a few concerts, a vintage market and even a bingo game.
And of course, we had to mention Thunder Thursday, which is technically the kick-off to the Grand Prix, but features a wicked motorcycle stunt show.
Get to scrollin’!
THUNDER THURSDAY (Thursday)
The annual Grand Prix kick-off event, Thunder Thursday, is back at the Pike Outlets this year with all the motorcycle stunt shows, pit stop competitions and antique car displays that have made the evening event a local pastime for the last decade.
Guests can also expect food stalls, a beer garden and live music and DJs. The event is free to attend and runs from 6-10:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13.
Parking will be available in The Pike Outlets parking structure on Chestnut Place off Ocean Boulevard. Click here for more information.
The Pike Outlets is at 95 S. Pine Ave.
MUSICAL THEATRE WEST’S “AN AMERICAN IN PARIS” (Friday – Sunday)
Musical Theatre West returns to stage with an enchanting production of “An American in Paris,” a musical inspired by the 1951 film and four-time Tony-award-winning Broadway show about an American veteran and a beguiling French woman who yearn for a fresh start in life post-World War II. Audiences can expect the gorgeous soundtrack by George and Ira Gershwin, with enchanting dance numbers and resplendent staging, including a revolving stage.
Opening shows at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center begin Friday, April 14, and last through Sunday, April 16. The production, which includes a special ASL-interpreted performance on April 21, will be shown in Long Beach until Sunday, April 30.
Tickets range from $20-$125 and may be purchased online. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
The Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center is located on the Cal State Long Beach campus at 6200 E. Atherton St.
PIANO BAR AT BEACHWOOD BREWING & DISTILLING (Saturday)
As part of Beachwood Brewing & Distilling’s weekly music series, this Saturday, April 15, will be a special “piano bar” show by singer and pianist Laura Wiley who will be accepting just about any song request you throw her way. If someone requests a Disney song, be prepared: she will play it (it’s kind of her favorite).
Guests can also enjoy a pint from Beachwood’s 24-count taproom, plus sandwiches by the pop-up lowercase deli.
The show is free to attend, no RSVP is required. Music starts at 7 p.m.
Beachwood Brewing & Distilling is at 3630 Atlantic Ave.
FREE MUSIC CLASSES AT CAFE CHAPIN (Saturday)
Cafe Chapin, a cafe and art gallery space in Cambodia Town, is hosting free music lessons on piano, guitar and violin Saturday, April, 15.
Guests of any age are invited to learn, though children and teens must be accompanied by an adult. Organizers have a limited number of instruments for attendees, but those who already own instruments are encouraged to bring their own.
The class invites students of all age levels or abilities, but the focus of the three-hour class will be tailored more toward beginners. Click here for information.
The classes are a weekly event every Saturday from 5-6 p.m., so those who can’t make it this weekend may visit at a later date.
Cafe Chapin is at 1436A Cherry Ave.
ROCKABILLY SURF NIGHT (Saturday)
The greased-up leather jacket slingers, Three Bad Jacks, are performing live in Long Beach at the PCH club for an evening of rockabilly tunes and dancing Saturday, April 15.
Completing the lineup on Saturday is rockabilly trio The Volcanics along with The Bloat Floaters and Ukulele Hiro. Guests can expect plenty of dancing room, a full bar and food trucks on site.
Tickets cost $15 if purchased online ahead of time or $20 at the door. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
The PCH Club is located inside the Golden Sails Hotel at 6285 E. Pacific Coast Highway.
VINTAGE SWAP MEET (Sunday)
A vintage swap meet is taking over the parking lot at Good Time Coffee Shop on Sunday, April 16, with vendors selling a variety of vintage wares from clothes and vinyl records to even motorized scooters.
The free event (which is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) will also feature a live DJ and raffles. Click here for more information.
Good Time Coffee Shop is at 1322 Coronado Ave.
TIKI BINGO (Sunday)
Local tiki bar The Bamboo Club is hosting its monthly bingo session on Sunday, April 16.
Livening up the game is host Christopher Wonder, a comedian, magician and a self-proclaimed “glorious magical trainwreck” of a performer known for putting on circus-themed adult entertainment.
Sunday Tiki Bingo is free to attend (food and drinks are not free) and winners will win prizes. Bingo starts at 2 p.m.
Bamboo Club is at 3522 E. Anaheim St.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct the date of the piano bar event at Beachwood Brewing & Distilling.