The Aquarium of the Pacific lit up at night during the monthly, 18+ only Night Dive event. Photo taken before the pandemic. Image courtesy Aquarium of the Pacific.

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 we’ve got plenty to look at (two art galleries!), a drive-in movie fest featuring independent films, an 18+ event with food and libations at the Aquarium of the Pacific and some activities to get your blood pumping.

Get to scrollin’!

D.I.Y. DRIVE-IN FILM FESTIVAL – SCOTTISH RITE EVENT CENTER (Friday)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQZSdM2hbUB/

This drive-in movie experience on Friday, July 23, organized by Jane Free Productions, will feature independent films, live music and DJs, popcorn served to you via roller skaters, with food and libations by Bamboo Club.

Tickets are still available for both cars and walk-ins; prices vary. For more details on tickets and packages, click here.

Pro-tip: Make sure you either bring a radio or your car is equipped with one—that’s how you’ll be able to hear the movie.

The event is at the Scottish Rite Event Center at 855 Elm Ave. Click here for more information.

NIGHT DIVE – AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC (Friday)

Flyer courtesy Aquarium of the Pacific.

The monthly, adults-only Night Dive, from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 23, allows guests to check out almost all of the Aquarium of the Pacific’s exhibits (minus the Lorikeet Forest) while you sip on drinks, enjoy live music, art and chow down on food.

Aquarium of the Pacific will be supplying the booze while food will be from food trucks Belly Bombz, Café Vietnam, Pacifico Charbroiled Fish/Mexican, and Scooter’s Ice Cream.  Food and drink can only be consumed in the outdoor exhibits.

Local bands performing include Bootleg Orchestra with live DJ sets from NiceGuyxVinny, DJ Dennis Owens, Las Chicas Tristes, and Dirty Merlin (GRN+GLD).

Tickets cost price of admission which is $24.94 for non-members; for members, it’s $19.95.  Food and drink not included in ticket price. Click here to purchase and for more info.

Aquarium of the Pacific is at 100 Aquarium Way.

SUMMERTIME BLOCK PARTY – ADMIRAL KIDD PARK (Saturday)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRSdeLNpomr/?utm_medium=copy_link

West Long Beach is bringing the party Saturday, July 24 at Admiral Kidd Park with a live art contest, car and bike show, live music, skate demos and lots of food.

There will also be opportunities for a free COVID-19 vaccination. The event, which is free to attend, is from noon to 4 p.m.

Admiral Kidd Park is at 2125 Santa Fe Ave.

WHERE IS THE GROUND, WHERE IS THE CENTER EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION – FLUX ART SPACE (Saturday)

Flyer courtesy Flux Art Space.

A group of emerging artists from the Art Realm collective, most of whom are artists of color, have come together in the exhibition, Where is the Ground, Where is the Center, a gallery featuring poetry, visual art and conversations about resilience through the toughest year-and-a-half in recent history.

“The show is a powerful testament to sensitivities, struggles, determination, and resilience during the pandemic era and in the wake of the murder of George Floyd,” said Flux director Betsy Lohrer Hall.

The exhibition which opens publicly from Saturday, July 24 through August 27 is free to attend, but show organizers suggest leaving the kids at home since some of the themes in the gallery might upset younger, more sensitive audiences.

Viewing is limited; only five people are allowed in at a time. Masks are required. Click here to reserve viewing hours and for more info.

Flux Art Space is at 410 Termino Ave.

PEDAL MOVEMENT POP-UPS – JUNIPERO BEACH (Saturday & Sunday)

A photo of roller skates. Image courtesy Pedal Movement/Facebook.

Local bike shop, Pedal Movement, will be hanging out by the Junipero Beach Concession Stand from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 24 and Sunday July, 25 offering pop-up skate and bike rentals, free roller skating lessons (by local roller derby coach Mimi Masher), games and music.

The evening will culminate with a roller disco.

Click here for more info.

To find the Junipero Beach Concession Stand park in the parking lot at Junipero Beach (East Ocean Boulevard and Junipero Avenue) and reach the end of the parking lot past the Long Beach Museum of Art.

AXE OF ART EXHIBITION – FLATLINE (Saturday & Sunday)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRekjRTsDRK/

On display now at Flatline gallery is the Axe of Art, an exhibition of guitars transformed into visual works of art.

Using guitars donated by Yamaha, 17 local artists (like Asia Morris seen above) and 10 Jordan high school students and faculty painted the instruments in support of the high school’s music program.

The gallery is available for viewing Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. until Aug. 8, or Wednesday through Friday by appointment.

Flatline gallery is at 6023 Atlantic Ave. The exhibition is free to attend.

OUTDOOR POLE DANCING CAMP – THE BLUFF (Saturday & Sunday)

Image courtesy Booty House Twerk.

Learn the art of pole dancing on The Bluff with Booty Twerk Network Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25.

One-hour lessons cost $22. Reserve your spot online, click here.

Bluff Park is at the intersection of East Ocean Boulevard and Junipero Avenue.