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Free movie in the park (Friday, Aug. 15)
Haven’t caught one of Long Beach’s many free movies in the park this summer? Then grab your blankets and chairs for “Wicked” at Wardlow Park this Friday.
The movie starts at dusk, but — pro tip — get there starting at 6 p.m. to snag a spot and enjoy a jumper and activities like movie-themed crafts. There’s also free popcorn. 🍿
Wardlow Park is at 3457 Stanbridge Ave. A full lineup of movies is available here.
Saff pick: Hear from a visionary priest (Saturday, Aug. 16)
Father Greg Boyle is a Jesuit priest who changed the face of gang intervention when he founded Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles in 1988. For decades, the organization has trained and employed former gang members, giving them a chance to reset the course of their lives. (We even wrote about two Long Beach men who were shaped by Boyle’s program before they also went on to help others.)
You can hear from Boyle during an author talk and tea hosted by the local nonprofit Christian Outreach in Action.
It runs from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Saint Bernard Catholic Community, 9647 Beach St., Bellflower. Organizers promise hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and “a powerful discussion with Father Boyle.”
Tickets start at $55 — available here or by calling 562-432-1440. Proceeds benefit Christian Outreach in Action’s food pantry.
Taste of Downtown (Saturday, Aug. 16) – sponsored
The final Taste of Downtown event of the season, Bevs, Bites & Beats, will feature live music from Manuel the Band and KCRW DJs Jeremy Sole & DJ Nobody! The evening will also feature samples of food, beer, wine, and cocktails from downtown’s rich community of creatives, chefs, brewers, and mixologists, along with activities and experiences highlighting the beauty of the DTLB Waterfront, in partnership with KCRW’s popular Summer Nights series.
The event will take over the green space in front of The Pike Outlets’ Ferris wheel and carousel on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 4 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit the event page here and get tasting tickets in advance here.
Shoreline Village concert series (Saturday, Aug. 16)
Shoreline Village, the quaint shopping area by Rainbow Harbor, is offering free live music every Saturday and Sunday up until Labor Day weekend.
This Saturday, Upstream Music will be playing soca, calypso and reggae from 1 to 5 p.m. and Kyng Arthur & Royal Posse will be playing roots reggae from 6 to 10 p.m.
More info here.
Kites, kites and more kites (Sunday, Aug. 17)
Did you know Long Beach has a free, annual festival for kite enthusiasts? If you show up to Granada Beach between 1 and 7 p.m., organizers promise you’ll see “kites of every shape, size, and color, reflecting the beauty and joy from the community.”
There are also hands-on workshops and free kites for kids. Check out a full schedule here.
Granada Beach is at 5100 Ocean Blvd., Long Beach.
Not enough for you? Check out more options (and add your own) at LBPostevents.com, including a walking group for moms and a dog-friendly meetup downtown.