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.
As we adjust to the new year, we found some familiar events around the city to check out this weekend, including a popular community bike ride under the moonlight, a yoga and beer activity at a favorite local brewery and an arts and crafts fair that always delivers.
Those looking to experience new things might enjoy a large anime convention beginning on Thursday or a unique pinball tournament at the recently opened Beachwood Distilling in Bixby Knolls.
There’s more, so: Get to scrollin’!
ANIMÉ LOS ANGELES (Thursday – Sunday)
Fans of anime and manga will flock to the Long Beach Convention Center Jan. 5-8 for Animé Los Angeles, a convention celebrating all things related to Japanese animation and graphic novels.
Some 15,000 cosplaying guests are expected to attend the convention, which will be bursting with activities, vendors, fashion shows, live performances and more.
Tickets may be purchased at the door only; online ticket purchases are not available. Single-day entry costs $35 on Thursday; $45 on Friday and Sunday; and $55 on Saturday. Tickets cost $100 for the full event.
Visit the Animé Los Angeles website here for more information on pricing and programming.
The Long Beach Convention Center is at 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
MOONLIGHT MASH (Friday)
Enjoy the first full moon of the new year with an evening bike ride, organized as the Moonlight Mash, Friday, Jan. 6.
What can you expect at Moonlight Mash? A safe, coordinated group ride that’s more or less like a costume party on wheels. This month’s theme is “Winter Games,” so come dressed for the chilly ride. What’s more, weather forecasts predict the evening will be clear of rain for the ride.
Moonlight Mash is free to join. Just show up at Pedal Movement by 7:30 p.m. Roll-out is at 8 p.m. Click here for more information.
Pedal Movement is at 223 E. First St.
YOGA & BEER AT LONG BEACH BEER LAB (Saturday)
If beer is at all a motivation, the Yoga & Beer event on Saturday, Jan. 7, at Long Beach Beer Lab might be the carrot you need to move your body just a little more than you might normally.
The hourlong class includes a guided yoga session by a certified instructor. And afterward, you snag a beer of choice from the brewery. Simple as that.
The class costs $20, which includes the beer, and starts at noon. Guests should bring their own yoga mats. Click here to purchase tickets.
Long Beach Beer Lab is at 518 W. Willow St.
BEACHWOOD PINBALL TOURNAMENT (Saturday)
Pinball Wizards, a Paramount-based organization that aims to build community around the classic game of pinball, is hosting a pinball tournament at Beachwood Distilling in Bixby Knolls Saturday, Jan. 7.
Players will go head-to-head against other players to compete for prizes and, of course, bragging rights. It costs $10 to compete, and competitors must be 21 years or older to attend.
Click here for more information and to RSVP.
Beachwood Distilling is at 3630 Atlantic Ave.
JOYCE MANOR CONCERT (Saturday)
Pop-punk band Joyce Manor is performing live at the Long Beach Arena Saturday, Jan. 7, in a show that is perhaps the Torrance-formed band’s biggest yet.
Joyce Manor’s tour comes on the heels of their new album, “40 oz. to Fresno,” released in June 2022, and will see the band traveling across the U.S. and in the U.K. Saturday’s show will also feature punks bands Pup and Slaughterhouse and artist Jeff Rosenstock.
Tickets for the show range from $46-$78 and may be purchased online here.
The Long Beach Arena at the Long Beach Convention Center is at 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR (Sunday)
Every Sunday at the Marketplace Long Beach, over 30 vendors set up shop, selling handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts and goods.
Check out a variety of crystals, soaps, jewelry, plants, pots, clothing, purses, home decor and more at the fair located behind the Trader Joe’s off of Second Street and Pacific Coast Highway.
The arts and crafts fair is free to attend and is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for more information.
The Arts and Crafts Fair is at 6475 Pacific Coast Highway.
LONG BEACH CREATIVE GROUP “ANNUAL EXHIBITION” (Sunday)
The Long Beach Creative Group (also known as the Rod Briggs Gallery) is hosting its first exhibition of the new year titled, “Annual Exhibition,” on Sunday, Jan. 8.
More recent exhibitions by the community gallery have featured local, juried art shows, but this exhibition will show the works of the LBCG’s executive and auxiliary boards, most of whom are professional artists and arts educators.
What’s more, the gallery recently underwent some renovations, and organizers are excited to share the revamped space with the community. Opening day on Sunday is from 1-4 p.m. The show is free to attend and will include refreshments.
The exhibition will be up and open to the public Friday through Sunday from 1-4 p.m. until Feb. 4. No reservation is required.
The Long Beach Creative Group/Rod Briggs Gallery is at 2221 E. Broadway.