The following list is a curated roundup of weekend events in Long Beach published every Wednesday on the Hi-lo and Long Beach Post. Have an event to share? Email [email protected] with “Things to Do” in the subject line.
There’s just one last weekend left for Halloween shenanigans—and you best believe we’ve got you covered. Check out a crime thriller on stage, a local haunted house, or go a little crazy with a Halloween pub crawl. For those who’d like to leave the spooky festivities for Tuesday, we’ve also found some sweet markets to shop and some concerts worth your time.
Get to scrollin’!
INTERNATIONAL CITY THEATRE PRESENTS “DEATHTRAP” (Thursday – Sunday)
Broadway’s longest-running comedy-thriller, “Deathtrap” by celebrated playwright Ira Levin is now on stage with International City Theatre, with shows all throughout the weekend.
Full of plot twists, deception and intrigue, the play begins with a devious plot by a successful, yet disgruntled playwright, who seeks to change his poor career luck at the expense of a student writer. With the talent behind International City Theatre, the show is certainly a fine option to round out your Halloween fun before the month is over.
Showings of “Deathtrap” are available on Thursday through Sunday, with tickets starting at $49. The play will be running until Nov. 5. Click here for more information.
International City Theatre is located in the Long Beach Convention Center at 330 E. Seaside Way,
“NOSFERATU” SCREENING WITH LIVE ORGAN (Friday)
The organ pipes at First Congregational Church of Long Beach will be blowing a score quite unlike its usual holy repertoire with the screening of the horror film “Nosferatu” on Friday, Oct. 27.
The 1922 Dracula-inspired film has been a mainstay of the horror genre for a century, with composers around the world creating unique scores for the silent film. For this special screening, First Congregational has invited professional organist Robert York to play the musical accompaniment on the church’s powerful 70-rank Moeller organ.
Guests are encouraged to come in costume for the event, which is free to attend, though donations to the church are appreciated. Click here for more information.
First Congregational Church of Long Beach is at 241 Cedar Ave.
HALLOWEEN PUB CRAWL (Friday)
Romp around Long Beach’s bar scene while clad in your finest Halloween costume this Friday with the Long Beach Halloween Pub Crawl in the Downtown area.
Visit over 10 local bars and nightclubs, with many offering free welcome shots, free entry, and discount food and drink specials. The party starts at The Harbor, with check-in at 6 p.m.
Tickets to the crawl cost $30. Click here for more information and to see participating venues. Must be 21 or older to enjoy.
The Harbor is at 130 Pine Ave.
FAIRBROOK MANOR HAUNTED HOUSE (Friday – Sunday)
For years, a family in the Los Altos South neighborhood has gone all out for Halloween, transforming their home into a 1930s-style haunted mansion. This weekend, Oct. 27-29, will be the last chance for visitors to brave the homegrown haunt known as Fairbrook Manor.
Guests can expect all kinds of creepy characters to interact with in and out of the house, as well as jump scares. Entry costs only $5.
Guests are encouraged to bring any canned foods or toiletries they can spare since this haunt also doubles as a fundraiser and donation service for the Long Beach Rescue Mission.
Visit the Fairbrook Manor Instagram for more information. The house will be open from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Fairbrook Manor is at 5426 E. Fairbrook St.
LONG BEACH VINTAGE ETC SIDEWALK SALE (Saturday)
Long Beach Vintage Etc is hauling its merchandise outside for a massive sidewalk sale on Saturday, Oct. 28.
Over 30 of their shop’s vendors will be selling vintage clothing, art, furniture, dishware and knickknacks, all for $10 or less. It might just be the perfect place for that last-second Halloween find, too.
What’s more, the first 20 people in line will also receive a $10 gift card and inside the store, guests can also shop 10 to 20% off at selected inside booths.
The sale will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for more information.
Long Beach Vintage Etc is at 737 Pine Ave.
POPS! A BEATLES CELEBRATION (Saturday)
It’s not hard to find a quality Beatles tribute band—they’re everywhere. But The Beatles backed by a symphony orchestra? That would be a unique experience even for the fans who were lucky enough to see the British rockstars in their youth.
For more than 20 years, Classical Mystery Tour, a Beatles Tribute band, has performed at some of the most distinguished concert halls across the world, elevating the music of The Beatles with the power of a symphony behind it. And now, the group is teaming up with the Long Beach Symphony for a concert on Saturday, Oct. 28 that will play all of The Beatles’ greatest hits.
Tickets for the concert start at $30. Doors open at 6:30 for indoor picnicking, so you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
The concert will be at the Long Beach Arena at 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
PATCHWORK MAKERS FESTIVAL (Sunday)
The Patchwork Show Makers Festival is a free biannual craft fair that sets up shop around Southern California offering local artists, crafters and designers a space to showcase their handmade goods in an affordable venue. Back for fall, the Patchwork Festival is this Sunday, Oct. 29.
Long Beach is home to Patchwork’s biggest event each year, and Sunday’s festival will be no exception, with over 200 makers and artists expected, selling a variety of goods such as handbags, jewelry, plants, ceramics, clothing for men, women and children, knits and crochets, apothecary items—a lot of stuff, you get it.
In the inevitable event that all that shopping makes you hungry, rest assured there will be food trucks stationed on-site.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here for more information.
Find the festival at 490 Bayshore Ave.
If you’re looking to see some live music, here’s a list of all of the bands, DJs and other musical happenings going on this Halloweekend in Long Beach.
SPONSORED BY THE AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC
DISCOVER THE WORLD OF WILD DOLPHINS AT FIRST WEDNESDAYS (Wednesday, Nov. 1)
Some of the most charismatic and social marine creatures are the focus of the Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays: “Decoding Wild Dolphins: Four Generations of Observations in the Wild.”
The exciting presentation will be led by Dr. Denise Herzing, Research Director of the Wild Dolphin Project, who’s written the books “Dolphin Diaries: My 25 Years with Spotted Dolphins in the Bahamas” and “The Wild Dolphin Project.” She’s also an affiliate assistant professor in biology at Florida Atlantic University, a Guggenheim fellow and an Explorers Club fellow. Herzing will share what she’s learned from nearly four decades of studying dolphins.
The presentation will include details about what researchers have discovered about the complex lives systems of dolphins, how climate change is impacting the animals and how we are trying to decipher their complex communication signals using advanced technology.
November’s First Wednesdays event—capped off with a cash bar cocktail hour, music and an art activity—will take place from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 1 in the Honda Pacific Visions Theater. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the door. RSVP online or call 562-590-3100.
SPONSORED BY THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF LONG BEACH
27TH ANNUAL HISTORICAL CEMETERY TOUR- HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF LONG BEACH (Saturday)
Come see the 27th Annual Historical Cemetery Tour hosted by the Historical Society of Long Beach (HSLB) at Long Beach Municipal Cemetery and Sunnyside Cemetery on October 28, 2023.
The all-ages event features graveside performances by community theater actors portraying the life of the person lying at rest. Actors perform in period-appropriate costumes. Each year’s program features a number of stories – some are individuals who helped shape the city’s political past, others are ordinary people whose tales remind us that rich or poor, famed or nearly forgotten, everyone has a story to tell. Attractions include Japanese American History, a Dia de Los Muertos installation, talks by historians, authors signing local history books, and displays of Long Beach history. Arrive before noon for the full experience.
The event attracts 1500 participants and engages the support of volunteers, the City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation, and Marine, community, and regional leaders. The Historical Cemetery Tour is the signature event of the Historical Society of Long Beach. It’s the most fun you will have in a cemetery!
Visit hslb.org for event details.
SPONSORED BY THE MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART
DAY OF THE DEAD EVENT – MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART (Sunday)
The vibrant and culturally rich Day of the Dead Festival is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. The 2023 MOLAA Day of the Dead Festival, themed “Hecho con Amor/Made with Love,” is set to take place on Sunday, October 29th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA). This year’s theme celebrates the partnership with Mexico and the current exhibition, Festin de Sabores, which delves into the richness and complexity of Mexican cuisine.
The festival promises an exciting lineup of activities for the entire family. With over 36 merchants, nine delectable food stations, beer and wine for the adults, and sweets for the kids, there’s something for everyone. DJ Caveman will keep the tunes spinning all day, while live performances and engaging activities like face painting, a children’s sugar skull workshop, and a printmaking station await attendees.
Don’t forget to dress up in your finest Day of the Dead regalia and participate in the Catrina/Catrin costume contest, with live judging at 2 p.m. and a grand prize of $500 up for grabs.
The festival’s program includes captivating performances by Neiya Arts, Ballet Folklorico Nueva Antequera, ASOSAL Ballet Folklorico de El Salvador, and Danza Azteca Xochipilli. These talented groups will showcase the beauty and significance of their cultural traditions through dance.
This incredible celebration is made possible with the support of the Los Angeles County Arts & Culture Department, Hyundai, and the Port of Long Beach. It’s an event you won’t want to miss, offering a beautiful window into the colorful world of Day of the Dead traditions and Mexican culture. So mark your calendars for the 2023 MOLAA Day of the Dead Festival, and come join in the festivities on October 29th. It’s a day filled with love, culture, and community spirit. Click here for more details.