THURSDAY, JAN. 2

Every first Thursday, Downtown San Pedro has an art walk, where galleries and artists show off their work, food trucks zoom in to provide sustenance under the romantic lights strung across the streets as a guided tour is given and live music is performed at The Whale & Ale, among other venues. Today, catch the opening, featuring work by Argentine artist Yanina De Martino at Menduina Schneider Art Gallery at 6 p.m.

This month, since the usual tour leaving from the Chamber of Commerce—closed today—isn’t happening, a free, guided tour will leave from Sirens Java and Tea at 402 W. Seventh St. at 6:30 p.m.; you’ll meet gallery owners and artists. Tours leaving from the Chamber will resume in February.

Another great thing: Michael Stearns, a longtime Long Beach artist whose studio is in San Pedro’s The Loft Art Studios and Galleries, will have his solo sculptural exhibition, “Another Dimension,” open for viewing. An artist’s reception will be held later in the week on Sunday, Jan. 5, so First Thursdays is your chance to grab an exclusive sneak peek at 401 S. Mesa St.

The Loft Art Studios and Galleries in January 2019. Courtesy Facebook/The Loft.

Giving us a moment’s pause: Restaurants along the art walk route offer Thai, Mexican, Cuban and other types of cuisine, including raw vegan food. Speaking of vegan food, did you know the Long Beach Post has gone vegan for January, or as the cult calls it, “Veganuary?” Well, it’s not too late to join the cause of giving up the consumption of all animal products. We’ll even send you tips to help you stay on track. Click here for how to get involved.

The Long Beach Post is going vegan for January—and you can, too

San Pedro First Thursday runs 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Downtown San Pedro along Sixth and Seventh streets.

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].