Image courtesy of Beach Streets.
The City of Long Beach announced in January that Beach Streets Downtown, the city’s second ciclovía to take back the streets for pedestrians, cyclists and other modes of non-motorized transportation, will take place on Saturday, March 19 from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. Not only will the streets be closed to cars, but entertainment and activities for all Beach Streets Downtown goers will take over Broadway, as well.
“Beach Streets will have entertainment and activities for families and people of all ages,” said Mayor Robert Garcia in a statement. “We’re making it easy to have fun while walking, roller skating or bicycling with your friends and neighbors.”
A block party, concerts, a community festival, kid’s zones, food tasting and bands taking over restaurant patios make up just portion of the activities planned for the Open Street event in March. Entertainment and activities will be provided along the four-mile route, including several activity hubs located at:
- Pine Avenue from First to Eighth Streets in Downtown
- Linden Avenue from First to Fourth Streets in the East Village Arts District
- Cherry Avenue from Second to Fourth Streets, including Bixby Park
- Fourth Street from Cherry Avenue to Junipero Avenue, on Retro Row
- Broadway between Redondo and Euclid Avenues, Beach Streets Block Party
“I’m proud to once again support an incredible event that gets people outdoors to explore their city,” stated Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. “Beach Streets is a great opportunity for residents to visit a local small business, or taste a new restaurant. Exploring a neighborhood on foot, or on a bike, allows you to see the nooks and crannies of a community that you would otherwise miss while driving in a car.”
The Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) will also be activating locations throughout the downtown area with several versions of their signature events, special tastings, bicycle-related activities, a dog-friendly event and a special “Live After 5” to become a post-event finale accompanied by bands and a beer garden, according to the release.
“Bixby Park will feature a festival with live music, our weekly farmer’s market and other family-friendly activities,” stated Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal. “Retro Row has [a] dedicated space for a kid’s zone, a rock-climbing wall, a mobile skateboard clinic, and much more. This event will have something for everyone, guaranteed.”
Several city departments will participate in Beach Streets Downtown, with healthy, active-living activities, booths and information for families, including the Health Department, Long Beach fire, police, library, Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, airport, port, Public Works Department and more, according to the announcement.
“We’re pulling out all the stops for a fantastic block party at Broadway and Euclid Avenue,” said Councilwoman Suzie Price in a statement. “We’ll have lots of great local bands, and I hope everybody can come out and enjoy this wonderful event.”
Funding for Beach Streets Downtown is generously provided by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, grant funding from Los Angeles County, and other local and city sources.
For more information, including updates, entertainment, maps and parking information, please visit the website here like Beach Streets on Facebook or follow Beach Streets on Twitter and Instagram @BeachStreetsLB.