Free parking? Check. A downtown screening of the Wizard of Oz? check. Hotel discounts? You’ve got it.

IMG 5474Starting today, the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) is teaming with the City of Long Beach in launching Black(out) Friday, a promotional weekend designed to encourage residents to flock to downtown Long Beach after last weekend’s power outage, starting this morning and running through midnight Sunday.

“Similar to what the community did to help businesses and residents mobilize last week, the DLBA is proud to launch a campaign that lets everyone know the lights are on,” said Kraig Kojian, CEO and president of the DLBA in a statement. “Businesses are back up and running and we encourage our Long Beach community to support Black(out) Friday throughout the weekend.”

As announced Friday, the city will offer free metered street parking in downtown Long Beach through midnight Sunday night. The DLBA is also hosting its free Bicycle Drive-In, where residents are encouraged to bring their bikes and enjoy a screening of the Wizard of Oz with music and craft beer as part of its free Summer and Music Series (SAM). 

The Hotel Maya (700 Queensway) and the Renaissance Hotel (111 East Ocean Boulevard) will also be offering specials over the weekend to attract visitors to the downtown area. Residents can nab a discounted rate for a room at the Renaissance with a locals-only discount of $119 Saturday night. At the Hotel Maya, locals will receive a 15 percent discount any of the weekend nights.

According to the DLBA, over $2.6 million was lost in gross sales last weekend—with that number excluding wage loss, product loss and hotel revenue.

If you care to participate in Black(out) Friday, one can join in the fun using the #LBPWRON hashtag.

Above, left: file photo.