It’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Senior Citizens Month, and there are ways to celebrate both in Long Beach and Signal Hill. Friday morning starts with a showcase of Cambodian music and dance at McBride Park meant to uplift both groups.
Start Pride Month early with the entire family, and bring your pets to a march and picnic at Bach Neighborhood Library on Saturday, or stop by the beach on Sunday to enjoy music and food trucks.
Local residents looking to learn a new skill can stop by Crochet Club at the Signal Hill Library on Friday, or take a composting workshop at Houghton Park on Saturday morning.
Friday 5/19
Cambodian Music and Dance Celebration: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Seniors are invited to watch a showcase of Cambodian music and dance at McBride Park (1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.). There will be dance lessons, food, drinks, vendors and more. Free.
Crochet Club: 11 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) to crochet together for an hour. This event is appropriate for all skill levels. For more information, call (562) 989-7323. Free.
Saturday 5/20
PaWalk for Pride: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to celebrate Pride Month with their furry friends at the Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.). The event will start with a walk around the block, followed by an author talk and a Polynesian dance performance. Free.
Learn to Compost: 10 a.m. to noon. During this workshop at Houghton Park Community Center (6301 Myrtle Ave.) participants will learn how to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich plant compost. The workshop will teach residents how to create and maintain a backyard compost bin as well as what materials can and cannot be composted. To register for the event, visit For more information, call (562) 570-2869. Free.
Grand Opening: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Local business British American Motorcycles (1940 Freeman Ave.) invites the public to celebrate the opening of its new location. There will be food, beer, raffles and giveaways. Free to attend.
Rib Cook-Off: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Long Beach Rod and Gun Club (3333 Pacific Ave.) will be holding a rib cook-off competition, with the proceeds benefiting SoCal Youth Boxing. Barbecue plates will be available for purchase. This event is for those 18 and older. Free to attend.
Sunday 5/21
Yoga Basics: 9 a.m. Port Town Yoga (4850 E Livingston Dr) will be hosting a class where participants can practice basic asanas. All levels are welcome. To register for the event, visit meetup.com/porttownyogaLB. The class costs $10.
Turkish Festival: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This festival at Shoreline Aquatic Park (200 Aquarium Way) will celebrate Turkish culture with food, music and entertainment. Everyone is welcome. Free.
Community Wellness Market: Noon to 4 p.m. The Birthworkers of Color Collective will be hosting a marketplace at Goodtime Long Beach (1322 Coronado Ave.), including local vendors, food, drinks, workshops and more. Free to enter.
Big Gay Beach Takeover: Noon to 6 p.m. The public is invited to the Rainbow Lifeguard Tower (intersection of E Ocean Blvd. and 11th Pl.) to celebrate Pride Month with music, food trucks, beach games, art, dancing and more. Free to attend.
Silent Disco: 5:30 p.m. So We Are Silent Disco invites the community to surrender themselves to the music and tune into their bodies by the beach (3998 E Allin St.). All participants will be given a pair of headphones and encouraged to try “ecstatic dance” while listening to a curated playlist. General admission costs $30. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Monday 5/22
Research for Starting, Managing, and Growing Your Business: 11 a.m. to noon. Entrepreneurs and business owners are invited to learn how to use Reference Solutions, a free program available at the library, to help them start, manage and grow a business. Registration is required for this event. To register, visit Free.
Trivia Night: 7 p.m. Those 21 and older are invited to the Auld Dubliner (71 S Pine Ave.) to participate in a weekly trivia competition hosted by America’s Pub Quiz. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Free to attend.
Tuesday 5/23
Book Club Film Series: 3 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. The public is invited to a screening of the award-winning 2018 romantic comedy, Crazy Rich Asians, at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). There will be a brief introduction before the movie and a discussion afterward. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.
Manga Club: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Teens who love manga and anime are invited to the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E Hill St.) for discussions, activities and screenings every fourth Tuesday of the month. Free.
Wednesday 5/24
Baby & Toddler Storytime: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Babies and their caregivers are invited to Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.) to enjoy stories and playtime. Free.
Food Distribution: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Local nonprofit Help Me Help You will be holding a walk-up food distribution for people at Lincoln Elementary School (1175 E. 11th St.). Attendees should bring a personal shopping bag or cart to carry their food home with. Food will be available on a first-come first-served basis. Free.
Thursday 5/25
Make Your Own Mandala: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to the Brewitt Neighborhood Library (4036 E. Anaheim St.) to make mandalas. Participants can color in a provided mandala or make their own using mixed media. Snacks from across the Asian continent will be available. Free.
AAPI ArtLAB: 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Artist Maria Maea will be teaching a workshop on the Samoan art of palm weaving at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.). This event is appropriate for people 8 years old and older. No experience is necessary. All materials will be provided. Free.
Sinister Showcase: 7 p.m. Supply & Demand Co. (2500 E Anaheim St.) will be hosting a death metal and thrash metal concert for those 21 and older. The concert will feature six different artists and bands. There will be a $5 cover charge at the door.