Residents of all ages can take part in a variety of activities this week, including storytimes, workshops, health clinics and public meetings, offering chances to grow and learn while making meaningful connections.

Art, music and literary enthusiasts have plenty to enjoy this weekend, with a collaborative crochet session Friday afternoon, the opening of a new art exhibit Friday evening, an Italian Baroque concert Saturday at noon, a vinyl record fest Sunday and the annual Belmont Shore Book Fair Sunday. 

Children and teens can participate in school readiness workshops and make Halloween-themed crafts at local libraries. Meanwhile, adults can join a book club and attend a digital skills workshop.

Blue backlights illuminate the sign for the Signal Hill Public Library on the night of Nov. 30, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
Friday 10/17

Preschool Storytime: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 can enjoy an hour of play, music and stories at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Free.

Dive Into School: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 E. Britton Drive) for a school readiness workshop focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) skills. Free.

Crochet Club: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. 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. 

ABLE Arts Exhibit Opening: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nonprofit ABLE Arts Work will premiere its exhibit on the artist’s journey as part of the disabled community, with an accompanying artist talk at the Expo Arts Center (4321 Atlantic Ave.). Free. 

Baroque violinist Cynthia Roberts (right) plays alongside longtime friends and some former students with Musica Angelica. (Courtesy of Musica Angelica)
Saturday 10/18

5th Annual Churro 5K: 7 a.m. This walk and run invites the community to get active and help raise funds for the Latino Employees Organization’s scholarship funds. The event will begin at Granada Beach (5000 E. Ocean Blvd.), with check-in at 7 a.m. and start time at 8:15 a.m. Register online or on race day. 

Khmer Storytime: 11 a.m. to noon. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children to the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) to enjoy Khmer stories, music and movements led by local business Khemara Kids. This event is appropriate for kids of all ages, but especially aimed at children between 1 and 5 years old. Free.

Italian Baroque Concert: Noon. Musica Angelica presents this intimate, free concert featuring Italian Baroque music performed by three experts in the field at the Dana Neighborhood Library (3680 Atlantic Ave.). The concert will include ticket discounts and giveaways for a larger concert in the evening, and a Q&A with the performers afterwards. Free. 

Lindsay Shaver, owner of the punk rock lifestyle retail store DeadRockers, looks through some of the vinyl presses that were made in collaboration with the shop on Oct. 10, 2023. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
Sunday 10/19

Belmont Shore Book Fair: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to a celebration of local literature held in a Chase Bank parking lot (5200 E. Second St.). Attendees can purchase books from over 50 local writers, attend poetry readings and panel discussions and listen to live music throughout the day. Free admission.

4th Street Record Fair: Noon to 4 p.m. The public is invited to this outdoor market celebrating global music and art culture along Fourth Street. The event will feature vinyl records, vendors and DJ sets. Free admission.

Sound Bath in the Park: 3 p.m. Immerse yourself in nature with this sound bath, featuring soothing sounds and vibrations of gongs, chimes and harmonizing natural noises at Willow Springs Park (2745 Orange Ave.). Please bring a chair, yoga mat or blanket. Free. 

A health care worker pulls a dose of the Jynneos combined smallpox and monkeypox vaccine into a syringe at the vaccine clinic located at Long Beach City College on Sept. 13, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
Monday 10/20

Drake-Chavez Community Virtual Workshop: Noon to 1:30 p.m. The Long Beach Departments of Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Marine invite the community to learn and share ideas about the Drake-Chavez Connection and Master Planning projects. Together, these initiatives aim to transform and connect the community’s access to green space. The virtual workshop will provide updates on each project and offer residents a chance to give input. Register for the Zoom meeting on the City’s online event calendar. Free.

Community Flu Vaccination Clinic: 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Long Beach Health Department will offer flu vaccinations at McBride Park (1550 Martin Luther King Jr Ave.). No appointment is required. Vaccines will be available while supplies last. Free.

Jack-o-lantern’s are displayed near people’s front doors in a Long Beach neighborhood on Oct. 28, 2021. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
Tuesday 10/21

Fall Pumpkin Centerpieces: 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Adults and teens are invited to the Dana Neighborhood Library (3680 Atlantic Ave.) for a hands-on workshop led by the Office of Climate Change and Sustainability. Participants will learn about the role of native plants in the ecosystem while creating a festive pumpkin centerpiece. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.

Adult Book Club: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Adults are invited to the Brewitt Neighborhood Library (4036 E. Anaheim St.) to discuss the book “Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange. Free.

The adult computer lab at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood library on January 4, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
Wednesday 10/22

Navigating the New Digital Age: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited to the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) for this workshop hosted by the Long Beach Technology and Innovation Department. Participants will learn about generative AI, digital skills and data privacy. All experience levels are welcome. To register, visit lbcity.info/aiprivacy.

Craftin’ Kids: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Children ages 7 to 12 are invited to the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 E. Britton Drive) for a hands-on Halloween-themed craft session. Participants will paint spooky ceramic pots using a variety of materials. All supplies will be provided. No registration is required, but space is limited. Free.

Conversation with Malala Yousafzai: 4 p.m. Hear from Malala Yousafzai about her new novel “Finding My Way” at this virtual author talk hosted by the Long Beach Public Library. Register online. Free. 

A sign for Houghton Park taken on June 1, 2021 in Long Beach, California. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
Thursday 10/23

Santa Fe Avenue Business Networking Event: 11 a.m. to noon. Local business owners and stakeholders are invited to Casa Chaskis (2380 Santa Fe Ave.) to learn about the City’s efforts to establish a business association in West Long Beach. Hosted by the Department of Economic Development & Opportunity, the event offers a chance to meet with City staff, connect with other entrepreneurs and collaborate on ideas to strengthen the Santa Fe Avenue business corridor. Attendees are encouraged to register through the City’s online event calendar.

Baby Storytime: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Babies ages 0–18 months and their caregivers are invited to the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.) to enjoy songs, nursery rhymes, stories and playful activities that promote early literacy and bonding. Free.

Boo 2 Flu Vaccination Clinic: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Long Beach Health Department will provide flu shots to residents at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.). No appointments are required. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in costume. Free.

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