Many Long Beach residents tolerate the fall, brave the winter and gear up in the spring, trusting that their patience will yield the kind of summer the city’s known for. After more than a few days above 90 degrees, summer is undoubtedly here and it’s time to make the most of what the city has to offer.
Ocean Beach Park opens every day
The beach opened for the season — with weekend-only hours — on May 23. Beginning June 19, the beach will be available seven days a week, with lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Beach passes are required for access. Visit longbeachny.gov/beachpassinfo for information and instructions to purchase digital or plastic passes. Alcohol, animals, smoking and glass bottles remain permitted on the beach or boardwalk.
The city has installed ADA-compliant access mats, “Mobi-mats,” at a total of 12 beach entrance points to accommodate people arriving with wheelchairs, walkers or strollers. The mats can be found at Georgia Avenue, Minnesota Avenue, Wyoming Avenue, New York Avenue, Lafayette Boulevard, Laurelton Boulevard, Edwards Boulevard, Riverside Boulevard, Lincoln Boulevard, Neptune Boulevard, Roosevelt Boulevard and Pacific Boulevard, with an additional mat coming soon to Lindell Boulevard.
Movie nights return to the beach
Grab your blankets and beach chairs and plan to catch any or all of the four free movies this summer. All presentations will start at dark and are weather permitting. On June 27, Pacific Boulevard beach will host the PG-rated animated feature “Zootopia 2.” On July 18, the Nicolas Cage action-adventure film “National Treasure” will play at Grand Boulevard beach, rated PG.
The most recent “Superman,” starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, airs at Edwards Boulevard beach on August 15. The 2025 feature is rated PG-13 for violence, action and language. The movie series concludes on September 4 with the movie that kept many people out of the water, “Jaws,” playing at Laurelton Boulevard beach. The 1975 classic is officially rated PG, but could be considered PG-13 by modern standards due to violence, frightening images, and brief nudity.
Free outdoor summer concerts begin
Last month’s PorchFest was just a taste. The annual outdoor music scene is back with a slate of 18 acts. Bands are scheduled to perform free concerts twice per week from July 2 to September 3. Performances will rotate locations including Kennedy Plaza, Lincoln Boulevard beach, Edwards Boulevard beach, and Grand Boulevard beach.
Dedicated tribute bands will present the hits from stars including Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Chris Stapleton and The Rolling Stones, while a range of original performers are set to deliver everything from Irish rock to reggae, zydeco to salsa. All shows are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Bring your own seating, but prepare to be up and dancing. A full list of dates, locations and acts can be found at longbeachny.gov/concerts.