Long Beach’s annual open streets event will take place on Sunday, July 19, and will include two free large-screen watch parties of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in the city’s downtown.
The DTLB Alliance will broadcast the match live from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday at The Promenade and North Pine Hub. “Beach Streets: Kickin’ It Downtown,” meanwhile, will temporarily close the area’s streets to vehicle traffic, allowing residents and visitors to explore the city on foot, bikes, skateboards, scooters and roller skates. Guests can purchase drinks from local businesses and enjoy live music and family-friendly art activities.
Beach Streets will block vehicle traffic along Pine Avenue from First to Ninth streets, Broadway from Pine to Redondo avenues, Cherry Avenue from Broadway to Fourth Street, and Fourth Street from Cherry to Junipero avenues from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Along the route, people can stop at restaurants and food trucks for pizza, tacos, poke and more. Beach Streets encourages guests to use public transit and explore local businesses.
“Beach Streets provides the perfect setting to experience the championship match,” Austin Metoyer, president and CEO of the DTLB Alliance, said in a press release, “while exploring Downtown Long Beach’s neighborhoods and supporting our local businesses.”
The Promenade will feature a 10-foot LED screen in the DTLB Alliance’s EZ Sip Zone at Broadway and The Promenade. Viewers can support local restaurants and bars while they watch the match and enjoy beverages inside the designated outdoor area.
The North Pine Hub, at Pine Avenue and Eighth Street, will feature a 16-foot LED screen and a beer garden for guests 21 and over. DJ Upperhand Keem and the California Latin Band will provide live entertainment, and guests can participate in youth soccer, face painting and caricature drawing.
As part of Beach Streets, there will be festival hubs at Fourth Street and Cherry Avenue, and Broadway and Linden Avenue. The East Village Hub on Broadway and Linden will present live music from LBC Park Jam. Businesses from the Historic East Village Arts District will host storefront activations, and there will be face painting, vinyl art and flower art.
“Following the incredible community response to the L.A. Galaxy Soccer Celebrations hosted in partnership with the City throughout June,” Meyer said, “we’re excited to give fans a final opportunity to come together for one of the biggest matches in the world.”