Browsing Tag

cheap things to do in long beach

ExploreLongBeach

The Love Long Beach Festival

Posted on July 19, 2018

Getting ready for Love Long Beach!

Happy 6th anniversary to the Love Long Beach Festival!  (Click here if you don’t need to read about it because you already KNOW you want tickets!)

This annual event is put on by Subtract Music and Alfredo’s Beach Club, and is always a great time.  There will be 2 stages this year with DJs spinning EDM and Dance music, as well as yoga, art, food, drinks, and activities for kids.

There will be 2 stages this year with DJs spinning EDM and Dance music, as well as yoga, art, food, drinks, and activities for kids.

I know what you’re thinking: kids at a music festival?!  But this is actually a family friendly event!  We go every year with our kids and they always have a blast.

Katie painting at Love Long Beach 2017

Last summer’s family-friendly activities included a drum circle, hula hoops, yoga, and painting, amongst other things. (So dress for mess if you plan on letting your littles paint!)

The vibes here are unlike anywhere else I’ve been.  We like to go with the kids one day so we can enjoy it as a family, and without the kids one day so we can have some grown up fun!  It’s nice to let loose and dance without having to keep track of 2 littles!  Especially because once the sun goes down, the real action begins.

Once the sun goes down, the real action begins!

Fire dancing at Love Long Beach 2017

If you are a local, you know that this festival used to be held at the Granada Boat launch, but summer of 2017 it was moved to Shoreline Aquatic Park due to its increase in size.  They also had to start charging a small ticket fee ($15/person, 16 and under still free) to accommodate all the things that go along with a larger crowd.  Trust me when I say that you get way more than you pay for.

Bring a blanket or folding chairs and post up for the day and enjoy the people watching (it’s AMAZING), the vibes, the music, the food, and of course there is booze for adults.  Make a point to join in some of the activities as well.  While this is technically a “music festival”, it is nothing short of an experience.

Katie learning to drum at Love Long Beach 2017

Click here to get more details and a list of prohibited items

Click here to get tickets.

I DON’T WANT TO READ –  GIVE ME A RECAP:

Hours: July 27th and 28th, 11 am – 10 pm

Cost:  $15/person. 16 and under are free.  Buy tickets here.

Stroller Friendly:  Yes, it was easy to navigate with the stroller

Alcohol:  Yes

Parking: NOT at Shoreline Aquatic Park but there is a parking garage near The Pike Outlets.  We recommend walking, public transportation, or biking if possible (there is a free bike valet!)

Food:  No outside food or drinks for adults, but baby/toddler foods and drinks are okay.

Quick Tips for families: 

-Bring earplugs for the kids if you’re going to be close to the music. 

-Bring sunscreen because shade is limited. 

-Depending on how long you’re going to be staying, you might want a blanket to throw down so you have somewhere to post up.  If you plan on staying and enjoying the music for a while, I would suggest also bringing some snacks and toys for the kids.  My toddler played legos for a little bit between dancing sessions.

Location: Shoreline Aquatic Park, 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach CA 90802

First Fridays

Posted on February 24, 2018

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

First Fridays

Posted on February 24, 2018

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

First Fridays

Posted on February 24, 2018

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

First Fridays

Posted on February 24, 2018

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

First Fridays

Posted on February 24, 2018

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

First Fridays

Posted on February 24, 2018

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

First Fridays

Posted on February 24, 2018

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

First Fridays

Posted on February 24, 2018

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

First Fridays

Posted on February 24, 2018

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.