So this week straight up torched us. Between the heat and everyone’s group chat being one giant “I can’t even” — we are crispy. But guess what? The weekend is HERE and Long Beach never slows down. We unhinged in the best way, and exactly the reset we all need. Sunscreen on, plans made, let’s get into it.
Here are some things to do in Long Beach this Saturday and Sunday:
Long Beach Film Festival
Saturday, Aug 29 · 11:00 AM Art Theatre of Long Beach, 2025 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814
Locally made, internationally minded — this festival brings a full weekend of features, shorts, and documentaries to the Art Theatre, with a dedicated spotlight on Long Beach filmmakers doing the damn thing. On the lineup: the moody drama Again Again and the delightfully unhinged-titled Ugly Cry. All-festival passes are $75 at longbeachfilmfestival.org — grab one and support your local creatives while sipping something out of a popcorn bucket.
People and Pets Sound Bath
Saturday, Aug 29 · 10:10 AM Olympic Plaza, 4101 E Olympic Plaza, Long Beach, CA 90803
Bring your dog, bring your zen, bring both. This one’s a group sound bath for you and your four-legged bestie right at Olympic Plaza, steps from the water. Tickets start at $61 and you can click HERE to get them. It’s giving “morning reset by the beach” and honestly we’re here for it.
Surf Wax Ghost Live at Pike Bar
Saturday, Aug 29 · 8:30 PM Pike Restaurant & Bar, 1836 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90802
Retro Row’s favorite late-night hang is bringing the band Surf Wax Ghost to the stage this Saturday. Pike Bar’s kitchen stays open late, so you can dance it out and still get your fix of bar food at 10pm without shame. No cover drama, just good vibes and a lively crowd.
Whimsy Craft & Junk Journal Meet-Up
Saturday, Aug 29 · 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Expo Arts Center, 4321 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807
This is your sign to get crafty. This summertime meet-up is a full afternoon of junk journaling, shopping little treasures, and vibing with fellow crafters — glitter, charms, and chaos included. It’s $35 per person and includes a DIY scrap kit to get you started (with an add-on frame station for $20 if you’re feeling extra). Sparkly, sentimental, and very much a mood.
Speed Dating on the Marina | Ages 40–55
Sunday, Aug 30 · 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Ballast Point Brewing, 110 North Marina Drive, Long Beach, CA 90803
If your situationship needs to stay in the past where it belongs, this one’s for you. The Connection Strategist is hosting an afternoon of speed dating right on the marina for straight singles ages 40–55 including 11 mini-dates, real conversation, zero swiping. After the rotations wrap, everyone submits their matches, and the host does a live, game-show-style reveal right there in the room. Mutual match? Your first date is already paid for. Tickets are $65 early bird (first 5 men/first 5 women) or $75 regular, and with only 22 total spots, this one’s not going to sit around waiting for you to decide. Ages 21+, doors at 2:40 PM.
These are the events for this weekend, LBC. However you’re spending it — matching with a stranger on a marina, sound-bathing next to your dog, or two-stepping to Surf Wax Ghost with a beer in hand — get out there and actually enjoy it. We earned this one. See you around town.
FAQs
Do I need tickets in advance for these events? Most of them, yes. The Film Festival, Sound Bath, Whimsy Meet-Up, and Speed Dating all have paid entry, so lock in your spot ahead of time rather than showing up and hoping. Surf Wax Ghost at Pike Bar is a bar show, so just show up.
Is anything on this list free? Surf Wax Ghost at Pike Bar has no cover — just walk in and enjoy the show. Everything else has a ticket or entry fee attached, ranging from $35 to $75 depending on the event.
What if I can only make it to one thing this weekend? Go with your gut. Want culture and community? Film Festival. Need calm? Sound Bath. Feeling crafty? Whimsy Meet-Up. Ready to dance? Surf Wax Ghost. Looking for love? Speed Dating on the Marina.
Are these events kid-friendly? Speed Dating on the Marina is 21+. The Film Festival, Sound Bath, and Whimsy Meet-Up don’t list age restrictions, but check each event’s page before bringing little ones. Surf Wax Ghost is a bar show, so it skews adult.
Where can I find more Long Beach events like these? Right here on LBC Vibe — we round up what’s happening around town every weekend, so bookmark us and check back.
