Y’all. Look at the calendar with me for a second. We’ve got, what, two weeks of “real” summer left before everyone’s back-to-school brain kicks in and pumpkin spice starts creeping into our latte orders? Not on my watch. Let’s drag this summer out as long as we can. If there was ever a weekend in Long Beach to say yes to the plans, wear the sunscreen, and squeeze every last drop out of these long golden days, it’s this one. Consider this your official permission slip.
This weekend’s lineup is giving range — sapphic dance floors, handcycling on the East Side, chef battles on the sand, aquarium mornings for our sensory-sensitive crew, and enough Afro-Reggae bass to shake the 90804. Whatever your vibe, the LBC’s got a slot for you. Here’s your full rundown of Long Beach events this weekend, sorted by date so you can plan like the organized icon you are.
Candy Box Nights
Werk Long Beach, 3428 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90804 Friday, August 14 | 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM | 21+ w/ID | Free
The LBC’s favorite sapphic-centered club night is BACK, babes, and it’s bringing the whole “WOMXN GAYZE” energy. Candy Box Nights bills itself as a party for lesbians, queers, and transfolx — sexy, inclusive, community, all in caps. Expect reggaeton, perreo, hip hop, and top hits keeping the floor packed from 8 til 2. It’s the kind of night where you show up for the music and stay for the community. Just know: this is a photographed/filmed event, so smile pretty — Candy Box Nights may use those shots for their own marketing.
Handcycling Clinic
El Dorado East Regional Park, 7550 Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815 Saturday, August 15 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | $7 parking
This one’s got my whole heart. Join the group Saturday for a full-on handcycling clinic — they’re rolling in with a “stable” of 20 handcycles and setting up base camp so anyone can try riding, no experience or equipment required (though bring your own bike if you’ve got one). Family and friends are welcome to cheer along, capped at three guests per person with a disability. Heads up: only folks who need to use the provided handcycles need to register, and each registered rider can only bring two guests — so read the fine print before you round up the whole fam. This is Long Beach community programming at its absolute best.
Afro-Reggae Night
Long Beach Unified Bar & Lounge, 2222 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804 Saturday, August 15 | 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM | $20 at the door
Doors open at 9 and don’t stop moving ’til 2AM. Featuring ZJHENO and DJ Electra, Afro-Reggae Night is exactly what it sounds like — an all-night vibe session built on the hottest Afro-Reggae beats. Hookahs, good energy, and a dance floor that isn’t messing around. If you’ve been dying for a night out that isn’t just another beach bar happy hour, this is your sign.
Autism Families Morning at Aquarium of the Pacific
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA Sunday, August 16 | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM | $12/person (Members & children under 3 free) | Reservations required
This is one of those events that makes me proud of this city. The entire Aquarium — except Lorikeet Forest — opens early exclusively for families with children or adults with autism, giving everyone a calmer, quieter morning to enjoy the exhibits and meet 12,000 animals from the world’s largest ocean without the usual weekend crowd noise and chaos. Reservations are required and tickets are $12/person, with members and littles under 3 getting in free. Genuinely one of the sweetest things on the calendar this weekend — go support it.
The Cook Out Episode 2: Sets at the Beach
Junipero Beach (1 Junipero Ave, Long Beach, CA 90803) Sunday, August 16 | 2:00 PM
The Cook Out hits the sand for Episode 2! This is a three-round LIVE chef battle where YOU get to be the judge — yes, you, with zero culinary degree required. The $10 judge lottery entry benefits immigrant families, so your plate of good food is doing double duty for a good cause. Expect DJs, beach vibes, and a whole lot of flavor at Junipero Beach. Bring your appetite and your opinions.
That’s the Weekend in Long Beach — Now Go Live It
That’s your snapshot of things to do in Long Beach this weekend, and it’s a good one. Sapphic dance floors, chef battles, handcycles, aquarium serenity, reggae bass — summer’s clock is ticking, so don’t be the person who scrolls this post, says “oh that’s cute,” and then stays home. Go be a part of it. See you out there.
Did I miss your event? Slide into our DMs or send us a message at [email protected] — we want LBC Vibe to be the place where every single thing happening in this city gets its shine.
FAQs: Long Beach Events This Weekend
What are the best things to do in Long Beach this weekend (August 14–16)? Top picks include Candy Box Nights (Friday, sapphic club night at Werk Long Beach), the Handcycling Clinic at El Dorado East Regional Park (Saturday morning), Afro-Reggae Night at Long Beach Unified Bar & Lounge (Saturday), Autism Families Morning at the Aquarium of the Pacific (Sunday morning), and The Cook Out Episode 2 chef battle on Junipero Beach (Sunday afternoon).
Are there any free Long Beach events this weekend? Yes — Candy Box Nights on Friday is free to attend (21+ with ID). The Handcycling Clinic is free to participate in, with only a $7 parking fee at El Dorado Park.
What’s a good family-friendly Long Beach event this weekend? Autism Families Morning at the Aquarium of the Pacific on Sunday, August 16 is designed specifically for families with children or adults with autism, with a calm, quieter environment from 7–9 AM before regular hours. Reservations are required.
Where can I find LGBTQ+ events in Long Beach this weekend? Candy Box Nights on Friday, August 14 at Werk Long Beach is the standout — Long Beach’s sapphic-centered club night for lesbians, queers, and transfolx.
Is there a Long Beach event this weekend that supports a good cause? Yes — The Cook Out Episode 2 on Sunday, August 16 at Junipero Beach donates its $10 judge lottery entry to benefit immigrant families.
