Long Beach events are serving up a very solid weekend lineup, and honestly, it’s one of those “pick your vibe and go” situations. Whether you want art, books, racing energy, museum time, or a post-party that keeps the night going, there’s plenty happening around the city without needing to deal with giant-event chaos.
If your ideal weekend includes a little culture, a little community, and just enough fun to make you feel like you did something with your life, this one’s for you. Let’s get into the Long Beach events in order by date, because we love a clean plan.
Second Saturday Community Day
Saturday, April 11 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum, CSULB
Start your Saturday with something cute, creative, and completely free. Second Saturday Community Day brings docent-led museum tours, art-making activities, and art park tours for all ages and skill levels. It’s the kind of Long Beach event that makes you feel cultured without requiring you to know anything fancy about art.
There will be exhibition tours from 10:00–10:50 and 12:00–12:50, plus art park tours from 11:00–11:50 and 1:00–1:50. The Ed Lab activities run all day, so you can stop in, make something, and leave pretending you’re suddenly a very artistic person.
Big Book Sale!
Saturday, April 11 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Billie Jean King Main Library, 200 W. Broadway, Long Beach
Book lovers, this is your excuse to “just browse” and walk out with a stack you absolutely did not plan for. The Friends of the Library are hosting another Big Book Sale, and most books are only $1, with audio books, CDs, DVDs, and paperbacks all priced ridiculously well.
This is one of the easiest Long Beach events to fit into your weekend if you want something low-key, affordable, and actually useful. Kids even get one free book, which is adorable and also dangerous for your tote bag.
Formula Drift After Party at Steady Brew
Saturday, April 11 | 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Steady Brewing, 2950 Clark Avenue, Long Beach
Once the day starts winding down, Steady Brew is keeping the party alive. This Formula Drift after party brings cars, DJs, food, vendors, and a whole lot of post-race energy, so if you like your Long Beach events loud and social, this is the move.
There’s free entry, indoor and outdoor vibes, and all the extras you’d want from a proper after party: food from Pizza Parlor LB, treats from BC’s Icys, special Formula Drift beer, chair massages, and even permanent jewelry. Yes, permanent jewelry. Because apparently Long Beach said we’re going home cute.
In the Heights
April 10–26, 2026
Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center
Musical Theatre West is bringing In the Heights to the Carpenter Center, and yes, it absolutely belongs on your Long Beach events list. This Tony Award-winning musical runs from April 10 through April 26 and brings the kind of Broadway-caliber energy that makes a night out feel a little more polished.
The show follows a neighborhood in Washington Heights as they chase dreams, belonging, and change, all set to a score full of hip-hop, salsa, merengue, and soul. If you want your weekend plans to lean more theatrical than chaotic, this is a strong one.
Downtown Draws
Sunday, April 12 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
LBMA Downtown, 356 E 3rd Street, Long Beach
Sunday starts soft and artsy with Downtown Draws at LBMA Downtown. This is a dedicated drawing session inside the gallery, with creative prompts, borrowed supplies, and plenty of visual inspiration from the artwork and downtown surroundings.
If Saturday is the chaos-and-caffeine day, this is the reset. It’s one of the best Long Beach events for anyone who wants something calm, creative, and pleasantly low-pressure to close out the weekend.
Why this weekend works
What makes these Long Beach events fun is that they’re not all trying to be the same thing. You’ve got family-friendly art, budget-friendly library browsing, downtown creativity, a motorsports moment, and a brewery party that keeps the weekend from feeling too wholesome.
So whether you’re in the mood to make something, buy something, look at fast cars, or sip something cold while pretending you’re not already tired, Long Beach has you covered.
FAQs
Yes, several events are free, including Second Saturday Community Day, the Big Book Sale, Downtown Draws, and the Formula Drift after party at Steady Brew.
Second Saturday Community Day and the Big Book Sale are the most family-friendly options, and Downtown Draws is also a calm, creative choice for all ages.
Yes, the Formula Drift after party at Steady Brew in Long Beach brings DJs, food, drinks, and a lively evening vibe. In the Heights is also a strong choice if you want live theater with music.
