Long Beach Event Highlights
- Enjoy the long weekend in Long Beach with community-driven events, art, and music.
- Attend the 38th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration for a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Participate in BOARDS & BUCKETS for friendly competition and support local athletics.
- Experience live jazz at DTLB Live! for a relaxing evening with local vendors.
- Join creative workshops like making bouquets from recycled books or attend reflective gatherings honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
The 3-Day Weekend Starts Now, Long Beach.
If you’ve been staring at your calendar wondering how it’s already mid-January and why you’re both exhausted and restless — same.
But good news: the 3-day weekend starts now, and Long Beach is doing what it does best… quietly showing off with community-driven, art-forward, small-venue magic.
No mega festivals.
No overpriced nonsense.
Just real people, real spaces, real vibes.
Here’s what we’re loving this weekend in Long Beach.
38th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade & Celebration
- Date: Saturday, January 17
- Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Park
- Parade Start: MLK Jr. Ave & Anaheim Street at 10:00 AM
- Cost: Free
This longstanding Long Beach tradition honors the life, legacy, and values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The day begins with a community parade through Central Long Beach, followed by a park celebration featuring live entertainment, food vendors, merchandise booths, and a kids zone. It’s family-friendly, deeply rooted in the neighborhood, and a powerful reminder of the city’s diversity and collective spirit.
BOARDS & BUCKETS
- Date: Saturday, January 17
- Time: Daytime event; stay for basketball tip-off at 2:00 PM
- Location: Pyramid Lawn, Long Beach State
- Cost: $100 per team
Boards & Buckets blends friendly competition with wellness and community impact. This team-based event includes food, drinks, music, prizes, and the chance to support Long Beach State Women’s Athletics. A portion of proceeds directly benefits LBSU Women’s Basketball, Grassroots Wellness Foundation, and Bloch Wellness. Participants are encouraged to stay for the women’s basketball game following the event.
DTLB Live! – Swing Into the New Year
- Date: Saturday, January 17
- Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: The Promenade, Downtown Long Beach
- Cost: Free
This free outdoor music series brings live jazz, swing dancing, and local craft vendors to the heart of Downtown Long Beach. It’s designed for wandering, listening, and enjoying nearby bars and restaurants along the Promenade. A great option if you want live music without committing to a late night.
Sunday Funday for Book Lovers: Create Bouquets from Recycled Books
- Date: Sunday, January 18
- Time: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM (instruction begins at 1:00 PM)
- Location: Love Like Weddings
- Address: 2225 E 28th St, Suite 511, Signal Hill, CA 90755
- Cost: Paid event
- Age Recommendation: 14+
Hosted by Jaclyn of Original Zen Collective, this hands-on workshop teaches participants how to transform recycled book pages into handmade flowers. All materials are provided, and guests leave with a finished mini bouquet in a small vase. Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are included. It’s beginner-friendly, sustainable, and perfect for book lovers, creative date days, or a low-key Sunday reset.
Dream @ Blu’
- Date: Sunday, January 18
- Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Blu’ Arts and Wellness Gallery
- Address: 580 Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
- Cost: Donations accepted
Dream @ Blu’ is an afternoon of poetry, music, and visual art honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Centered on the concept of the Beloved Community, the event features acoustic jazz and spoken word curated and hosted by Tommy Domino. Featured artists include poet Da Boogieman and poet, author, and holistic practitioner Tricia Alkmia Cochee, alongside artwork by the gallery’s artists-in-residence. The atmosphere is reflective, creative, and deeply rooted in community.
MLK Day at The Exhibition Room
- Date: Monday, January 19
- Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: The Exhibition Room – Long Beach Craft Cocktails
- Address: 1117 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
This MLK Day gathering is designed as a shared space for reflection and conversation rather than a lecture or rally. The evening includes an MLK exhibition, a community art wall for hopes and commitments, candle lighting, and a moment of silence. Guests are invited to participate in thoughtful, respectful dialogue about leadership, race, business, and the future of Long Beach. Free parking is available.
Let’s Celebrate This Weekend in Long Beach
This weekend in Long Beach isn’t about doing everything. It’s about choosing something that feels grounding, creative, or connective. Long Beach does these kinds of weekends well — quietly, intentionally, and with heart. The 3-day weekend starts now.
FAQs
Yes. Several events this weekend are free, including the MLK Parade & Park Celebration, DTLB Live! on the Promenade, Dream @ Blu’ (donations accepted), and MLK Day at The Exhibition Room. These events are open to the public and emphasize community, art, and reflection.
Absolutely. The MLK Parade & Celebration is family-friendly and includes a kids zone, live entertainment, and outdoor activities. DTLB Live! is also a good option for families, with music and open space for kids to enjoy during the afternoon.
Yes. Art and creativity are a major theme this weekend. Dream @ Blu’ features poetry, music, and visual art honoring Dr. King’s legacy. The recycled book bouquet workshop offers a hands-on creative experience for teens and adults, while The Exhibition Room hosts an art-centered MLK Day gathering focused on reflection and dialogue.
There are several music-focused events, including live jazz at DTLB Live!, rock performances at Gaslamp, and a 90s sing-along event at Alegria. These range from free outdoor shows to ticketed evening performances at local venues.
Some events require tickets or registration, such as BOARDS & BUCKETS and the recycled book bouquet workshop. Others, including the MLK Parade, DTLB Live!, and MLK Day at The Exhibition Room, are free and do not require tickets. It’s recommended to check each event organizer’s page for details.
Yes. Long Beach is hosting multiple MLK-focused events throughout the weekend, including the 38th Annual MLK Parade & Celebration, Dream @ Blu’, and MLK Day at The Exhibition Room. These events honor Dr. King’s legacy through community gathering, art, dialogue, and reflection. To find more events honoring MLK Day, please check our events calendar.
