The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) is proud to announce the return of the live event Celebrate Downtown, happening on Thursday, March 24 from 6pm to 9pm in the completely revamped Lincoln Park. The public is invited to partake of music, food and drink, and other attractions while helping DLBA honor community leaders and usher in a new era for Downtown.
Click here to RSVP to the free event and to reserve your meal ticket.
“We at DLBA are so excited to host our first in-person event since 2019!” said Justine Nevarez, DLBA’s Special Projects Coordinator. “We love being able to bring the community together once again. We are looking forward to presenting the Spirit of Downtown Awards, and showing off all the great things that DLBA and our Clean & Safe Teams have done for the betterment of Downtown over the past year. It’s also nice to help showcase the new park and its amenities.”
The Spirit of Downtown Awards have been the centerpiece of Celebrate Downtown since the event was created in 2012. This year’s award recipients will follow in a ten-year tradition of recognition for individuals who embody passion, dedication, and inspirational leadership.
“This event is for music lovers, people happy to be outside, and folks looking to get back to enjoying the way things used to be, pre-COVID,” said Wes Porter, a DJ who makes up one quarter of the DJ collective known very well in Downtown as Urban Society. The musical unit will be providing an eclectic assortment of grooves: world beat, reggae, west coast hip hop, and more.
Also performing at Celebrate Downtown will be a popular local duo, Aly and Heather. “[Alyssandra Nighswonger] and I love bringing people together, and we really enjoy the energy Downtown,” Heather Jean Sommerhauser told us. “We’re looking forward to being a part of this event and connecting with the Downtown community again.”
Attendees can feast on pizza, pasta, and eggplant parmesan from Buono’s Pizzeria; gyros, spanakopita, and salads from George’s Greek Cafe; cookies, brownies, and truffles served by Romeo Chocolates; coffee drinks and fancy toasts from Daily Dose; and fresh, organic fruit and veggie concoctions from Rainbow Juices.
In addition to all the tasty treats, guests and their pooches can participate in a dog obedience class conducted by the daycare and grooming shop Bark Bark. Those looking to hone their self-defense skills are invited to join in a class conducted by the Urban School of Self-Defense. Also, kids and adults can engage in STEM (science, technology,engineering, and math)-related activities, courtesy of the Downtown tutoring service Scholars Collective.
Throughout the park, there will be lawn games and picnic areas for guests to enjoy.
“DLBA looks forward to connecting with the community in the brand-new Lincoln Park to celebrate the progress of the past year and recognize the positive future of Downtown Long Beach,” said Broc Coward, DLBA’s Chief Operating Officer. “As Celebrate Downtown approaches,we are grateful to once again share – and help create – the evolving story of Downtown.”