The Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) prides itself on working with organizations, citizens and the City of Long Beach on events outside of its own—and Beach Streets Downtown on March 19 is no exception, with the DLBA leading programming throughout the entirety of the route’s stretch in DTLB. Scaled down versions of existing DLBA signature events, along with bike fix-it stations and valets, will showcase Downtown’s signature style along the Beach Streets route.
From 10AM to 5PM, a 4-mile stretch of Broadway between Pine Avenue in DTLB and Euclid Avenue in Belmont Heights will be syphoned off from vehicles to make way for pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters, and runners. All the activity isn’t relegated to strictly to Downtown; multiple hubs, including Bixby Park in Alamitos Beach and 4th Street in Retro Row, will host car-free areas filled with additional activities..
Additionally, upon entrance into the Downtown, participants will be able to score a guide produced by the DLBA and City Fabrick. The guide not only have points of interest featuring DTLB’s massive street art collection, historical architecture, and other pinpoints within DTLB but feature an illustrative design that hangs perfectly as a stylized poster for the sake of memory.
In addition to a craft beer garden at the Promenade Parking Lot hosted by Beachwood BBQ & Brewing and Congregation Ale House, these key points will serve the interest of visitors to Beach Streets:
Summer & Music’s 720 Pine: Pine Avenue between 7th and 8th Streets
Long Beach’s premiere music series, Summer & Music (SAM) is dedicated to one thing: providing free, quality live music throughout the summer in DTLB. This particular event brings in skate culture and its influence on music.
Dogs of Downtown: Promenade Park
Dogs of Downtown is not just an opportunity to connect dog owners in a unique way but also celebrate the many dog-friendly businesses and patios that make DTLB one of the most pet-friendly places in Southern California. This is exactly why we’ll be filling Promenade Park with dog-friendly businesses and activities including an agility course from Bark Bark Daycare and Grooming. And Pussy & Pooch will host nail trims, treats and pet adoptions from their storefront along Broadway.
Bike Fest: East Village, 1st Street between Linden & Elm Avenues
The region’s premiere event dedicated to all things two-wheeled, DTLB’s Bike Fest is home to the Wolfpack Hustle Crit along with everything from a fixie competition to gold sprints to a vintage bike contest—and we’ll be bringing some new elements to Beach Streets to spread the love.
Buskerfest: Linden at 4th Street
SAM’s signature event, Buskerfest seeks the best of unknown local artists and gives them a chance to busk—that is, perform with as little electrical equipment as possible and earn the respect of listeners via wooden chips. Previous performers include Cold War Kids, Delta Spirit, Everest, Beachwood Sparks, Chicano Batman, Sam Outlaw, and Tijuana Panthers. Expect a special, plugged-in version of Buskerfest for Beach Streets on the 19th.
Taste of Downtown: Throughout Downtown
DTLB’s culinary series dedicated to all things gastronomical, this event allows people to sample the best that Downtown food has to offer. For Beach Streets, restaurants are invited and encouraged to set up pop-ups in front of their business with small tastings of their signature dishes. Interested restaurants must cook/prepare their dishes the restaurant’s kitchen, with service taking place under the canopy or patio awning. Health Permit fees have been waived, but all health requirements must be met. To be included in this free opportunity, please visit BeachStreets.com and fill out both the Beach Streets Participant Form and the Beach Streets Exhibitor Agreement by March 11.
Live After 5: Promenade Parking Lot
Live After 5 is DTLB’s free monthly live music series that takes place every second Thursday of the month. In it’s first year alone, over 60 spaces were activated with over 100 performances across the Downtown. For Beach Streets, we’re turning Live After 5 into a day-to-night event that will showcase bands from the series, complete with a beer garden hosted by Beachwood BBQ & Congregation Ale House, and a bike valet and repair station.
Stick around for a nighttime post-event finale with headlining bands, as Beach Streets comes to a close, and Downtown comes alive.
Any additional businesses looking to participate can also submit the Participant Form and Beach Streets Exhibitor Agreement by March 11 and will receive confirmation from City of LB, Special Events and Filming. Visit BeachStreets.com for more information.