LONG BEACH, CA (April 30, 2025) – The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) is bringing back one of the city’s most beloved summer traditions — but this year, it starts with purpose. The 2025 Taste of Downtown series kicks off Saturday, May 3 at 12 PM with “Sip, Shop & Stroll,” a retail-forward experience in the heart of the Historic East Village Arts District. This first event of the three-part series — with the second being on Pine Avenue and third being held with KCRW Summer Nights — highlights what’s most important, and what makes Long Beach so special.
As small businesses continue to navigate a tough retail environment — especially given the looming impacts of the recent tariff war — “Sip, Shop & Stroll” is designed to spotlight and support local entrepreneurs by bringing the community together to shop small, eat local, and connect with the creative energy that defines the East Village.
“Retail is evolving — and like so many districts across the country, it’s under pressure,” said Austin Metoyer, President & CEO of the DTLB Alliance. “By launching this year’s Taste series in the East Village, we’re putting local shops front and center. This is more than a tasting event — it’s an open invitation to support the people and places that make Long Beach vibrant, resilient, and one of a kind.”
Attendees will receive a souvenir tasting cup and explore curated food, beverage, and shopping experiences across the East Village’s walkable blocks. Local retailers will be paired with culinary vendors, offering exclusive in-store tastings and pop-ups. Live music, art, and activations will keep the atmosphere buzzing all afternoon. A full map is available here.
Event Details:
Date/Time: Saturday, May 3 · 12 to 4 PM
Location: Historic East Village Arts District, Downtown Long Beach
Tickets:
- Attendance is free, but tasting tickets are required to sip and eat
- Pre-purchase options available now here, tickets can also be purchased at the event
- Tasting options range on avg. from 3–8 tickets per item
Taste of Downtown continues this summer with two more neighborhood events designed to spotlight food, community, and culture in Downtown Long Beach:
- Taste of Downtown: Pine & Promenade, Wednesday and Thursday, June 11 & 12
- Taste of Downtown: Bevs, Bites & Beats with KCRW, Saturday, Aug. 16
For information on all things Taste of Downtown, visit www.downtownlongbeach.org/taste.
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About: The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) is a nonprofit, community-based organization whose mission is to cultivate, preserve and promote a healthy, safe, and prosperous Downtown. The DTLB Alliance is recognized as the voice of Downtown Long Beach by the City of Long Beach and the State of California. By balancing the interests of the residents, as well as businesses, the organization creates tangible progress by way of vested interest and solidified partnerships across local, municipal, and commercial lines. For additional information, visit www.downtownlongbeach.org and follow on Facebook @downtownlongbeach, on “X” (formerly Twitter) @dtlballiance and Instagram @dtlballiance.