Feeling disconnected in the digital age? You’re not alone. While texting, group chats, and AI-powered conversations dominate modern communication, nothing beats real-life connections. If you’re craving face-to-face interactions, Downtown Long Beach (DTLB) is packed with vibrant social events, active clubs, and engaging meetups—no Zoom calls required!
From screen-free gatherings and community cleanups to trivia nights and running clubs, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, stay active, or just enjoy great company, here’s your ultimate guide to the best in-person events happening in DTLB right now.
Photo courtesy of The Friendship Club
Screen-Free Saturdays is a weekly Friendship Club event in The Willmore’s awesome Solarium! “A first-timer at The Friendship Club’s Screen-Free gatherings is in for a nostalgic, feel-good escape from the increasingly fast-paced world of technology,” said club founder Ali Mode. “It’s a chance to slow down, meet people organically, and engage in pre-internet joys like board games, puzzles, good conversation, or simply being in great company while immersed in a book. Just treat the space like you would a best friend’s or a loving grandma’s house!”
The next Screen-Free event will happen this Saturday, Feb. 15 from 3 to 6 PM at The Willmore, 315 W 3rd St. For more info, to reserve your spot, and to see a photo of the amazing Willmore Solarium, click here. FYI: The Friendship Club will be starting a Screen-Free Wednesdays event soon, at Hartland’s in the 1900 Ocean Club Building!
Long Beach Walking Club
“I started the Long Beach Walking Club because after the COVID pandemic, making friends and meeting new people felt harder than ever—most of us were working from home and feeling disconnected,” said club founder Evelyn Avila. “I wanted to create a space where women could come together, stay active, and build real connections in a welcoming and approachable way. Walking felt like the perfect way to do that.”
In addition to the health benefits of the club’s walking excursions, the club’s monthly social hours provide opportunities for members to bond and forge lasting relationships beyond the walking trails. The club is committed to giving back, coordinating drives, volunteer projects, and charitable events that benefit the local community.
Joining the club is FREE! Click here to get started. Make sure to follow on Instagram @longbeachwalkingclub.
Beautify Pine community volunteers
Beautify Pine is a grassroots project created to improve the Downtown cityscape and build neighborhood engagement and pride of place through shared work. “We partner with existing businesses, property managers, Council District One, and community leaders,” said founder Carole Sergy. “Our volunteers clean up, compost, mulch, plant and — most importantly — maintain the green spaces on North Pine Avenue.”
The club holds its major work sessions each weekend. There are also in-week opportunities to water planters and trees, gather free compost and mulch, weed, and gather new plants and cuttings for planting on Sunday.
Click here to learn more and get involved!
Downtown Runners at their weekly run
“I like to joke that Downtown Runners LB is a great social club for people who happen to run,” said club organizer Joaquin Nunez. “Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just lacing up for the first time, our community is here for you. Let’s hit the pavement together, support one another, and celebrate with a beer!”
The club convenes for Downtown runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a variety of locations. “We’ve met at The Ordinarie, Congregation Ale House, 123 Pho, Shannon’s, Anna’s Joint, The Carvery, and others,” said Nuñez. “Our range in Downtown is pretty broad, but we like to stay close to Pine Avenue and the parking structures nearby, which offer two hours of free parking.”
Follow this free-to-join club on Instagram @downtownrunners_lb to stay informed about run locations, charitable events, and more!
DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL COUNCIL (DRC) THIRSTY THURSDAYS
Past DRC Thirsty Thursday event at Anna’s Joint
The DRC facilitates interaction between all residents of Downtown, from the ocean to 10th Street, from the 710 Freeway to Alamitos Avenue! You can participate in “Thirsty Thursdays,” a weekly event from 5:30 to 8 PM at a different Downtown location each time.
Keep an eye out for upcoming “Thirsty Thursdays” gatherings in DRC’s newsletter, click here to sign up.
TECH BY THE BEACH FEBRUARY SOCIAL
Tech by the Beach – February social at ISM Brewery
There’s everything right about techies convening to talk shop, and it’s even better when done in-person! A Tech By The Beach Social is happening on Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 6 to 8 PM at ISM Brewing, 210 E 3rd St. It’s very relaxed; No presentations or formalities, just tech enthusiasts sharing knowledge and good times.
Excellent food and drink will be available throughout this meet-up! Check out ISM’s menus here.
LONG BEACH LBGTQ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NETWORKING MIXER
Enjoy tasty bites from local vendors — with a special emphasis on chocolate — at the next Happy Hour Networking Mixer, on Thursday, Feb. 20 from 5:30 to 7 PM at Partake Collective, 456 Elm Ave.
Connect with like-minded individuals and build your professional network! Click here to register for the Mixer.
TRIVIA NIGHT AT BEACHWOOD BLENDERY
Photo courtesy of Beachwood Blendery
You and your brainiac friends are invited to get a FREE mental workout every Tuesday night at Beachwood Blendery, 247 Long Beach Blvd. Doors open at 3 PM and $5 beers will be flowing all day. Apply your trivia genius when the trivia contest begins at 7 PM.
To get a preview of the Beachwood Blendery tap room, click here! Follow the event on @thinkydrinky.
Photo courtesy of ISM Brewing
ISM’s beer-y, arty atmosphere is perfect for flexing your encyclopedic knowledge! You’re invited to do this at the Epic Pub Quiz, every Monday night from 7 to 9 PM.
“What better way to come together than with a shared interest and over a well crafted beer that is made right here?” ISM Manager Andrew Carroll inquired. “Pubs strengthen our community. They are spaces where everyone is welcome.”
ISM Brewing is located at 210 3rd St. Unit A. Click here to get a look at the amazing food and drink menus!
TRIVIA THURSDAYS AT ANNA’S JOINT
Have some friendly, flirty fun TONIGHT Feb. 13, at Anna’s Joint! This popular Downtown spot is hosting a special edition of its Trivia Thursdays event; Speed Mingling!
“A great selection of drinks and wonderful community keep the good vibes going through the night,” said Rita, who hosts the event. “Come on your own to meet new people or bring your friends to challenge other groups!”
Anna’s Joint, located at 449 Pine Ave., opens on Thursdays at 11 AM, giving you plenty of time to relax with a great meal before the trivia begins at 7 PM. Have a great time sipping bevvies, networking, and perhaps even igniting a Valentine’s Weekend romance!
To learn more about this cozy neighborhood spot and all its culinary goodness, click here.