Rising costs for live events like concerts and sports games can make it feel like having fun is just too expensive. “Funflation,” as many are calling the surge in entertainment prices, is putting a major strain on budgets and causing many Americans to feel like they’re getting priced out of a good time.
If increasing costs have you seeking out free events, you’ll be happy to know Long Beach offers plenty. We’ve rounded up the best free events in Long Beach happening now until the end of the year. Keep reading to learn more about each one.
1. Comedy Juice
Come watch your favorite comedians perform (or discover new favorites) for free at Harvelle’s weekly Comedy Juice event. Stand-up comedians who have been seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, and MTV take the stage at this free showcase, which has been running for more than 15 years.
General admission seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 7 p.m. Note: While entrance to the event is free, there is a two-drink minimum.
Date: Every Tuesday
Location: Harvelle’s, 201 E. Broadway
2. Meet Me at the Mary
If stand-up comedy isn’t your thing, head to The Queen Mary for live music and swing dancing every Tuesday. Meet Me at the Mary is a free event held at the historic ocean liner’s Observation Bar with drink specials and complimentary ship admission.
Date: Every Tuesday
Location: The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach
3. Summer Music at Shoreline Village
Shoreline Village’s free summer concert series is still going strong, with live performances scheduled every Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day weekend. Featured performers change depending on the date and cover a variety of genres, from country to 90s to Top 40.
Date: Weekends through Labor Day
Location: 429 Shoreline Village Dr.
4. First Fridays
First Fridays is a monthly block party in Long Beach’s Bixby Knolls that celebrates the neighborhood’s restaurants, shops, breweries, and artists. Participating businesses offer specials, freebies, and activities, such as face painting, craft tables, and massages. There will also be live music and multiple indoor and outdoor art exhibits.
Electric shuttles will be available to take you to and from participating businesses.
Date: First Friday of the month
Location: Bixby Knolls
5. Beachside Beats Fest
Beachside Beats Fest may have kicked off earlier this summer, but you can still catch the final two performances. This free outdoor concert series will feature a Prince tribute band on Aug. 20 and a latin band on Sept. 16. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.
Date: Aug. 20 and Sept. 16
Location: 6400 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.
6. Summer Movie Night
Skip the expensive movie theater and enjoy a free film at LBX Hangar, a 17,000-square-foot structure designed to look like an aviation hangar. During its Summer Movie Night event, the venue will show “The Sandlot.” Make a full evening of it by grabbing a bite to eat at one of the multiple food vendors located within the sprawling venue.
Date: Aug. 21
Location: LBX Hangar, 4150 McGowen St.
7. The Pike Market
At The Pike Market, you’ll find a curated selection of local makers, vintage items, handmade goods, and tasty treats. The market is open from 1-8 p.m. and is free to enter.
Date: Aug. 22 (repeats monthly but dates vary)
Location: Bay Street and The Paseo
8. Fourth Fridays
Similar to Bixby Knolls’ First Fridays, Fourth Fridays celebrates local businesses in the 4th Street Retro Row area. Several blocks of the street shut down so that vendors can set up booths and interact with attendees. The recurring event also features live music and other performances. Many of the shops in the area stay open late and host in-store events or offer specials.
Date: Fourth Friday of the month
Location: 4th Street’s Retro Row
9. Pups and Pals Market
Dog lovers won’t want to miss LBX Hanger’s Pups and Pals Market. This event brings together local artisans and makers with treats and toys for your furry friends. There will be themed photo opportunities, a DJ, and free dog caricatures and photo key chains.
Date: Sept. 12
Location: LBX Hangar, 4150 McGowen St.
10. California Turkish Festival
Get a taste of the Mediterranean without leaving Long Beach at the 5th annual California Turkish Festival. Sample traditional dishes like kebabs, baklava, and Turkish coffee or browse handmade ceramics, mosaic lamps, and textiles. This family-friendly event will also feature live music, folk dancing, and cultural activities and crafts for children.
Date: Sept. 13
Location: ShoreLine Aquatic Park, 200 Aquarium Way
11. Belmont Shore Car Show
At the 34th annual Belmont Shore Car Show, you can watch as almost 800 classic cars and custom builds parade past. There will also be a street fair with shopping and food vendors.
Date: Sept. 13
Location: 2nd St. (Livingston St. to Bay Shore Ave.)
12. 8th Annual Ranchos Walk
Get your steps in at the 8th annual Ranchos Walk. At this event, you can hike the crest trail that links Rancho Los Alamitos and Rancho Los Cerritos, with a three-, six-, or nine-mile route option. You can also listen to a guided audio tour that highlights facts about the area’s history and enjoy the post-walk celebration for free.
Date: Sept. 26
Location: Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Rd.
13. Waves of Ability: Thrive in Motion
Waves of Ability: Thrive in Motion is a free wellness fair for people of all abilities. The inclusive event celebrates adaptive sports with live music, games, and breathwork. You can also discover community wellness organizations and resources.
Date: Sept. 26
Location: Marine Stadium, Parking: 5413 Appian Way
14. Belmont Shore Book Fair
Discover new books and bring home your favorites at the Belmont Shore Book Fair. This event celebrates local writers and publishers with meet-and-greets, poetry readings, and panel discussions, in addition to shopping.
Date: Oct. 25
Location: 5200 E. 2nd St.
15. Patchwork Show
Patchwork Show—a multi-city festival celebrating local makers and crafting—is coming to Long Beach on Nov. 28. This event features local makers, junior artists, live music, artisan food vendors and food trucks, and crafting and other activities.
Date: Nov. 28
Location: Marine Stadium, Parking: 490 Bay Shore Ave.
16. Belmont Shore Christmas Parade
Get in the holiday spirit at the 42nd annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade. This parade is one of the area’s biggest of the year, with more than 100 floats and a dozen local marching bands plus singers and dancers. Expect to see Santa Claus and his elves, as well as a few surprises.
Date: Dec. 5
Location: Belmont Shore (along 2nd Street)
17. Winter Fest
Winter Fest is a festive, family-friendly event that takes place every year in late December. Details for the 2026 festival haven’t been shared yet, but last year’s event featured winter-themed games like a snowball toss, cookie decorating, face painting, ice fishing, and holiday crafts. Santa was also available for photos.
Date: Late December
Location: Lincoln Park (Pacific Ave. and W. Broadway)
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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