This, of course, wasn’t planned in any way, but if you’re hanging around downtown this weekend, there’s a chance you’ll run into a person dressed as a pirate or some sort of creepy creature. This is because Long Beach is hosting a horror convention and pirate festival. Yes, only in Long Beach.
Also to check out this weekend is a local exhibit, art walk and retro-style market, plus free admission to the Catalina Island Museum, if you’d like to make the trip.
Get moving!
SUMMER SCREAM – LONG BEACH CONVENTION CENTER (Friday-Sunday)
Teresa Calleros of Montebello poses with horror movie characters “Jason” and Freddy Krueger during Midsummer Scream at the Long Beach Convention Center. Photo by John Valenzuela/ Correspondent.
The annual convention that brings all the fright and fright into the sunniest months of the year returns to the Long Beach Convention Center this weekend, July 29-31, with horror-themed vendors, presentations from creative professionals, entertainment and more.
The convention is a large-scale gathering that draws thousands of Halloween fans, horror enthusiasts, and industry professionals. Attendees can see mazes, on-site haunts, and loads of “dark” live entertainment. It’s also a good place to stock up on all your Halloween-related wishes, with more than 350 vendors selling horror-themed clothing, home decor, special effects makeup, masks, and costumes. Cosplay and costume are of course very welcome.
Tickets start at $19.20. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
The Long Beach Convention Center is at 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
NINE INCH SAILS – CATALINA CRUISES (Saturday)
Courtesy brochure.
Take a four-hour cruise around the Long Beach Harbor to the soundtrack of the ’90s with Nine Inch Sails.
The cruise ship features two dance stages with DJs spinning Nine Inch Nails favorites and deep cuts, plus ’90s alt classics, goth anthems and industrial party jams.
Tickets are $40. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. You must be 21 years or older to attend.
Catalina Classic Cruises is at 1046 Queens Highway.
NOLO ARTWALK – DAINTY DISCO (Saturday)
Dainty Disco gift and accessory store will host its first art walk in North Long Beach on Saturday, July 30, where more than 15 artists will display their works outside the store.
The art will include products from traditional art pieces to homewares, jewelry and accessories, all from local artists and makers.
The art walk, which is from noon to 4 pm, is free. Click here for more information on Dainty Disco and the artwalk.
Dainty Disco is at 5659 Atlantic Ave.
EXHIBITION “GET HOME SAFE” – VIOLET TINDER STUDIOS (Saturday)
Art by Keith Magruder. Photo courtesy of Violet Tinder Studios.
The photography studio Violent Tinder Studios presents an exhibition with works by local artists keith magruder (known under the moniker Baker’s Son), a mixed media artist best known for his paintings and sculptures made entirely of watercolor and paper.
His most recent exhibition, “Get Home Safe,” explores issues of race in America, nostalgia, and intergenerational stories through recreated children’s items.
The highlight of Magruder’s exhibit is a quilt she recreated from her grandmother. Using watercolor and paper, Magruder crafted squares with patterns used on the Underground Railroad to communicate with runaway slaves seeking freedom. Within those patterns there are also details from his childhood, such as the fabrics of cartoon characters that Magruder’s grandmother used to make clothes.
Opening day is Saturday, July 30, from 2 to 9 p.m. The show is free.
Violent Tinder Studios is at 3300 E. Broadway.
PIRATE INVASION – SHORELINE WATER PARK (Saturday and Sunday)
Nicole Hanley waves a pirate flag near the lighthouse during the 12th annual Pirate Invasion of Long Beach at Shoreline Water Park on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
On Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31, hundreds of pirates will take over the Queen Mary Events Park for a weekend packed with live entertainment, beer slugs and general revelry at the level of looting rogues.
pirate invasionThe return of comes after a two-year hiatus since the pandemic and the buccaneers are back with more activities, unique drinks and entertainment. Attendees can expect sword-fighting shows, musket battles, cannon fire, plus plenty of live music. There will also be photo opportunities, a market with pirate-themed vendors, and a costume contest where the winners will be crowned the Duke and Duchess of the pirate invasion.
The event is for all ages, but those who want to drink must be 21 or older. Tickets range from $5 for children to $75 for VIP packages. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
The Queen Mary Events Park (also known as Harry Bridges Memorial Park) is at 1126 Queens Highway.
FREE FAMILY DAY – CATALINA MUSEUM (Sunday)
A third grader looks at a Banning artifact at the Catalina Museum of Art and History. Photo courtesy Catalina Museum of Art and History.
The Catalina Island Resident Museum is offering free admission to families on Sunday, July 31, where visitors can view the museum’s special exhibits and permanent collection of island and related fine art and artifacts. What’s also great about the museum is its spacious (around 8,000 square feet) open air, open-air plazas, and sculpture garden.
If you needed an excuse to visit, aside from snorkeling waters and a charming food scene, rounding out a trip with a visit to the museum should add that little something extra to your day trip.
Admission is free for up to two adults accompanying a minor 17 years of age or younger.
The Catalina Museum of Art and History is at 217 Metropole Ave., Avalon.
SPONSORED BY AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC
MARINE WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER SHARE HOW HE CAPTURES MYSTERIOUS CREATURES FROM THE DEEP – AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC (Wednesday, Aug 3)
Marine wildlife photographer Mike Bartick brings to light the darkest depths of the world’s oceans for those of us on land to see. The award-winning artist and diving instructor based in the Philippines finds, observes and captures images of creatures such as zooplankton, manta octopus and squid.
During the First Wednesdays series of events at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Bartick, who is a professional photographer for Saltwater.com, will exhibit his curiosity-driven photography and share some of his experiences encountering creatures from around the world.
The free event from 7-9 pm on Wednesday, August 3 at the Honda Pacific Theater will include a cocktail hour in the cash bar with live music after the performance. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling 562-590-3100. The presentation will also be broadcast live.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is at 100 Aquarium Way.