Community News

Howl-O-Ween Festival

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will hold its annual Howl-O-Ween Festival at the El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E. Spring St., on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2-6 p.m., with trick-or-treating along the trails and a variety of family-friendly Halloween activities.

Visitors are encouraged to get in the spirit by dressing up as their favorite ghoulish creature and enjoy a hair-raising trick-or-treating adventure through the Nature Center trails. Attendees can also visit the animal education village and meet some creepy crawly critters, listen to spine-chilling stories from the South Coast Storytellers and bounce around in the Opossum Patch.

The event will also feature face painting, crafts for the whole family to enjoy, and food truck snacks for purchase from Wetzel’s Pretzels and Summer Ice Cream Truck. 

“Howl-O-Ween at the El Dorado Nature Center is a special tradition that brings our community together to explore, play and make memories in one of the most scenic places in Long Beach,” said Fourth District Councilman Daryl Supernaw. “I look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate the spirit of Halloween.”

The last trail entry is at 5 p.m. Parking is free and a donation of $5 per person is encouraged at the gate to support Friends of El Dorado Nature Center. Credit card and tap pay accepted. Last vehicle entry is at 4:30 p.m. While this is a family friendly event, four-legged furry friends should be left at home.

For more information, please call (562) 570-1745. More information about the El Dorado Nature Center is available on its webpage. Friends of El Dorado Nature Center was created to support the mission of El Dorado Nature Center to cultivate among all members of the community a sense of respect, understanding and stewardship of the natural world.

The Howl-O-Ween Festival began in 2014 and showcases the work being done by PRM, promotes its various services and resources and celebrates the Halloween spirit.

Free Flu Vaccinations

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will offer free flu vaccinations at community clinics throughout the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season, while supplies last. Residents are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated ahead of flu season, which typically runs from mid-fall through mid-spring.

The largest flu vaccination clinic of the season will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.). This year’s theme, Boo 2 Flu, encourages attendees of all ages to embrace the Halloween spirit by arriving in costume to receive their flu vaccine.

A dedicated hour from 2 to 3 p.m. will be reserved for older adults aged 60 years and over. Accommodation for individuals with access and functional needs can be provided upon request. This clinic will not require appointments, but they are highly encouraged. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting the MyTurn website or calling (562) 570-2974 for assistance.

In addition to providing free flu vaccinations to the public, these large-scale vaccination clinics serve as annual training exercises to support the city’s mass vaccination preparedness. These clinics helps refine logistics, strengthen interdepartmental coordination and enhance emergency response strategies. Ongoing practice is a vital component of public health preparedness strategies.

In addition to the Boo 2 Flu event, flu vaccines will be available at community clinics throughout the season:

• Monday, Oct. 20, 2-6 p.m., McBride Park Community Center, Social Hall (1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.)
• Tuesday, Oct. 28, 3:30 to 6 p.m., Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.)

During the 2024-2025 flu season, there were 3,541 laboratory-confirmed flu cases and 21 flu-related deaths reported in Long Beach, marking significant increase from the previous year. The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community.

DHHS strongly recommends annual flu vaccinations for everyone aged six months and older, especially those with health conditions that increase their risk of serious complications. Even if the vaccine doesn’t prevent all flu infections, it can significantly reduce the severity of illness and the likelihood of hospitalization or death. Widespread vaccination also helps reduce strain on the healthcare system.

Flu symptoms generally include fever, chills, body aches and coughing. For some people, the flu can be life-threatening. High-risk populations include:

• Infants six months of age and older
• Older adults aged 65 and over
• People who are pregnant
• Caregivers of infants or older adults
• Individuals with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma or other chronic lung diseases, heart or kidney disease)
• People with compromised immune systems (e.g., cancer patients, those with HIV/AIDS)

DHHS encourages everyone to practice the following healthy habits to help reduce the risk of catching or spreading the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home from work, school or public activities if you are feeling unwell.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, which can transfer germs.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, especially if someone is ill.

If diagnosed with the flu, take antiviral medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider to help reduce the severity and duration of illness.

For more information about the 2025 flu season, the community is encouraged to visit: longbeach.gov/flu or call the Immunization Clinic at (562) 570-7912.

2nd & PCH Events

From kids clubs to musical nights and cultural markets, 2nd& PCH will be providing the community with seasonal fun and celebrations:

The Maker’s Hive Market: Witches Day Out, Saturday, Oct. 25, 12-6 p.m. Enjoy a curated market experience and come dressed as a witch or warlock and meet special characters, take photos with the themed backdrop, and enjoy entertainment while you shop.

Ghouls Night Out, Friday, Oct. 31, 5-8 p.m. Features a treats trail with several retailers and restaurants, a Trunk or Treat feature sponsored by Fletcher Jones Toyota Carson and Audi Long Beach, a costume contest hosted by Christopher T. Magician, live music and festive photo ops. Guests must RSVP in advance to participate in the costume contest.

Annual Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival Event, Thursday, Nov. 20, |5-8 p.m. Guests will enjoy live performances, Santa’s Arrival, crafts, a fireworks show and more.

The Maker’s Hive Market: Fall Carnival, Saturday, Nov. 22, 12-6 p.m. With a festive fall theme, guests can explore a vibrant array of handcrafted vendors, seasonal treats and autumn-inspired fun.

Kids Club: Giving Thanks! Tuesday, Nov. 25, 10–noon. From special holiday characters and Thanksgiving Bingo to arts & crafts and airbrush tattoos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the November Kids Club.

714 Market - Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, 12-6 p.m. Celebrate at the 714 Market and shop a wide array of handcrafted treasures while supporting local makers and small businesses.

EDO Open House

The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) invites businesses, residents and public-private sector partners to participate in an Open House to learn about EDO and Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) programs and services, connect with city staff and more. The event is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 30, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the LBWIN Adult Career Services Center, 4811 Airport Plaza Dr. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP online.

The free event will also commemorate the official renaming of EDO, formerly the Economic Development Department, as part of the recent Fiscal Year 2026 Budget adoption. The new name, which went into effect Oct. 1, better aligns with the core mission and work that EDO does to create equitable economic opportunities for workers, investors and entrepreneurs in Long Beach.

The department’s public-facing communications and materials are being updated to reflect the new name, including its new webpage address, which is now longbeach.gov/edo.

EDO is dedicated to driving inclusive economic growth, serving as the city’s engine for business development and support, real estate, investment, talent, workforce development and leveraging partnerships throughout Long Beach.

Día de Muertos Festival

Catalina Museum for Art & History is set to host its 7th Annual Día de Muertos Family Festival on Saturday, Nov. 1, 6-10 p.m. The beloved tradition returns to Avalon with an evening celebrating life and death while honoring loved ones who have passed.

Guests will enjoy an evening filled with vibrant cultural experiences, including a kids’ art project, local food vendors, tequila tasting and live music and dance performances. The evening will feature a live performance by Mariachi Las Catrinas from 6-9 p.m., bringing an authentic and energetic sound track to the celebration.

A special highlight of the evening will be the 2025 Barbie Signature Collection Día de Muertos doll raffle, along with the opportunity for artists of all skill levels to take part in the Día de Muertos Ofrenda/Altar & Art Contest for the chance to win a cash prize.

For details and registration, visit catalinamuseum.org/calendar/dia-de-los-muertos.

PRM Job Fairs

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will host upcoming job fairs where PRM staff will share information on current and upcoming part-time job openings for recreation program leaders:

• Saturday, Nov. 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Orizaba Park Community Center, 1435 Orizaba Ave.
• Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Whaley Park Recreation Center, 5620 E. Atherton St.
• Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Doris Topsy Elvord Community Center at Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave.

The job fairs will include information on a wide range of PRM programs that are currently hiring or will start hiring soon within the Community Recreation Services Bureau. These programs include day camps, youth sports, older adults, teens and aquatics.

Applicants can view information about the positions and complete an application at the PRM Job Opportunities webpage. Those interested in job opportunities are encouraged to come by and meet PRM supervisors and staff and learn what a day in the life of a Long Beach Recreation Program Leader is like. 

For additional information about the PRM job fairs, call (562) 570-3150.

Ring in 2026 Aboard QM

Don your best mask and join fellow revelers aboard the iconic Queen Mary for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve masquerade soirée on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Filled with signature cocktails, elegance, delicious food, surprises and top-tier entertainment, guests can look forward to an extraordinary celebration like no other, culminating in the best fireworks show on the West Coast. Tickets and overnight room bookings are on sale now at www.QueenMary.com.

“We are excited to offer our guests a memorable night aboard, filled with incredible entertainment, grand experiences and more,” said Steve Caloca, managing director of the Queen Mary. “This year is especially momentous, as the ship will present its first masquerade ball in over a decade. Our guests can expect a night where history, elegance and celebration come together for an unforgettable night with our entire ship activated. And, at midnight we will have a breathtaking 15-minute fireworks spectacular - the perfect way to toast to 2026.”

From ballroom grandeur to secret speakeasies, lively jazz performances to dazzling cabaret, each deck of the historic liner will be transformed into its own immersive experience. Guests can sip champagne, dance into the night and wander from salon to salon, discovering a world of surprises and performances designed to keep the celebration alive until the early hours.

General admission tickets start at $170 and include access to the ship, strolling performers, themed entertainment, activities, a complimentary glass of champagne and fireworks viewing. For those seeking a more elevated evening, VIP admission ($290 per person) offers early entry, a lavish buffet dinner, dessert bar, exclusive lounges, and premium fireworks views.

Guests may also extend the magic with an overnight stay aboard the Queen Mary, waking up to the first morning of 2026 on one of the world’s most storied ships.

The Masquerade Soirée begins at 8 p.m., with VIP guests welcomed aboard at 7 p.m. Festivities continue into the early hours with a celebratory midnight breakfast buffet available as an add-on. Food and Beverage sold separately for General admission ticket holders. This event is for ages 21+ only. Parking is not included.

To reserve a hotel package and tickets to the NYE celebration visit www.queenmary.com/new-years-eve-celebrations.htm.