This was our first First Friday in Bixby Knolls and it was really fun! There were 10 musicians set up on Atlantic Ave, all very talented. Our favorite is Mooney Starr, a guitarist we met on 2nd St who told us about First Fridays. He played a song by Cesaria Evora which I loved and now I'm doing a deep dive on all Fado music. Lots of Arts and Crafts from local artists plus tasty baked goods. Absolutely delicious carrot cake from It's Bakin' Time with Christina. The best we've ever had - she takes orders for whole cakes too. itsbakintime.orders@gmail.com Non-profits tabling: Friends of the Long Beach Public Library who are trying to prevent book banning. Important historical displays like Forgotten Images https://forgottenimages.org/ highlighting African American history. We had so many wonderful conversations and had a great time. read more

First Fridays Long Beach - Live music! - Art Galleries Near Me

See all

Beautiful experience. I love walking with the kids checking out different foods and businesses. Family friendly but be prepared to spend money guaranteed to see something you like . read more

Today is the 1st Friday Sept 2nd 2022 2 Years after covid, world opening up to normal. Mask optional, no social distance..we are happy we enjoy the outdoor that is cooling away from the heat of 93 degree during the day. Tonight is not bad actually, i got my steps in 5k steps walking along Atlantic Blvd, walking by a few political booths, hear the music from different genres, see people dancing, family enjoying time together, businesses getting sales from visitors. Enter the art gallery center, independent artists displaying their works, kids showing their art skills at a table...fun time! More outside, the Alley, night vendors of arts hats, like a night market. See a red bus? Hop on it! Don't be shy. Only once a month on a first Friday from 5pm-9pm. read more

See all

A great way to experience the community and local businesses while getting some fresh air and a little bit of exercise on Friday evenings. The Big Red Bus transports those who don't want to walk too much, but the area is very walkable. Shops and restaurants open late and have specials to introduce themselves to new customers. Farmers markets and booths line some of the street, with produce and crafts for sale. Musicians are on the street and in the shops, improv at the tea house, and characters dressed up wandering the street make for entertainment all over. First Fridays and Fun Fridays! read more

First Fridays started out good but quickly became a high school hangout. I quit coming to First Fridays because of the massive crowds of obnoxious high school kids trolling the event. Since COVID, they have been doing a trolley parade through Bixby Knolls. I actually enjoy the parade more than I ever enjoyed the original First Fridays event. The parade is advertised through Facebook, and I wish they would advertise it some other way since not all of us are on Facebook! read more

After a 2 month hiatus due to construction on Atlantic Ave, First Friday's made a huge comeback last night! Since First Fridays is in our neighborhood, we have attended this event a few times, but last night was by far the most impressive (and most attended) that we have gone to. As we strolled down Atlantic Ave exploring the participating businesses (most serving as makeshift art galleries) there was a wonderful sense of community and some great entertainment. Live music was pumping out of many of the venues, and most were offering appetizers, snacks, and drinks. In addition to art & music, we also saw face painting (lots of good things to do for kids), a handwriting analyst (she was awesome), a avant garde hair show, and a massage therapist. Come out to First Fridays for a great evening & to support local businesses. There's a little something for everyone & a nice way to meet some new folks. read more

First Fridays Long Beach - Art Galleries Near Me

Haven't been to First Fridays in two years. Had a great time tonight. A lot of great local musicians, artist and food trucks. The street music was great, the crowds a little young. Saw a lot of high schoolers...but still really enjoyed myself. There was about 4 food trucks and 5 food stands, but not to worry, there's a ton of restaurants and eateries for you to choose from! read more

See all

I like the vibe of the event. Plenty of people out on the streets, with live music in at least 20 different locations as you're strolling along. I'll have to try dinner at one of the places on the sidewalk just to get the full experience. I was expecting to see more arts and crafts, but was met with mostly dated, inferior, and low-quality goods in the shops. There were a couple places with more modern hipster art, but that's not really my flavor. Parking is in the residential areas, wherever you find it. read more

This was my first event, my first First Friday, I'll try not to be frumpy, furry or freaky, just frank. As with any local community event, it takes the support of everyone for any success and that's especially true when attempts are made to improve the stasis marking an area in economic ennui, as in Bixby Knolls. Having lived in the area for over ten years, I cross my fingers whenever any new establishment opens, hoping for success to improve the general prosperity of merchants in this "bedroom community". I'll always visit at least once and pray their business model works and attracts the needed clientele to continue to progress. For my first First Friday, I took a couple friends to the Factory (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-factory-long-beach#hrid:Sd4WPwtDcpF96-L7yqeRwA) and then we walked the streets stepping into almost every establishment with open doors, paying our respects and noting any special attributes or reason for return. My hair, still chemo-short but growing, was recently colored yet I made a note to return to Salon Medusa (salonmedusa-lb.com) to see what they can do for me after my locks grow some. I was amazed at the collection of pipes and old artwork in the Giltcomplex Antiques store (www.giltcomplexantiques.com). I never knew as much about Long Beach until walking through the displays at the Historical Society (www.hslb.org), I even found out my mom, a "Rosie the Riveter" herself, had a special memorial for her and the many other women who went to "war" in support of our nation in WWII. And then we found ourselves surrounded by local artists and their works in the Expo Furniture building, awash in canvas, paint and models. We enjoyed the free food and drink, friendly merchants and other supporters enjoying First Friday. I wish the event well and hope that many others take advantage of this unique opportunity to see what the local shops and merchants have to offer. It's worth it. read more

See all

Boyfriend and I finally made our way to the First Fridays for this month: A great time to spend your Friday if you just want to walk around and look at some cool stuff :D Bring cash just in case you want to buy something. We got there a little earlier, around 6, so it wasn't that packed. Parked in the neighborhood, and started strolling down Atlantic Avenue. We finished the event by 8 and it was packed already. Events for kids: Skating ranks, face painting, music and dances, coloring and even feeding some goats. While we were walking down the street, we saw people dressed up in vintage costumes- we even saw Elvis Presley look-a-like. Jazz bands, cool car shows and restaurants are very welcoming. Free books. Free water bottles. Free food tasting (little farmer's market) I ended up buying cool bracelets for about $5 each. They sell vintage necklaces and tons of bohemian items. I loved Expo the most! Great paintings, cool art works and friendly staff. Inside Expo, there's little stores that sells dope shirts. 2 tees for $25 I believe, if you buy one is $15, so you save $5 (: Oh, there's a big red bus for lazy people! Overall, a great experience to walk around Atlantic Avenue. Tons of hipsters and bops around Jamba Juice. Next month, I will be here again with my parents since it's my mom's birthday that day! read more

I'm a fan of this slowly growing artsy part of the city. It's pretty family oriented and it also has it's unique boutiques and "mom & pops" stores that I definitely want to continue to support. I actually live in the area and enjoy the diversity. I hope that in the years to come, this part of city maintains a great neighborhood. Now back to its first Friday... it's been slowly growing as there are new businesses participating in the event. However, occasionally, it can be swarmed with young abnoxious teens who really need parents to monitor them. What I like most about Bixby Knolls First Fridays are the performers and artists showcasing their talent and art. I especially love how most the local businesses participate in the event, such as the coffee shops and their open mic! I think they should have this twice a month! It will not only help the local businesses but also provide another family friendly venue for the locals to attend! read more

If you have teenagers at home this is a great (and free) thing to do in Long Beach. Hey, if you think about it where else are you gonna hang out on a Friday night if you are 15 anyways? Well, maybe the mall...... With that said, First Fridays is swarming with teenagers. I mean I thought I was drounding in them there were that many. It is uncomfortable at timet o walk down the sidewalk and if you are a childless couple/single person I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND this. But, if you ahve a family it's great. Only some establishments offer free snacks and/or wine. And they are very few at that. There is the normal fare of pizza, soda, etc...for sale for kiddos..... overall I haven't gone back for a while. read more

PROS : nice way to see/hear what Bixby Knolls has to offer great music/live bands abundant snack stands (fruit, peanuts, popcorn etc.) CONS : quite a lot of unsupervised(!) kids running a muck (ugh!) some areas need more lighting TIPS : street parking in residential areas bring cash wear comfy shoes OVERALL : Husband and I had a good time while strolling up and down Atlantic for this event. We ate dinner at Nino's Italian Restaurant and stopped at a few shops we've been meaning to checkout. This even is a great way to get to know the people behind the local shops as well as discover new businesses nearby. The shops are often running specials for the evening etc. While we enjoyed the atmosphere, we didn't care for the groups of (unsupervised) younger folk weaving in an out of the crowds and congregating on corners (blocking foot traffic). We did notice a few cops walking around surveying the event so it's relatively safe. read more

If you like arts, musics and get to know local shops, this is a must to attend! This was so perfect to enjoy in a summer night! It's bit difficult to find a parking spot but it's all worth it! read more

Daniel F. writes a better review that I could. I have been to many First Fridays and love the atmosphere. Some stores have live music, or a one-night art exhibit. The Big Red Bus is a hoot, do go up to the upper deck. The Shortining Bread lady always has treats that make me want to buy her out. The best part about this is that it's got something for everyone. Kids, adults, older people - all strolling together. Strangers talking to each other, and surprise, lots of them are not from that neighborhood like me. I meet people from Belmont Shore and even other cities that come for this. Its a real community space. read more

I had no idea what to expect from this event. I saw it advertised on Facebook and decided to give it a shot. The crux of the event is walking up and down Atlantic and trying to avoid people running into you. There are a few tents selling the same stuff you see at the swap mee/farmer's market. The restaurants were packed with families. Parking sucked. I think we ended up in the CVS lot. The only bright spot was the art exhibition at the Expo. I'm assuming they are all local artists. Some were very talented and original, and some look like my crazy neighbor's attempt to emulate Wyland's beach motifs. I did enjoy visiting the Historical Society. Didn't even know that it existed in that location. I don't think we'll be returning. Too many people. Not enough to entertain me. read more

This event is having its ups and downs. There are places to see art and hang out, but it seems to me to still be in the beginning stages. We'll come back because we support the area and we did actually have a good time. We ended up at Nino's and the art and food were so worth it. We hope more people get out and support First Fridays, we really need something like this in our area. read more

I friggin love First Fridays. A new band at every block? Bands in and out of restaurants?Random street art? Goofy people walking about? Art and a great fresh vibe? The only things bad about First Fridays is that parking is tough, the crowds are thick, and there many be a bit too many high school crowds jaywalking across the street. read more

First Fridays Long Beach - Street vendors and music! - Art Galleries Near Me

See all

First Fridays are awesome! I might be a little biased because I am a live painter at the event, but even so it's a great way to meet people! I've worked with Michael who runs the Art Expo Centre and his handful of handpicked artists who I join painting each First Friday. Michael is wonderful and his crew is very friendly and welcoming to a newcomer to LB. Lots of people, great friendly atmosphere. Good place to stroll, sightsee and talk to randoms. Everyone seems to just want to be out to have a good time, witness the spectacle and enjoy the warm evening weather. I even stopped for a caffeine boost at the Starbucks down the street, she accidentally mis-mixed my drink, and gave it to me for free in addition to the correct one. Can't go wrong with Bixby Knolls First Fridays! read more

We look forward to this event every month. It is tons of fun and the majority of the young families come out. Lots to do and see in an otherwise sleepy hood. read more

This is the best Friday of the month u go and eat food and check out businesses and art and everyone is super fun y'all better come

Such a great event for all ages. Early on in the eve kids of all ages enjoy music, art, clowns, face painting etc. As the evening continues, make your way to a number of the gastro-pubs, bars and a must is to stop off at the Willmore Wine Bar... the coolest place of the evening, the local hot spot. Several other new hot stops to open fall of 2013. S Keep coming and stay tuned to see whats next! read more

Pretty cool. The trolly moves slower than people walking on the sidewalk, which is rather humorous. Not just folk music, there was a myriad of genres- some new-agey type stuff with a Celtic feel, a bit of Classic Rock, some alternative/indie type music, and more. More bands/live music than you'll have time to see. I did love the country band, half of which was playing out of their flatbed truck. Ha! The sidewalk snacks look interesting, though I didn't purchase any. There were cupcakes, cake pops, pizza, and a number of other snack foods. I'd almost rather they closed the street so you can go from one side to the other without the pedestrian lights. The art scene is very strong. From what I've read, it was local artists who started First Fridays. Definitely work going, particularly right now when it's too hot and humid to be stuck inside all day! Good summer entertainment. read more

First Fridays is a good option if you're looking for a laid back yet fun thing to do with the family. It's an awesome way to explore our own backyard (I didn't even know half the stores were here and I've lived on this street for a long time). Definitely worth checking out so go support your local businesses! :) read more

First Friday's is a cool scene! I congratulate Krista L of Chroma Glass for initiating this monthly event. It gets locals out and about and the event keeps getting better. JOE read more

Our first time here. Love that my little city has awsome things like this for my kids to enjoy. As well as for the adults.

Can't wait for Lolas Bixby Knolls to open. The best Mexican cuisine in the LBC. Will be a much needed restaurant in the Bixby Knolls area.

i just moved to bixby knolls area a month ago. last first friday me and my bf went down the street to get some pizza and we were like wtf?? what the hell is this?? im sure everyone behind us was pissed cuz we were driving so damn slow. but we were like in shock. felt like we were in hollywood with sum people dressed up as pirates and such, lol! i am DEFINITELY gonna be there on the 2nd of sept. i luv my new cuty that i live in :) read more

I went to last month's First Fridays and I was quite impressed with the quality of the art for sale. My husband and I made an evening of it. We ate dinner at Nino's, and then walked up and down Atlantic purchasing some art at Chroma Glass Designs, shopping at Sweet Treasures and Shore Books. We then ended our evening with a fine glass of wine at the Four Olives. I am all for supporting small neighborhood businesses, and local artists. We both are looking forward to the coming months of art, food, shopping, and walking right in our own neighborhood. I hope First Fridays continues to grow! read more