Long Beach BBQ Fest 2024: Flavor, Fun, and Festivities!

On May 25, 2024, the scenic Shoreline Aquatic Park in Long Beach will come alive for the second annual Long Beach BBQ Festival. Hosted by Axiom Kitchen in partnership with LB Living, this event offers a day brimming with food, entertainment, and fun.

Visitors can expect an exhilarating atmosphere where the rich aromas of BBQ fill the air. Local chefs and BBQ aficionados will present a range of culinary delights, from time-honored recipes to creative new takes that reflect Southern California's diverse flavors. Live music from local bands will provide a festive soundtrack to the day, alongside a DJ who will keep the energy high on the dance floor.

The festival's lineup includes a chili cook-off for those who love a bit of spice, and smoking demonstrations that will offer tips and techniques for perfecting BBQ skills. Art lovers can stroll through exhibits showcasing local creativity, while thrill-seekers can enjoy carnival games. For relaxation, lounges will serve up local brews and whiskey tastings, encapsulating the essence of Long Beach.

This all-ages, family-friendly event not only celebrates the art of barbecue but also the community spirit of Long Beach. With a vendor list that includes Full Send BBQ, Brother's Keeper BBQ, and many others, plus musical performances by Indica Roots, Ms. B Royal, and special guest emcee HOOZAY, the Long Beach BBQ Festival promises to be a key event in Southern California's culinary and cultural calendar.

Tickets are available now on Eventbrite, hosted by Axiom Kitchen and Noah’s Arc Foundation in collaboration with LB Living. Don't miss this day of delicious food, vibrant music, engaging arts, and exhilarating fun!

LAWineFest Returns to Long Beach for a Wine-Filled Weekend

The LAWineFest will return to Harry Bridges Memorial Park at Long Beach Harbor on June 1 and 2 for its 19th iteration, celebrating all aspects of wine. Known as Los Angeles County’s premier wine tasting event, this festival attracts wine producers from around the world for two days of wine exploration and enjoyment, welcoming both wine enthusiasts and beginners.

The event features hundreds of award-winning wines, as well as craft brews, kombucha, and other beverages. Set against the backdrop of the historic Queen Mary, the festival combines wine tasting and education with activities such as live music by the Unofficial Slam Band, a variety of food trucks, boutique shopping, and more. Additionally, LAWineFest is partnering with the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club to raise awareness and funds.

In 2024, the VIP Garden will be revamped with co-hosts Fuego at Hotel Maya and Jackson Family Wines. VIP ticket holders will have access to exclusive boutique wineries that produce fewer than 2,500 cases per year and can enjoy an Elevated Sip and Pour experience. Jackson Family Wines will offer tastes of several premium labels, and Fuego’s Chef Victor Juarez will provide a menu of small bites. With VIP tickets limited to 400 per day, early sell-out is anticipated.

Organizers encourage ticketholders to extend their visit with an overnight stay at the nearby waterfront Hotel Maya or the Queen Mary. 

Attendees can enjoy live music on the main stage and explore a variety of lifestyle exhibitors offering wine accessories, chocolates, jewelry, clothing, candles, and more, along with numerous food trucks.

The LAWineFest hours are 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is available at the Pike Outlets and Aquarium, with free shuttles running throughout the day. Designated drivers, carpooling, ride-sharing services, and public transportation are highly recommended. A list of participating wineries, breweries, and shops is available at LAWineFest.com.

Discounted tickets are currently on sale for a limited time. Those interested in attending should sign up for updates and alerts on special ticket prices at lawinefest.com. Tickets at the door will be available, subject to capacity, as last year's event sold out early.

General Admission (at the gate): $100 

Includes entry to the Fest, a commemorative souvenir stemless glass to keep, unlimited* wine and craft brew tastings, water, coffee, and the overall Fest experience.

VIP Boutique Garden, Co-Hosted by Hotel Maya and Jackson Family Wines (at the gate): $150 

Provides all that GA does, PLUS tasting wines from a dozen gem Boutique Wineries, defined as producing less than 2,500 cases of wine each year, alongside premium wineries, along with tasty snacks, some seating and more. As a result, only 400 VIP All Access tickets are available per day so purchase early - Saturday VIP sells out early. 

On Saturday only, you can enter the Fest one hour early (at 1 p.m.). No early entry Sunday.

Designated drivers are encouraged, and get to join their friends and enjoy all the amenities of the day for only $25 (does not include any alcohol tastings).

The legal bits:

• Must be 21 years of age to be on the premises. (Sorry, no infants either – ABC rules)
• Absolutely No Pets – Certified service animals trained to help people with disabilities only.
• Wineries/Breweries reserve the right to limit consumption.

The Ecology Center Presents Peace Pizza & Tie-Dye Taqueria Pop-up

The Ecology Center is thrilled to unveil two culinary pop-ups that beautifully integrate delicious dining with sustainable agriculture: 'Peace Pizza' and 'Tie-Dye Taqueria.' These gatherings are not just about enjoying mouthwatering meals; they're vibrant exhibitions of environmentally conscious dining practices. Attendees are invited to partake in this journey as the Regenerative Organic Certified™ farm and education center pushes the boundaries of sustainable cuisine.

Every other Tuesday, 'Tie-Dye Taqueria' elevates Taco Tuesday with an enchanting setup adorned with twinkling string lights, where guests can savor exquisite San Juan blue corn masa tortillas. The menu features an array of fish and vegetable tacos, child-friendly quesadillas, hearty bean salads, and invigorating agua frescas. Notable taco selections include the Cauliflower en Mole Taco—with charred cauliflower and roasted onions in a rich mole sauce—and the Fish Taco, complete with rockfish, cabbage slaw, chili crema, salsa macha, and pickled onions.

Alternating Thursdays see the return of 'Peace Pizza,' where guests can indulge in authentic Italian pizza made from a century-old Italian sourdough starter. These pizzas boast perfectly fermented crusts topped with the freshest ingredients, like buttermilk pesto, red sauce, and wood-fired peas and carrots. The experience is complemented by the seasonal Market Garden Salad and a variety of fresh, locally-sourced beverages.

The pop-ups also offer a platform for interaction with dedicated farmers, chefs, and experts in regenerative agriculture. Through interactive cooking demonstrations, educational workshops, and lively discussions, these events cultivate a dynamic and inclusive environment, fostering community ties and connection among attendees. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or a proponent of sustainable living, these events provide a welcoming space to engage, learn, and connect with others who share a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, 'Peace Pizza' and 'Tie-Dye Taqueria' invite all to celebrate the delightful convergence of tradition, culinary innovation, and ecological stewardship.

'Tie Dye Taqueria' happening every other Thursday from 4- 7 p.m.

• Thursday, May 16
• Thursday, May 30

'Peace Pizza' happening every other Thursday from 4- 7 p.m.

• Thursday, May 23

Tie Dye Taqueria: (approx) $15 per person. Peace Pizza: $20 per pizza

The Ecology Center is at 32701 Alipaz St, San Juan Capistrano.

To learn more about The Ecology Center and upcoming events, please visit TheEcologyCenter.org.