Berth 55

09/01/2026

We’re throwing a party, and you’re invited!
1ST ANNUAL BERTH 55 FURRY FRIENDS FEST

• Where: Berth 55 located at 555 Pico Ave., Long Beach 90802
• When: Saturday, September 26, 2026
• Time: 11 AM to 3 PM

ALL ADOPTION FEES WAIVED!!!

Berth 55 wants to help animal lovers and loving animals find one another, so we’ve decided to host a party for Long Beach Animal Care Services that will be big fun while bringing together deserving parents with those patient pets waiting on a forever home. The heroes from LBACS have committed to bringing out an assortment of adorable dogs, and a collection of kittens. And for that day only, they will be waiving all adoption fees! Thanks, LBACS!

Spend the day with DJ Jack Pharaoh and the Red E Stage, the Badfish Roller Derby Gals making PA announcements (on skates, natch), two mascots circulating for photo ops (a dog named Happy and a cat named Paws), and those adoption-ready bundles of love from the shelter ready for their close-ups.

To thrill your taste buds, KoaKai Shave Ice, Cafablanca Gourmet Coffee Bar, Pop-O-Licious ’N More Gourmet Popcorn, and El Jefe Mexican Grill will be serving up the yumminess. And for your pet shopping pleasures, Pet Supplies Plus will be on-hand, as well as Flea Treats (pet supplements), Sucely D Sam Art (pet portraits), Woof Tails (grooming products), Garry Lemongrass (handmade pet clothes and human trinkets), and the luscious, loving Doggo Nice Day Dog Bakery.

There will also be a basket giveaway courtesy of Pet Supplies Plus (one for dogs, one for cats) and tickets for an upcoming production courtesy of the fabulous Garage Theatre here in the LB. This party is gonna ROCK!

LBACS takes in between 5,000 and 6,000 lost and abandoned animals annually; animals who need medical attention, food, bedding, and care. It’s a lot. But, as you know, when community steps up, good stuff happens. If Berth 55 can find a few good homes for a few furry friends, we’re all in.

Be there or be square. (And you ain’t no square.)

Sponsored by: Berth 55, Queen’s Wharf Lounge, and our good friends at Pet Supplies Plus.

09/01/2026

Know who’s a big ol’ winner? Barbara Agura, that’s who! Barbara, YOU are this month’s winner of the Berth 55 Giveaway! Just show the guys behind the deli counter your name on page two of the September issue of What's Cookin' (In your inbox, Babs. Check it out.) and start ordering some fab fish!

For everyone else, sad face. You didn’t win. BUT—you could win next month. Yes, you could. Just drop us an email at [email protected]. We pick our winners from that email list, BECAUSE WE WANT YOU ON THE EMAIL LIST. Monthly winners are announced on the 1st of every month.

08/25/2026

YOUNG ADULTS INTERESTED IN FILM, TV, AND EVENTS

As you know, Long Beach rocks pretty hard, and here is one more way the International City is fanning its fabulous feathers. The LB Economic Development folks, in league with Codea Media, are launching a Zero-Cost program for young locals interested in film, TV, and live events.

This pilot program will train 10 adults aged 18 to 24 through industry-led production assistant training, career coaching, and paid work-based learning opportunities that connect participants directly to employers throughout Southern California's growing entertainment ecosystem.

If this sounds freaking awesome to you, and you wanna get you some of it, applications will be accepted until Friday, Sept 4. Check it out. bit.ly/creativecorpsapp

08/15/2026

CONGRATULATION, POLB!

Last month, the super-cool Port of Long Beach was awarded the Edmond G “Pat” Brown Award, which is given to individuals and organizations whose activities protect the environment while enhancing economic growth.

POLB CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba said, “As we build the Future guided by our 2050 vision, we will accelerate our economic engine and our transition to 100% zero-emissions operations.” You go. Doctor!

“Governor Pat Brown knew that economic prosperity and environmental sustainability can exist side-by-side,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. Yes, Commissioner! We appreciate you!

08/08/2026

STILL TIME FOR SOME SIZZLING SUMMER FUN

Looking for ways to engage the kids through these dog days of summer? Chavez Park offers just what you’re looking for.

The Summer Fun Days drop-in program is one boffo example, featuring sports, games, and arts and crafts for ages 5 to 12. Older kids can utilize the "The Zone" Teen Center; a dedicated space for teenagers 13 to 18 featuring structured activities, games, and social engagement.

The park also hosts a Summer Food Service Program providing free lunches for children of all ages, Monday through Friday, on a first-come, first-served basis. How cool is that?

And don’t miss out on the other more adult festivities at the park, like the annual Dance Fest! This ultra-enjoyable event offers multi-cultural live music and dance performances, a fresh family-friendly vibe, and FREE ADMISSION. We like that.

Then there’s Movie Night (film and date: TBA) which is always a hit with young and old, and usually includes some live entertainment and games, as well.

If you're planning to register for any of that, or to attend the Dance Fest, it's a good idea to check the City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine events calendar where exact dates, performers, and schedules are announced . You can—and should—do that by visiting https://www.longbeach.gov/park. And you can do that right now.

08/02/2026

GET THOSE KIDS READY-AND EAGER-TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL

What could you do to help your young’uns get over those familiar yet inevitable back-to-school blahs? How about a party? How ‘bout free stuff for them at that party? Think that might help? We think so, too!

Families are invited to kick off the new school year with a frolicking funfest jam-packed with goodies and goodwill at the historic Bembridge House on Monday, August 18 from 5 PM to 7 PM, as the groovy Willmore City Community Association presents its annual Back-to-School Event.

Designed to help young students head back to the classroom prepared and excited, this FREE event features giveaways and activities for all those kids and the grownups who love them. While supplies last, those beautiful Bembridge organizers will distribute 200 backpacks filled with school supplies, 200 pairs of brand-new shoes, and 200 insulated water bottles. Now WE want to go back to school!

In addition to the giveaways, attendees will enjoy complimentary ice cream courtesy of Handel’s Ice Cream, free children's haircuts, story time presented by the Long Beach Public Library (man, we love libraries), and live music from DJ Marlon. Community organizations will also be on hand with family resources, information about local services, and activities for all ages.

This annual event has become a neighborhood tradition, bringing together families, volunteers, and local organizations to celebrate the start of a new school year at one of the LB's most historic landmarks.

https://willmorecity.org/events/back-to-school-event.

08/01/2026

HERB GOLDSTONE, you can go start celebrating right now, mister, cuz YOU are this month’s winner of the Berth 55 FREE EATS Giveaway for August! Just show the guys behind the deli counter your name on page two of the August issue of What's Cookin' (Yes, you do, Herb. Check your inbox.) and start ordering.

Now, if you’re reading this and you’re not Herb, you didn’t win. That doesn’t make you a loser, necessarily, but you didn’t win—this time. All you have to do is drop us an email at [email protected]. We pick our winners from that email list, BECAUSE WE WANT YOU ON THE MAILING LIST. Monthly winners are announced on the 1st of every month.

07/04/2026