Happy Halloween!

Oh what to do this Halloween?

I definitely recommend the free Community Carnival on Sunday at Grace Brethren Church. It has been our tradition to volunteer over the last several years, but this will be the first year for our kiddos, so we will be squiring them around until they eat too much candy and play too much Guitar Hero and insist on going to bed. This is a seriously fun event for kids - with a (literal) ton of candy to be passed out, bounce houses to enjoy, a skate park to be skated upon, and game booths galore. A special "pumpkin patch" area for the littler set to enjoy a quieter evening is a highlight as well.

We're hoping also to attend the Howl-o-ween Parade for dogs and their people friends at Belmont Shore, on Sunday, October 31, at 2:30pm. The start and finish of the parade is at Livingston Park, 4900 E. Livingston Dr. (at Park Ave). The vendor fair and pet adoption is in the park from noon to 5pm.

Dog in a pumpkin costume - yes, please!

And you can always count on Gregorio Luke to present a passionate and thoughtful lecture on any given subject - this one is on the traditions of Dia de los Muertos, at the Long Beach Playhouse on Thursday, October 28th at 9pm.

Get Out this Weekend! Long Beach Events...

Can you believe it's October already?! I can't wait for the crisp weather of Fall. Do we have that in Long Beach?

Here are some weekend events:

Saturday, October 2

Interfaith Blessing of the Animals, Marine Park Stadium, 5225 E. Paoli Way, Long Beach, 90803.

The event starts at 12pm.

More info at Bless the Pets!

Long Beach is having an Open Artist Studio Weekend. I've always wanted to go to this - I love to watch artists in their environments and talking about their work. Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4:30pm. Tour map and schedule below.

Gatsby Books, our favorite new and gently-used bookstore, is having their regular Saturday story time for kids, beginning at 12pm. Miss Jen will be reading her favorite children's books about cats, and might bring her guitar for a sing-along.

Gatsby Books is also hosting their first book club on Sunday at 3pm, moderated by Peter Markman, a professor of Comparative Literature from California State University Long Beach, where they will be discussing The Great Gatsby, of course! Refreshments will be provided.

Gatsby Books

5535 E. Spring St.

Long Beach, CA 90808

(562) 208-9783