The Pike Outlets in Long Beach will come alive with music, food, and community spirit on Saturday, August 16, as KCRW Summer Nights teams up with Taste of Downtown for a special installment dubbed Bevs, Bites & Beats. Running from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the free, all-ages event promises a multisensory experience under the glow of the iconic Ferris wheel.

 

Why This KCRW Summer Nights Event Is Different

 

Unlike past KCRW shows, this summer’s event merges two of Southern California’s biggest cultural touchpoints—music and food. Set on the waterfront green at The Pike, this open-air night market will spotlight local chefs, beverage vendors, and signature tastes from across Long Beach. Food and drink samples are available through tasting tickets, while the sounds remain free and open to all.

 

It’s also the first time the Taste of Downtown series directly integrates with KCRW’s traveling party, giving the evening a curated-yet-casual vibe: a mashup of Sunset Strip energy and pier-side nostalgia.

 

Lineup, Location & Local Flavor

 

Attendees can catch live DJ sets from KCRW favorite Jeremy Sole and genre-bending guest DJ Nobody. Music kicks off around 6 p.m. near the central DJ stage just steps from the waterfront.

 

Vendors will line the lawn around the Ferris wheel and carousel plaza. Expect everything from artisanal bites and plant-based sliders to craft cocktails and cold brews. Arrive early to grab a bite and beat the crowd before the sunset rush.

 

The event is easily accessible via public transit (Metro A Line to Downtown Long Beach Station) or local bike share stations. Parking at The Pike is also available but fills quickly on summer weekends.

 

Tips for Navigating the Night

 

Come with a group, bring a blanket for the lawn, and grab your tasting sheet early to make the most of the food stalls. Shade tents and seating will be limited, so comfort and casual shoes are a must.

 

This event marks a new rhythm for Long Beach summers—bridging cultural tastemakers, waterfront scenery, and accessible nightlife. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time, the KCRW x Taste of Downtown experience is set to become a late-summer classic.

 

Event Details

 

KCRW Summer Nights at The Pike Market / Taste of Downtown
• 📅 Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
• 🕒 Time: 4 p.m.–10 p.m.
• 📍 Location: The Pike Outlets, Long Beach, CA
• 🎟️ Admission: Free
• 📄 Details: Free DJ performances, tasting stations, and summer celebration on the waterfront lawn near the Ferris wheel. Part of Taste of Downtown’s “Bevs, Bites & Beats.”

 

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