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Long Beach Leading with Love Gala 2026 + March Events You Shouldn’t Miss
Long Beach Leading with Love Gala 2026 + March Events You Shouldn’t Miss
Long Beach Leading with Love Gala 2026 + March Events You Shouldn’t Miss
Gala 2026 details, March events, community celebrations, and local stories inside.
Robert Brennan
Mar 3, 2026
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The Long Beach Leading with Love Gala 2026 will once again place survivor support at the center of the city’s civic conversation. Hosted by WomenShelter of Long Beach, the annual event brings together community advocates, business leaders, and public safety partners for an evening dedicated to strengthening services for survivors of domestic violence.
Set for Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Ovation Square in Downtown Long Beach, the gala serves as both a major fundraiser and a public reminder of the infrastructure required to protect individuals and families in crisis.
Civic Leadership Behind the Long Beach Leading with Love Gala 2026
Domestic violence response in Long Beach relies on two pillars: law enforcement and community based support services. This year’s co chairs reflect that partnership, with representation connected to the Long Beach Police Department alongside leadership from the region’s growing space industry.
That collaboration mirrors what happens across the city every day. Public safety professionals and nonprofit advocates work in tandem to ensure survivors have immediate protection and long term pathways toward stability.
By placing those partnerships at the forefront, the gala highlights how coordinated response strengthens outcomes for individuals seeking safety.
What the Leading with Love Gala Supports in Long Beach
Funds raised during the evening sustain WomenShelter of Long Beach’s core services, including confidential emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, and legal advocacy. Prevention education programs also remain a key focus, addressing violence before it escalates.
The gala becomes the moment each year when that work steps into public view. Behind every statistic is someone searching for stability, and behind every service is a coordinated system built to respond quickly and confidentially.
As demand for safe housing and trauma informed counseling continues across Los Angeles County, sustained community funding remains essential.
A Look Back at Previous Long Beach Love Galas
Past Leading with Love galas have drawn strong attendance from across the region. The 2025 event at Hotel Maya honored respected civic leaders, including the late Jerry Miller, former Long Beach City Manager, for longstanding support of the organization’s mission.
Evenings typically include a cocktail reception, formal dinner program, live and silent auctions, and award presentations. The Catalyst Award recognizes individuals or organizations whose leadership inspires broader community giving.
Those gatherings have consistently demonstrated that survivor support is not the responsibility of one sector alone. It is a shared civic commitment.
Why the Long Beach Leading with Love Gala 2026 Matters Now
Domestic violence remains a significant issue across California. State data reports more than 160,000 domestic violence related calls for assistance annually, with Los Angeles County accounting for tens of thousands of incidents. Long Beach public safety reporting reflects continued demand for coordinated crisis response.
Events like the Long Beach Leading with Love Gala 2026 keep the issue visible while generating the resources necessary to maintain emergency shelter beds, legal advocacy services, and 24 hour crisis support.
The evening is not only about fundraising. It is about reinforcing a citywide network committed to ensuring survivors have somewhere to turn.
Event Details
WomenShelter of Long Beach Leading with Love Gala 2026
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First Fridays in Bixby Knolls — Women’s History Month Celebration:
Bixby Knolls hosts a March edition celebrating women artists and musicians with art pop-ups, gallery exhibits, and music at local venues throughout the neighborhood.
Date: March 6, 2026 | Location: Bixby Knolls, Long Beach, CA | Admission: Free
Brian Regan: A live comedy performance featuring Brian Regan, bringing his witty, high-energy stand-up show to the Terrace Theater in Long Beach.
March 7, 2026, 8:00 PM. Terrace Theater – Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, Long Beach, CA. Ticketed.
Together We Walk — 5K Walk & Fun Run:
Join the community for a welcoming 5K walk and fun run supporting individuals and families impacted by cancer. The scenic shoreline route offers waterfront views and a chance to connect with neighbors while contributing to Cancer
Support Community South Bay’s mission. Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 • Time: Check‑in 9:00 AM / Walk & Fun Run 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM • Location: Shoreline Park, Long Beach, CA • Admission: Registration required
International Women’s Day Protest & Rally – Downtown Los Angeles:
Join a powerful march and rally to celebrate International Women’s Day — a global day honoring women’s achievements and empowerment, with thousands expected to participate in Downtown LA.
Date: March 8, 2026 | Time: Starts ~10:00 AM | Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA | Admission: Free
Musica Angelica Baroque Ensemble Presents “St. Matthew Passion”
A classical music performance of the masterful St. Matthew Passion.
March 29, 2026 | Time: TBD | First Congregational Church of Long Beach, CA | Admission: Ticketed
CSULB Annual Pow Wow:
Celebrate Native American culture with dance, music, and community at Cal State Long Beach.
March 14, 2026 | All day | CSULB Campus, Long Beach, CA | Admission: Free
Cambodia Town Parade & Culture Festival: A large cultural celebration with parade, food, music, and family activities in Long Beach.
April 4, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Anaheim Street to MacArthur Park, Long Beach, CA | Admission: Free
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach: Experience thrilling street racing at one of the country’s biggest Grand Prix events — complete with high-speed cars, vendor areas, and entertainment in Downtown Long Beach.
April 17 – 19, 2026. Downtown Long Beach, CA. Ticketed. Event Page
The Congressional Cup Regatta: Exciting match racing yacht regatta at Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier — great for spectator fun on the bay.
April 29 – May 3, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, Long Beach, CA | Admission: Free
Long Beach Pride Parade & Festival: One of the largest Pride celebrations in Southern California with parade, stages, vendors, and colorful community energy.
May 16 – 17, 2026 | Time Varies | Long Beach, CA | Admission: Varies |
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The Long Beach Together We Walk 5K Walk and Fun Run returns to Shoreline Park on March 8, 2026, inviting neighbors and families to unite in support of those impacted by cancer.
Hosted by Cancer Support Community South Bay, the event honors the late Judith Opdahl, whose leadership built a foundation of compassionate support for local families since 1987.
This gathering is more than just a walk—it's a chance for survivors, supporters, and loved ones to turn tough experiences into meaningful action and community connection.
Everyone is welcome, from serious runners to groups seeking a steady stroll, including leashed dogs and children.
Participants enjoy free t-shirts and a chance to contribute through fundraising, all while helping ensure support remains accessible for those facing cancer in Long Beach and beyond.
Registration opens January 16, 2026. Read More... |
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