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Long Beach Grand Prix prep begins + major events coming to the city
Long Beach Grand Prix prep begins + major events coming to the city
Cement barriers appear downtown as race week approaches. Plus upcoming Long Beach events and a story of a young donor making a difference.
Robert Brennan
Mar 16, 2026
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LONG BEACH GRAND PRIX, CEMENT DIVIDERS BEING PLACED IN PREPARATION FOR THE RACES ON APRIL 17 |
Parking in Downtown Long Beach will be restricted to designated parking for the 51st annual event. |
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Get ready for the sounds of IndyCar racecars as they speed through downtown streets at up to 185 MPH. Miles of center dividers are already being placed along the course as the city prepares for race week.
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is more than a race. It’s part sports event, part city spectacle, and part annual ritual that puts Long Beach in front of a national and international audience.
The event attracts about 200,000 people over a three-day weekend and generates more than $58.7 million for the local economy each year. With that scale, many city streets will be blocked, not only at and around the racetrack, but also nearby streets to help manage traffic
WHY YOU SHOULD GET OFF THE COUCH AND SEE IT IN PERSON
For nearby residents, the race is something you can hear from miles away. But being there is different. It’s the sound of the roaring racecars, the smell of burnt rubber, and the fans cheering as the cars fly through downtown Long Beach.
For those who are not in the grandstands, Thunder Thursday offers a chance to see the racecars, drivers, and live music before the weekend begins. During the event itself, access is more limited, but the energy still spreads throughout the waterfront. Visitors can walk through the marina, eat around Shoreline, and shop at The Pike Outlets while taking in the excitement of one of Long Beach’s biggest annual events.
A SURPRISING CELEBRITY RACING HISTORY
The Grand Prix also carries a layer of pop-culture history. For years, the event was known not only for world-class racing but also for the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, which brought well-known actors and public figures into the spotlight. That crossover gave the weekend a broader appeal and helped turn it into a spectacle beyond traditional motorsports.
Names like Keanu Reeves and Paul Newman are part of that legacy. Their involvement helped make the Long Beach event feel bigger than a standard race weekend and added a Hollywood thread to its identity.
The Grand Prix’s Lasting Impact on Long Beach
The Acura Grand Prix continues to be one of Long Beach’s most defining traditions. Whether you’re a racing fan or simply someone who enjoys seeing the city come alive, the event brings a unique energy that you can feel throughout downtown. From the roar of the engines to the crowds along the waterfront, it’s a weekend that reminds residents and visitors why the Grand Prix remains a cornerstone of Long Beach’s identity. |
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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
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
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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It all started with Max, a young boy, at the age of three. He started going with his mother to WomenShelter of Long Beach events. What Max didn’t know was that this would become a turning point in his life, one that would stay with him for years to come.
Through the years, Max helped support his mother’s passion for WomenShelter. Through events, and through hearing why people gave their support, Max started to understand the mission. It gave him a reason to build his own following and start raising money by selling lemonade.
As Max put it, WomenShelter helps “give people a safe place to stay.”
With the help of his mother and a neighbor, Max set out to sell lemonade, bracelets, and other small items. Max wanted to raise money on his own. For years he had watched his mother donate her time and money. This time he wanted to do more than just tag along. He wanted to give, but from money he earned himself.
Max’s support for WomenShelter runs deep. He says, “they take care of people.” He wants the whole world to be “safe and happy and have what they want and need.” He is most excited that his money goes to “giving people a safe place to stay.” Max is proud that his home feels safe, and he believes “everyone else should have that too.”
A Six Year Old’s Lemonade Stand Becomes a Catalyst for Change
This May, WomenShelter of Long Beach will honor Max with the Catalyst Award at its annual Leading with Love Gala
The Catalyst Award recognizes individuals or organizations whose financial contributions or leadership inspire others to give. While forty-five dollars may seem modest in adult terms, the impact has extended far beyond the amount. According to the organization, supporters have referenced Max’s example when making their own gifts.
His school has also shared his story, launching a fundraiser of its own with proceeds supporting the shelter.
WomenShelter’s gala traditionally honors civic leaders and long-standing community advocates. This year, the stage will also belong to a kindergartener whose generosity has reminded the community that leadership does not require age, title, or status.
Sometimes it begins with lemons, a folding table, and a decision to give back.
To Support the WomenShelter
Website: https://www.womenshelterlb.org/
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