Long Beach will launch an open alcohol zone for adults on Saturday, where people over the age of 21 can drink in designated areas.
The block party runs between Broadway and Third Street near downtown Long Beach from 2pm to 6pm.
Participants are not allowed to bring their own alcohol. They have to buy it from the bars and restaurants participating along the boardwalk.
“This whole block, this one block will be a party,” said Austin Mettier, president of the Long Beach Alliance, a nonprofit that brings together the events. “It’s going to bring energy to the area. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
There are also DJs, carnival performers and art, the organization said.
Other cities such as San Francisco and Santa Monica already host alcohol zones in the downtown area. However, unlike Santa Monica, which allows alcohol on promenades Fridays until Sunday, Long Beach is adamant about holding a single event like the Promenade Block Party.
“It’s an opportunity to really come out and enjoy the space and we want to be able to test it,” Mettier said.
The city said it is testing open alcohol spaces after planning to add similar events throughout the year, including Halloween and Art Walks across other parts of Downtown’s Long Beach.
The city will also see how the entertainment zone will work as they prepare to host future block parties at the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
“The Olympics are set to be one production in 2028, but our other test will be held at the World Cup next year,” Meytor said.
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