This weekend in Bellflower, CA

Gear up for SoCal Belegarth Beach Day: Sand in the Gears, a mech themed gathering at Long Beach City Beach near Belmont Veterinarian’s Memorial Pier. The day features Belegarth arts and sciences alongside combat tournaments, with gameplay following the Belegarth Book of War. All local realm ban lists will be honored. Attendees are encouraged to support a local food drive by bringing 3 cans of food. Since this is a busy public shoreline, parking is paid and fills up quickly, and accessible spaces are available but limited. Come prepared for a full day in the sun with sunscreen, snacks, plenty of water, and shade. A Hydration Station will be on site courtesy of Ordo Errantem Solis, a peerage order. Please note that the area in use is not part of the dog beach.

Helping Hands Giving Hope hosts a community effort at the Lakewood Family YMCA to assemble backpacks with school supplies for youth in need. The focus is on packing donated items into bags together. Donations are requested and welcome, and items can be brought to the event or coordinated for pickup with the organizers. A wish list option allows supplies to be sent directly to them, and tax-deductible monetary contributions can be made through online platforms or by contacting the organizers.

Celebrate the sounds of classic synth-pop with tribute performances to Depeche Mode, New Order, Yaz, and Erasure. Ultra MODE, Substance, and YAZRASURE appear at Gaslamp Long Beach for an evening of fan favorites. Tickets cover entry only, and table seating requires a separate dinner reservation.