Get ready to catch the groove, Long Beach! We are thrilled to announce our 50th anniversary and the return of our premier annual community celebration, State of the Arts. On Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM, we are turning back the clock and bringing a vibrant 70s theme to the heart of our city. This year, we are taking over Promenade Square Park for an unforgettable evening of art immersion, community connections, and plenty of dancing!
Long Beach has always been a legendary hub for creativity, and with this being our 50th year of operation, this year’s State of the Arts is our moment to honor that rich heritage while looking forward to a bright, creative future. Best of all? This community celebration is free to attend!
Two Events, One Location: Navigating The Promenade
To make sure you don’t miss a beat, we want to clarify our location and layout for the evening. State of the Arts is proudly partnering with the Downtown Long Beach Alliance for their quarterly DTLB Live! EZ Sip Event in the Downtown Long Beach Entertainment Zone. While they are two separate events, they share the same fantastic downtown energy. You can stroll right into the State of the Arts footprint, specifically located at the Promenade Square Park, to immerse yourself in our programming.
What to Expect: Art, Fast-Paced Fun, and Local Craft
We heard your feedback from last year! We are keeping the speeches short and the energy high. There are no lengthy award nominations this year. Instead, we are hosting a swift, high-impact ceremony to honor an “Art’s Hero” from each of Long Beach’s council districts. We are locking in the streamlined schedule, so you have the maximum time to mingle, groove to 70’s hits, and hit the dance floor.
Beyond the music, prepare for some Long Beach artistic immersion:
- Long Beach City College Art Vendors: Discover and buy directly from incredible local up-and-coming student talent.
- Open-Sip and Socialize: While entry is completely free, our cash bars will be fully stocked with delicious drinks available for purchase. Grab a beverage and support a great cause – all beverage proceeds go directly back into funding local arts initiatives!
Elevate Your Evening: The James Nash VIP Section
For our corporate partners and dedicated champions looking to uplift our creative economy on a grander scale, we are proud to introduce the James Nash VIP Section. In honor of our beloved past board member and champion of culture, James Nash, this dedicated area features private seating, curated food, and a dedicated bar. It is the ultimate space for corporate networking and celebrating civic leadership.
Whether you come dressed in your finest 70’s vintage or just bring your love for our city, your presence helps keep the cultural heartbeat of Long Beach thriving.
- Where: Promenade Square Park (The Promenade South between 1st Street and Broadway)
- When: Saturday, September 19 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Admission: Free! (Food, drinks, and artist vendor times available for purchase)
RSVP Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/solid-gold-dancing-in-the-streets-state-of-the-arts-2026