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Community Corner

Migratory Bird Day and Four Other Ideas for Your Weekend

It's also Endangered Bird Day today--who knew?--and there's a big bike ride and more on tap.

April showers bring May flowers and cancer-fighting bicycle powers. is this weekend and cyclists are riding to raise funds for Miller’s Children’s Hospital. In addition to the race, there are a ton of great race-related activities including restaurant deals and a free movie on the lawn. There are some other great film screenings in town this weekend, plus a fantastic birding celebration and more. May flowers are really just the beginning.

Our goal is to make the Get Out planner as reliable as possible, but keep in mind, some events change at the last minute. We advise calling ahead just in case.

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When/Where: This Friday and Saturday all around Marina Green Park and the Pike at Rainbow Harbor

Why Go: Start with Carbo Load and Friday Fun Fest and enjoy special dinner deals, live music, vendors, bike stunts and a special biking movie on the lawn. Then, take your pick of three races to either ride in or cheer on: the Family Fun Ride, the 31-mile Tour of Long Beach and the 62-mile Metric Century. All racers are biking for a great cause, Miller’s Children’s Hospital. The Finish Line Festival on Saturday will also feature great bike-related booths, food and live music too.

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Pricing: Registration fees vary, most bike-fest-related activities are free

When/Where: Midnight this Friday at the Art Theatre of Long Beach, 2025 E 4th St, Long Beach

Why Go: The Rocky Horror Picture Show is back for one night only and hilarious Shadowcast Midnight Insanity is back as well. Fans get goodie bags with toilet paper, water guns and other surprises plus proceeds benefit AIDS/LifeCycle and Team Long Beach riders.

Pricing: $15 general admission, $25 V.I.P. priority seating

When/Where: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. this Saturday at the El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach

Why Go: Celebrate Migratory Bird Day and Endangered Species Day at the El Dorado Nature Center.  There will be live birds from South Bay Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, expert-led bird walks, an Introduction to Birding workshop, interactive displays, fun crafts and more.

Pricing: Free

When/Where: This Saturday in every city nationwide

Why Go: This food drive sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers, has collected over three-quarters of a billion pounds of food since inception in 1993. To participate, simply place non-perishable food products like canned meats and fish, bottled juice, rice and pasta etc. in bags and leave them at your mailbox. Your letter carrier will pick them up and deliver them to local food banks or pantries.

Pricing: Free

When/Where: 9 p.m. this Sunday at Art Theatre of Long Beach, 2025 E 4th St, Long Beach

Why Go: Comedic legend Lily Tomlin will appear at this screening of “Teach Your Children Well.” Tomlin narrates the documentary film, which focuses on the issues of homophobia and violence in our schools directed towards our LGBT youth.

Pricing: $10 in advance, $11 at the door

If you’re still looking for worthwhile activities this weekend, why not take a cue from our blogger Kim Masoner and crochet a bedroll for the homeless out of recycled plastic bags?

Did we miss anything? If so, please share your best weekend ideas in our comment box below.

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