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Business & Tech

Downtown Drive-in Ferris: 5 Ideas For Your Weekend

When Cameron was in Egypt's land ... let my ... Cameron ... go.

Our culture is varied and great and this weekend shows a little slice of that. From Q films on the big screen to Native American traditional dance to parking lots transformed by green-minded citizens into lush city parks - we are one unique bunch. Celebrate that multi-facetedness this weekend.

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: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. this Friday at various locations throughout Long Beach, including Fourth Street/Retro Row

Why Go: On PARK(ing) Day, citizens all over the world transform metered parking spaces and parking lots into temporary town "parks." The Number Nine noodle and beer house at 2118 E. 4th St. will transform its parking spaces out front into a lush park-like setting  and outside dining area. The Edsel Lot at Fourth and Cherry will transform into a  "Sustainable Learning Center" where community members can make seed bombs, learn how to compost with worms and start a native plant garden. These unique green spaces will also appear downtown, at Cal State Long Beach, and in Bixby Knolls and  the East Village.

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Pricing: Free

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When/Where: 12-2 p.m. Fridays in September at Promenade Square Park, East First Street and the Promenade North, Long Beach

Why Go: Residents, visitors and employees are invited to purchase "Lunch To-Go" meals from downtown restaurants and listen to festive music from local bands at these free mini-concerts. This weekend's band is the Pawn Shop Kings.

Pricing: Free

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When/Where: Show times vary this Saturday and Sunday at the Art Theatre Long Beach, 2025 E. 4th St., Long Beach

Why Go: This is the longest-running gay film festival in Long Beach. Films include "Fit," "Tomboy," "Margaret Cho-dependent," "We Were Here" and more. All proceeds will benefit The Center and their GLBTQ community programs.

Pricing: Five Films Pass $40, All Films Pass $100, select films will offer $5 ticket prices with valid student ID

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When/Where: 9-5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach

Why Go: This "Gathering of the Salt Water People" is a two-day event celebrating Coastal Native American culture. The festival will feature traditional cultural crafts, storytelling, educational programs, live demonstrations and the music and dance of indigenous California Indian maritime cultures including Tongva, Chumash, Acjachemen, Costanoan, Luiseno, and Kumeyaay.

Pricing: Free for members; free with general aquarium admission: adult $24.95, child (3-11) $12.95, senior (62+) $21.95;

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When/Where: Gates open at 6:30 p.m., movie starts at 8 p.m. this Saturday at the Historic Press Telegram building, 604 Pine St., Long Beach

Why Go: Long Beach Cinematheque, The Historic Press Telegram, MADhaus, Hollywood Outdoor Movies and Lunch Truck It host this downtown, drive-in movie event featuring one of the best films of not just the '80s, but of all time. Snack on gourmet food truck fare as you recite key quotes word-for-word. Watch old school style from your car or bring low-back chairs and blankets.

Pricing: Tickets are $10 per person and will be sold at the gate (cash only), free admission for children younger than 13

Did we miss anything? Please share your best ideas for this weekend in the comment box below.

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