This weekly event is ending for the season

This season’s Arts In The Plaza is drawing to a close with a “spooktacular” autumn and Halloween finale.

Located in the heart of Kennedy Plaza, Arts in The Plaza is every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting, running from Memorial Day weekend right up to the Saturday before Halloween.

Three local art collectives came together in 2010 to establish Arts in the Plaza, aiming to enrich the community with art.

“We said, ‘wouldn’t it be amazing if we had an event where our artist can show their work and maybe sell something’,” Arts in the Plaza Director and local resident Sammi Metzger said. “So, it started with about 10 artists setting up in the center of the plaza, and then it’s just completely blossomed into this amazing weekly arts festival we have now.”

For Metzger, this year’s season was the best yet.

Arts in the Plaza is the epitome of shopping locally. Each booth serves as a way to connect with local artisans. Attendees can discover a range of artworks, from paintings and photos to jewelry, clothing, and home décor. Additionally, live music plays all day, with performances set for both morning and afternoon.

With its long history in Long Beach, Arts in the Plaza has over 40 sponsors, including many businesses and prominent figures in the community.

You don’t need to be a Long Beach resident to showcase and sell your art. All you need is to be a current member of one of the three sponsoring art groups — Artists in Partnership, West End Arts Visual Artists Guild, or the Long Beach Art League.

For the artists, it’s more than just a platform to showcase talent and sell their work, it’s a community celebrating creativity, innovation, and the spirit of unity. Arts in the Plaza has, over the years, become a key part of Long Beach — celebrating art, culture, and community togetherness.

“Every booth is an opportunity to connect with the local artists,” Metzger said. “And we’re exclusively handcrafted. Artists only sell things that they’re making themselves. So, it really is quite a special place. We invite you to explore art, to meet artists to hear the stories behind their creations. And we also like to remind people that Arts in the Plaza is built on love, art, music and love of Long Beach.”

This Saturday, the Plaza transforms with “Halloween in the Plaza,” a festive twist on the weekly event.

In addition to showcasing local artists, this Saturday’s event will feature an 11 a.m. costume parade and dance party. Plus, children can enjoy trick-or-treating as every vendor will have candy at their booth. Studio Noir will also be providing live music for the day.

Attendees leave not just with unique finds but also memories that bring them back to relive the festivities next year.

As this season of Arts in the Plaza wraps up, the spirit of the local art community remains vibrant. Continue to uplift and engage by supporting small businesses and local art collectives until its return in May.