PRESS RELEASE

Above: 2022 Youth Festival information and activity booths.

Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Health Department’s Office of Youth Development, in partnership with the City’s Youth and Families Commission, Long Beach Public Library, Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, Pacific Gateway, Office of Climate Action and Sustainability, and the Mayor’s Fund for Education, will host its third annual Youth Festival at the Long Beach City College Pacific Coast Campus (1305 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. Youth and emerging adults ages 11 to 26 are invited to participate in this free, empowering one-day event, guided by the City’s Long Beach Youth & Emerging Adults Strategic Plan and centered around youth voice, diversity, equity and education.

"We are committed to empowering the success of our youth," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "The Long Beach Youth Festival facilitates meaningful connections, nurtures a sense of pride, and fosters the essential confidence for our future leaders to thrive."

Last year’s Youth Festival featured hundreds of attendees. This year’s festival will feature a variety of opportunities and resources based on specific proposed activities as outlined in the City’s Youth Strategic Plan, ranging from youth mental health, workforce, housing, transportation and community care.

“Supporting youth today helps to ensure an upstream approach to lead to a community of thriving adults tomorrow,” said Kelly Colopy, Director of Health and Human Services. “With the support of community partners and City departments, this festival seeks to help further accomplish the goals and activities outlined by the Youth Strategic Plan.

This Youth Festival recognizes the unique needs for middle school age youth, high school youth, and transition age youth. Features include:

• An interactive college fair, job fair and resource fair.
• Activities including art, music, games, sports and local entertainment.
• Educational workshops and networking opportunities.
• Free food
• Giveaways, including Office of Youth Development shirts, bottles and bags.
• Youth performances and showcases from local poets, artists and dancers.
• An interactive visioning activity to have young people guide the direction of the City’s support for youth and emerging adults, hosted by the Youth and Families Commission.

“Last year's event was a blast; it is a great way to get connected to some of the many resources offered by the city of Long Beach.” said the Youth and Families Commissioner Gillian Doplemore. “The youth forum will also be a place to come and voice your opinions to the City and meet with individuals who are passionate just like you.”

Youth interested in attending are encouraged to register ahead of time at Youth Festival 2023 RSVP. Registration will also be available at the event. Complimentary parking will be available during the event in the parking structure of LBCC PCC campus on Pacific Coast Highway and Walnut Avenue as well as on the other side of the campus located on Pacific Coast Highway and Orange Avenue.