Get Out: Five Ideas For Your Weekend

It's all about the story this weekend. Humans crave narrative and this weekend satisfies. See the operatic story of a nun told through powerful music, tell your best tale at a lively Story Slam, and learn the real story of a gamechanging hip hop group caught on film. You will have a great story to tell when it's all over.

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.

When/Where: This Saturday and Sunday at Marine Stadium, 5225 E. Paoli Way, Long Beach

Why Go: The Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival is home to one of the biggest dragon boat races in all of California. The two-day event will also feature Chinese acrobatic performances, traditional dance and art demonstrations as well as hip hop music and martial arts performances too. All are welcome.

Pricing: Free

When/Where: 11 a.m. this Sunday at The Art Theatre of Long Beach, 2025 E. 4th St., Long Beach

Why Go: Join fellow opera lovers for a pre-movie lecture with Andreas Mitisek and enjoy coffee, mimosas, and a great opera film. This Sunday's selection is Francis Poulenc's "Dialogues des Carmélites." The opera tells the story of a selfless nun among those martyred during the French Revolution. This version of the modern opera was filmed in 1999 at the Opéra National du Rhin in Strasbourg, France.

Pricing: $10

When/Where: 3 p.m.-7 p.m. this Sunday at Belmont Memorial Veterans Pier, 15 39th Pl., Long Beach

Why Go: Sample food from over 40 fantastic restaurants, enjoy live music and enter to win a great trip to Hawaii. There will also be balloon artists making fun balloon animals and artists painting scenes from the event live. Proceeds will benefit Children Today, Long Beach Day Nursery and other children-centered organizations in our area who partner with Long Beach Kids' Connection. 

Pricing: $10 kids 12 and younger, $20 teens 13-19, $50 adults, $600 table of 10 with VIP parking, $20 each or three for $50 drawing tickets

When/Where: 7 p.m.-9 p.m .this Sunday at the Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach

Why Go: The search continues for the "Greatest Storyteller in the 562." There will be a $100 prize for best story of the night. Five will be pre-selected tales from the website and two will be taken from the audience. The guidelines are that it needs to be a true, five-minute story that happened to you. It can be read or told.

Pricing: $5

When/Where: Show times vary this weekend at

Why Go: "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest" documents the 2008 reunion tour of these beloved and highly-original hip-hop legends. Take a closer look at this influential group and remember why they rule.

Pricing: $7.75-$10.75

Sacha Bos at the Farmer's Market in the Alamitos Bay Marina Parking Lot a few weekends ago. The feast for the eyes accompanies that will inspire you to have a market adventure of your own.

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