Bixby University: Lectures, Libations & a Little Extra Credit
About this Event
Bixby University: Lectures, Libations & a Little Extra Credit
Welcome to the university with no student loans, no finals, and plenty of recess.
For one afternoon, Expo Arts Center transforms into Bixby University, where you can build your own class schedule and choose from a lineup of lectures, local history tours, hands-on workshops, gallery experiences, and more, all led by an eclectic faculty of local experts, artists, educators, historians, journalists, wellness professionals, and community builders.
Between classes, hit the Schooltastic Book Fair 📚, browse the Bixby University School Store, explore the galleries, snap your official yearbook photo, grab a drink at the Campus Pub 🍻, or make some new friends during recess and extracurricular activities.
And yes, you'll earn a degree. No thesis. No finals. No student debt. Just bragging rights. 🏆
Even better, your tuition helps support the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation as part of the Long Beach Gives campaign. Programs that fund arts, culture, and community events make our community a little more connected, creative, and fun. 💛
Come for the education. Stay for the libations. Graduate with a degree you definitely didn't need four years to earn.
Ready to enroll? Your student agenda is just below. Keep scrolling for the class schedule, course catalog, extracurriculars, school store, and everything else you need to know before your first day. 🎓📚
🎓 How Bixby University Works 🎓
Your student experience begins with check-in and class registration from 12:00pm–1:30pm.
Once you arrive, you'll register for your classes. Class registration is first come, first served, so don't sleep through orientation. Each class has a limited capacity, ranging from approximately 30–90 students.
There are three class periods, allowing you to take up to three different classes or tours throughout the afternoon, based on availability.
Your Academic Schedule
12:00pm–1:30pm
🎓 Check-In + Class Registration
Pick up your student information, register for your classes, explore campus, visit the galleries, grab a drink, and get your bearings.
1:30pm–2:15pm
📚 Class Period 1
2:15pm–2:30pm
📣 Passing Period
2:30pm–3:15pm
📚 Class Period 2
3:15pm–3:45pm
🎉 RECESS
3:45pm–4:30pm
📚 Class Period 3
4:30pm–4:45pm
📚 Graduating degree recessional
Come ready to learn, explore, socialize, and possibly make some questionable decisions at the campus pub.
📚 Classes & Tours 📚
Choose your major. Ignore the prerequisites. There are no midterms.
El Día de Muertos: Flowers, Memory & Tradition
Presented by Maggie Solórzano-Muñetón, M.A.
Dual Language Educator | Founder, Semillitas Learning Community
Discover the stories, symbols, and ancestral roots woven into Día de Muertos, from the warm hues of cempohualxochitl and the aroma of copal to the offerings that welcome and honor those who came before us. Together, we’ll look beyond the familiar imagery to explore the meaning of the ofrenda and how memory, tradition, and community keep this celebration alive.
Course credit: Culture, tradition, memory, and a deeper appreciation for Día de Muertos.
Into the Fray: Stories from the Front Lines of Journalism
Presented by Malini Basu
Ever wonder what makes a story newsworthy—or how to get the media to pay attention? Drawing on more than two decades of experience spanning television journalism with ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates, high-level government communications as Director of Communications to the Mayor of Long Beach, and her current work leading strategic economic development initiatives for the City, Malini Basu will share an insider’s perspective on how the media really works and how to get your message heard.
Course credit: Journalism + communications + learning how to make the headline.
The LBC Sound: Past & Present
Scripted by Tim Grobaty | Presented by Blair Cohn
Long Beach has always had a soundtrack.
Dive into the city's rich music history, from the Long Beach Municipal Band to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, from Spike Jones to Snoop Dogg. Explore the venues that hosted legendary performers and the music scenes that helped shape Long Beach through the decades.
The class is scripted by renowned Long Beach author and writer Tim Grobaty and presented by Blair Cohn.
Course credit: Music history + serious Long Beach knowledge.
Spirits 101 + Mixology
Presented by Beachwood Distilling
Class is in session at the campus pub.
Join Beachwood's Beverage Director and Distiller for an introduction to the spirits crafted right here in Bixby Knolls and learn about Beachwood's grain-to-glass approach.
Watch a specialty cocktail come together and take home the recipe so you can recreate your new academic achievement at home.
Extra credit: Attendees will receive a voucher to visit Beachwood Brewing & Distilling, less than one mile away, for a four-spirit flight featuring Beachwood's staple distilled spirits, plus a special offer on house-made spirits to take home.
Course credit: Spirits + mixology + homework you actually want to do.
Experiences That Strengthen Children's Natural Way of Learning
Presented by Little Owl School
This class looks at how young children learn in a holistic and integrated way through their relationships with adults, peers, and the environment. Discover the type of productive, open-ended learning activities, materials, and situations that stimulate children's learning and social-emotional development.
Course credit: Understanding tiny humans.
Hack Your Memory: How to Outsmart the Aging Brain
Featuring Lisa Fillis, N.D., Anna Pearl, D.C., and Soo Jin Bae, Ph.D., L.Ac. of Bixby Knolls Wellness Center
What if staying sharp isn't about doing more crossword puzzles, but about continuing to be a beginner?
Join the experts from Bixby Knolls Wellness Center for a fun, interactive conversation about keeping your brain healthy and resilient as you age. Explore how learning new skills, movement, sleep, stress, inflammation, and gut health can all play a role in supporting memory and brain health.
Course credit: Brain power.
Bixby Knolls Historical Restaurant Walking Tour
Presented by LBFoodComa
Take a stroll down Bixby Knolls' main artery, Atlantic Avenue, and discover the history hiding behind some of our favorite places to eat.
Learn how the neighborhood's food scene has evolved over the years and uncover fun facts about the restaurants, businesses, and people that helped shape Bixby Knolls.
Course credit: Delicious local history. Comfortable shoes recommended.
100 Years of Homes in Bixby Knolls
Presented by Team Fasnacht
Take a walking tour through the neighborhood with third-generation Bixby Knolls native and REALTOR® Michael Fasnacht.
Explore Spanish Revival, Tudor, Traditional, and Ranch-style homes located within just a few blocks of one another. Learn how the neighborhood developed and how these homes have been added onto, remodeled, restored, and reimagined over the decades.
Bring comfortable shoes and questions about your own house.
Course credit: Residential architecture + neighborhood history + real estate curiosity.
Justin Rudd: Building Community 101
What does it actually take to build a community?
Justin Rudd, the founder behind Rosie’s Dog Beach, monthly beach cleanups, thousands of donated books, annual dog parades, and countless community gatherings, will share practical lessons on creating connection, trust, and belonging.
Learn how big ideas and small gatherings can bring people together and turn neighbors into a community.
Course credit: Community building 101. A natural group project with no drama.
Your Money, Your Plan: Budgeting Financial Workshop
Presented by F&M Bank
Get a better handle on your money by learning how to understand your income and expenses, create a realistic budget, and build a plan toward your financial goals. Presented by F&M Bank, this workshop offers practical tools and strategies you can put to work right away.
Course credit: Financial confidence + money management skills.
From the 562 to the Mic: Sonksen on Growing Up Poetic in Long Beach
Featuring Mike the Poet Sonksen
Join Mike the Poet Sonksen, author of Letters to My City, for a look at growing up in the 562, finding his voice as a poet, and using storytelling to build bridges in Long Beach and beyond.
Course credit: Long Beach culture + poetry + local bragging rights.
🎟️ Important Student Information
Class registration is first come, first served. Students must arrive between 12:00pm–1:30pm to check in and register for classes.
Class capacities vary, so we recommend arriving early to get the classes and tours you want.
Your ticket supports the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation and its community programming. Tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, your ticket will be considered a donation to the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation.
To learn more about the Foundation, our programs, and how your donation supports the community, visit bixbyknollsinfo.com/donate.
Class dismissed. See you on campus.
Class Period 1
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
El Día de Muertos: Flowers, Memory & Tradition
Host: Presented by Maggie Solórzano-Muñetón, M.A.
Info: Dual Language Educator | Founder, Semillitas Learning Community
Explore the stories, symbols, and ancestral roots woven into Día de Muertos.
From the vibrant cempasúchil flowers and aroma of copal to the offerings that welcome and honor those who came before us, discover the deeper meaning behind the ofrenda and how memory, tradition, and community keep this celebration alive.
Course credit: Culture, tradition, memory, and a deeper appreciation for Día de Muertos.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Into the Fray: Stories from the Front Lines of Journalism
Host: Presented by Malini Basu
Info: Ever wonder what makes a story newsworthy? Or how to actually get the media to pay attention?
Drawing on more than two decades of experience in television journalism with ABC, CBS, and FOX affiliates, government communications, and economic development, Malini Basu will share an insider's perspective on how the media works and what it takes to get your message heard.
Course credit: Journalism + communications + learning how to make the headline.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Hack Your Memory: How to Outsmart the Aging Brain
Host: Featuring Lisa Fillis, N.D., Anna Pearl, D.C., and Soo J
Info: What if staying sharp isn't about doing more crossword puzzles, but about continuing to be a beginner?
Join the experts from Bixby Knolls Wellness Center for a fun, interactive conversation about keeping your brain healthy and resilient as you age. Explore how learning new skills, movement, sleep, stress, inflammation, and gut health can all play a role in supporting memory and brain health.
Course credit: Brain power.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Bixby Knolls Historical Restaurant Walking Tour
Host: Presented by James from @LBFoodComa
Info: Take a stroll down Bixby Knolls' main artery, Atlantic Avenue, and discover the history hiding behind some of our favorite places to eat.
Learn how the neighborhood's food scene has evolved over the years and uncover fun facts about the restaurants, businesses, and people that helped shape Bixby Knolls.
Course credit: Delicious local history. Comfortable shoes recommended.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
100 Years of Homes in Bixby Knolls
Host: Presented by Team Fasnacht
Info: Take a walking tour through the neighborhood with third-generation Bixby Knolls native and REALTOR® Michael Fasnacht.
Explore Spanish Revival, Tudor, Traditional, and Ranch-style homes located within just a few blocks of one another. Learn how the neighborhood developed and how these homes have been added onto, remodeled, restored, and reimagined over the decades.
Bring comfortable shoes and questions about your own house.
Course credit: Residential architecture + neighborhood history + real estate curiosity.
Class Period 2
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
The LBC Sound: Past & Present
Host: Scripted by Tim Grobaty | Presented by Blair Cohn
Info: Long Beach has always had a soundtrack.
Dive into the city's rich music history, from the Long Beach Municipal Band to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, from Spike Jones to Snoop Dogg. Explore the venues that hosted legendary performers and the music scenes that helped shape Long Beach through the decades.
The class is scripted by renowned Long Beach author and writer Tim Grobaty and presented by Blair Cohn.
Course credit: Music history + serious Long Beach knowledge.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
Your Money, Your Plan: Budgeting Financial Workshop
Host: F&M Bank
Info: This financial wellness workshop helps participants understand their income and expenses while learning how to create a realistic budget. Presented by F&M Bank, it provides practical tools to help attendees manage their finances and achieve their financial goals.
Course credit: Financial confidence + money management skills.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
From the 562 to the Mic: Sonksen on Growing Up Poetic in Long Beach
Host: Featuring Mike the Poet Sonksen
Info: Join Mike the Poet Sonksen, author of Letters to My City, for a look at growing up in the 562, finding his voice as a poet, and using storytelling to build bridges in Long Beach and beyond.
Course credit: Long Beach culture + poetry + local bragging rights.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
Hack Your Memory: How to Outsmart the Aging Brain
Host: Featuring Lisa Fillis, N.D., Anna Pearl, D.C., and Soo J
Info: What if staying sharp isn't about doing more crossword puzzles, but about continuing to be a beginner?
Join the experts from Bixby Knolls Wellness Center for a fun, interactive conversation about keeping your brain healthy and resilient as you age. Explore how learning new skills, movement, sleep, stress, inflammation, and gut health can all play a role in supporting memory and brain health.
Course credit: Brain power.
Recess
🕑: 03:15 PM - 03:30 PM
Recess Pep Rally Cultural Performance
Host: Presented by Able ARTS Work
Info: At 2:15 PM, head over to the Able ARTS Work gallery for a special performance by Jazlynn Pastor featuring Pangalay, a traditional Filipino dance.
Consider this your official recess pep rally. School spirit encouraged.
🕑: 03:15 PM - 03:45 PM
Improv Crash Course
Host: Presented by Held2gether
Info: You've survived awkward class presentations. Now it's time to make them fun.
Jump into a quick, playful improv experience during recess with Held2gether. No experience necessary. Just bring your willingness to say "yes, and..."
🕑: 01:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Black Cowboys: More Than a Myth
Host: African American Cultural Center of LB
Info: Take a break from the classroom and explore the Black Cowboys: More Than a Myth exhibition at AACCLB.
The gallery will be open throughout school hours, giving students another opportunity to explore Long Beach's arts and culture scene between classes.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Yearbook Photos
Host: Bixby University
Info: Stop by for a Bixby University yearbook-style photo opportunity and commemorate your very official academic career.
Cap and gown not required. School spirit highly encouraged.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Campus Pub + "Beer" Pong
Info: Every good university has a campus watering hole.
Grab a themed drink during school hours, socialize with your fellow students, and test your skills at our decidedly academic take on beer pong.
Please note: this is extracurricular. We will not be offering college credit for your performance. Only a minor in poor decision-making.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 04:30 PM
The Schooltastic Book Fair
Host: And Then,
Info: Remember the excitement of a school book fair? We’re bringing it back, Bixby University style.
Our Schooltastic Book Fair brings together local businesses and artists for an all-adult-approved selection of books, stationery, stickers, notebooks, fun fidget toys, and other things you definitely don’t need but will probably want.
Come browse, shop local, and relive the glory days of book fair shopping, minus the permission slip and elementary school prices. ✏️
🕑: 01:30 PM - 04:30 PM
The Bixby University School Store
Info: Graduate in style with official school merch!
Visit the Bixby University School Store for limited-edition university gear, including the official: Bixby University Alumni Class of 2026. Pre-order at checkout when "enrolling" to school online or purchase at event, limited quantities will be available.All proceeds from university merchandise help support Bixby Knolls Community Foundation programming, including First Fridays, the Clean Team, and additional arts, cultural, and community events.
Class Period 3
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
Justin Rudd: Building Community 101
Host: Presented by Justin Rudd
Info: What does it actually take to build a community?
Justin Rudd, the founder behind Rosie’s Dog Beach, monthly beach cleanups, thousands of donated books, annual dog parades, and countless community gatherings, will share practical lessons on creating connection, trust, and belonging.
Learn how big ideas and small gatherings can bring people together and turn neighbors into a community.
Course credit: Community building 101. A natural group project with no drama.
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
Experiences That Strengthen Children's Natural Way of Learning
Host: Presented by Little Owl School
Info: How do children actually learn best? Explore how young children learn through relationships with adults, peers, and their environment.
Discover the open-ended activities, materials, and experiences that can spark curiosity, creativity, learning, and social-emotional development.
Course credit: Understanding tiny humans.
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
Spirits 101 + Mixology
Host: Presented by Beachwood Brewing & Distilling
Info: Class is in session at the campus pub.
Join Beachwood's Beverage Director and Distiller for an introduction to the spirits crafted right here in Bixby Knolls and learn about Beachwood's grain-to-glass approach.
Watch a specialty cocktail come together and take home the recipe so you can recreate your new academic achievement at home.
Extra credit: Attendees will receive a voucher to visit Beachwood Brewing & Distilling, less than one mile away, for a four-spirit flight featuring Beachwood's staple distilled spirits, plus a special offer on house-made spirits to take home.
Course credit: Spirits + mixology + homework you actually want to do.
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
Bixby Knolls Historical Restaurant Walking Tour
Host: Presented by James, @LBFoodComa
Info: Take a stroll down Bixby Knolls' main artery, Atlantic Avenue, and discover the history hiding behind some of our favorite places to eat.
Learn how the neighborhood's food scene has evolved over the years and uncover fun facts about the restaurants, businesses, and people that helped shape Bixby Knolls.
Course credit: Delicious local history. Comfortable shoes recommended.
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
100 Years of Homes in Bixby Knolls
Host: Presented by Team Fasnacht
Info: Take a walking tour through the neighborhood with third-generation Bixby Knolls native and REALTOR® Michael Fasnacht.
Explore Spanish Revival, Tudor, Traditional, and Ranch-style homes located within just a few blocks of one another. Learn how the neighborhood developed and how these homes have been added onto, remodeled, restored, and reimagined over the decades.
Bring comfortable shoes and questions about your own house.
Course credit: Residential architecture + neighborhood history + real estate curiosity.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 28.52 to USD 44.52
