Long Beach Beekeepers upcoming events

Bee Prepared - Beekeeping Course - Sept/Oct 2026 (29 Sep 2026)

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Become a member and join us for Bee Prepared this fall.

Have you fallen in love with the honey bees in your garden or during a visit to Beekeeping 101? Are you ready to take the next step to become a full-fledged beekeeper? Do you want to make 2027 your most memorable year ever? We have exactly the thing for you!

This course provides the instruction and hands-on experience to turn a beginner into a confident backyard beekeeper. Topics include hive management, bee biology, recognizing and treating common diseases and predators, legal requirements of keeping bees in Long Beach, and more. After completing the course successfully, participants may join the Bee Team for additional practice inspecting hives.

Our course includes various components: one in-person "Intro to Beekeeping" classroom session, one OPTIONAL field trip to a beekeeping supply shop, one in-person "Introduction to the Apiary" at our bee sanctuary, three Zoom lectures, and one mentorship session at the bee sanctuary.

The in-person classroom "Introduction to Beekeeping" will take place TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, from 6-8PM at EDCO Recycling Center.
The first online Zoom lecture on "Bee Anatomy" will take place TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 7-9PM.
An **optional field trip** to a local beekeeping supplier will take place SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, from 9:00-10:00. Carpooling options will be available.
The second online Zoom lecture on "Diseases, Pests, and IPM" will take place TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 7-9PM.
The In-person "Introduction to the Apiary" will take place SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 9-11AM.
The third online Zoom lecture on "Mitigating Defensive Behavior" will take place TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 7-8:30PM.
Each student will sign up via email for ONE mentorship session. Dates available are SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 9-11:30 AM *or* SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 9-11:30 AM. Spots are limited per date. You will receive an email upon registration to sign up for the mentor session.
NOTE: ALL STUDENTS will need their own beekeeping suit, gloves, hive tool, and smoker for this course. If you are unable to purchase protective gear by the October 17 meeting, please notify us ASAP.

Beekeeping 101 - Moore Community Garden (10 Oct 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Beekeeping 101 is an introductory class that will give beginners a glimpse into the secret lives of honeybees. The class includes instruction, discussions, and suiting up to inspect the hives in the bee yard, weather permitting. We invite guests to take the class more than once, as there’s always something new happening in the hive. Recommended for ages 8+.

Free!
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, INCLUDING GUESTS. NO DROP-INS OR EXTRA PEOPLE, PLEASE.
No prior experience is needed.
Wear long, THICK, loose, lighter colored pants, such as jeans; CLOSED SHOES, preferably BOOTS, to protect your ankles; and thick long socks. For safety reasons, persons without proper coverage will not be permitted to participate in the hive inspection. NO shorts, leggings, sandals or clogs, ankle socks, etc
Please bring drinking water.
Please provide loaner bee jacket size at the time of registration.
Minimum age is 8 years old.
Be aware: there is always a possibility of bee stings.

NOTE REGARDING SPACE: Beekeeping 101 is currently offered twice a month, at two separate apiaries. Space is limited and the classes fill very quickly. Reserve your spot by registering now. Once the class fills, you will be able to join the WAITLIST. We will notify you if a space opens up, or you will get priority registration for the next Beekeeping 101. Drop-ins are not permitted. For children under 8yo, please contact us to be placed on the list for our next "Beekeeping 101 for Kids" class.

Registration for this event opens September 8. Wait list from the previous session will get priority registration.

Managing Italian Colonies (10 Oct 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Come join us at Willow Springs Bee Sanctuary, to learn about Italian bees. Italian bees display different behaviors and require different care than our local "survivor" bees. Mites must be managed year-round to ensure the colony’s survival. This class is designed for established beginner or intermediate beekeepers who need to learn how to manage Italan honeybees. Protective gear is required (suit/jacket, closed shoes, gloves), and drinking water is recommended. This is an ongoing series that takes place about once a month, and space is limited to 6.

ALL ATTENDEES MUST BE REGISTERED - NO DROP-INS OR ADDITIONAL PEOPLE. Reserve your spot by registering now. Once the class fills, you will be able to join the wait list. We will notify you if anyone cancels, or you will get priority registration for the following event.

This event is free of charge. REGISTRATION FOR ALL ATTENDEES IS REQUIRED and available to club members only.

Mead Making Class (11 Oct 2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Learn to make honey mead - the nectar of the gods.

Each participant will make one gallon of mead at this hands-on, in-person class. Course fee covers basic supplies including honey, a glass fermenting jug and an air lock fermenting stopper. Long Beach Beekeepers will also provide cinnamon and peppercorn for you to create your own unique blend of mead. Looking for some additional spice in your life? Bring your own flavorings to add to the mix.

Mead takes a few weeks to ferment. An additional online class will be held on Sunday, November 8, 12:00-1:00PM, for the big reveal. Cheers!

$55 for members. $70 for non-members.

NOTE: Must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

Howl-O-Ween Festival - Volunteer Hub (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 20:30:00 GMT

If you like bees, nature, kids and Halloween, then you are in for a treat!

Join Long Beach Beekeepers at El Dorado Nature Center's Howl-O-Ween Festival The trails will be open for trick-or-treating at this fun, outdoor event. Long Beach Beekeepers will participate in the Animal Education Village with a frame of bees in an observation hive and our photo board. We need members to talk bees and beekeeping with the trick-or-treaters. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT.

Shift times:

1:30-3:45pm - Set-up in preparation for 2pm opening; greet visitors

3:30-6:00pm - Greet visitors; help clean-up when event ends

The event is open to the public from 2-6 PM. Last trail entry is 5 PM. The kids will be in costume and we encourage volunteers to do the same. Pro tip: you probably have everything you need for a beekeeper costume!

The parking fee is waived for volunteers for this event. Instructions will be sent with your volunteer confirmation.

Beekeeping 101 - Zaferia Junction Community Garden (18 Oct 2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Free!
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, INCLUDING GUESTS. NO DROP-INS OR EXTRA PEOPLE, PLEASE.
No prior experience is needed.
Wear long thick, loose, lighter colored pants; closed-toed shoes, preferably BOOTS; and thick long socks. For safety reasons, persons without proper coverage (e.g. wearing shorts, leggings, sandals, ankle socks, etc.) will not be permitted to participate in the hive inspection.
Please bring drinking water.
Please provide loaner bee jacket size at the time of registration.
Minimum age is 8 years old.
Be aware: there is always a possibility of bee stings.

NOTE REGARDING SPACE: Beekeeping 101 is currently offered twice a month, at two separate apiaries. Space is limited and the classes fill very quickly. Reserve your spot by registering now. Once the class fills, you will be able to join the wait list. We will notify you if a space opens up, or you will get priority registration for the next Beekeeping 101. Drop-ins are not permitted. For children under 8yo, please contact us to be placed on the list for our next "Beekeeping 101 for Kids" class.

Registration for this event opens September 23. Wait list from the previous session will get priority registration.

Volunteer Hub: Sanctuary Work Party (18 Oct 2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 15:30:00 GMT

The Willow Springs Bee Sanctuary will be open for volunteers to come and help maintain, clean, and organize our site. Registration for this event is required.

Please wear closed shoes and sun protection. Bring drinking water and work gloves. If available, please also bring gardening tools such as a rake, hoe, shovel or any other tools. Bee suit not required, but if you have one, please bring it.

Monthly Meeting (1 Nov 2026)

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Long Beach Beekeepers meet on the first Sunday of the month and welcome everyone from the experienced to the novice beekeeper to those just curious about beekeeping. The in-person meeting is open to the general public. Members who opt to attend online will be emailed the meeting link and passcode a day prior to the meeting.

If you are a fan of honey, you probably know it comes in many hues. But have you ever seen PURPLE honey? Frank Cooper is sharing a rare purple honey all the way from the Sandhills region of North Carolina as our Honey of the Month. Sweet!

We kindly request that any member who would like to request to be added to the agenda email us a minimum of two weeks prior to the meeting.

Special thanks to EDCO Recycling & Transfer for hosting our meetings.

Managing Italian Colonies (7 Nov 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

This event is free of charge. REGISTRATION FOR ALL ATTENDEES IS REQUIRED and available to club members only.

Volunteer Hub: Maple Village Harvest Faire (14 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, November 14, Maple Village Waldorf School presents its annual Harvest Faire, and the Long Beach Beekeepers have been invited to participate, alongside our beloved bees. The Harvest Faire is a day full of wonderful activities for all ages, but especially for elementary aged kids. Setup is 10:00-11:00; event is 11:00-4:00; take-down 4:00-4:30. Three shifts available! We will facilitate a bee activity for kids at 12:30 and 2:30PM. Activity and supplies will be provided.

Shift times:

SHIFT 1: 10:00-12:00 (set-up and tabling)

SHIFT 2: 12:00-2:00 (tabling, lead bee activity for kids at 12:30)

SHIFT 3: 2:00-4:30 (tabling, lead bee activity for kids at 2:30, take-down 4-4:30).

There's a fire dancer show at the end, so stick around after take-down if you can!

We will have an observation hive, the education hive (box with posters), and honey sticks. Feel free to bring your own miscellaneous props (e.g. hive tool, smoker, veil), but be sure to take them with you when you're done with your shift.