‘Retro Romp’ in Bixby Knolls will require bar crawlers to dress up as Mrs. Roper, grandma, or grandpa

The upcoming “Retro Romp” in Bixby Knolls on Sunday, June 1, from noon to 4PM is many things. Fundraiser. Bar crawl. Celebration of restaurants. Celebration of the beauty (and humor) of aging. But most of all, at its root, it’s the absurdity of putting on a costume, giddily grandma-ing it out. Think Mrs. Roper. Think of the old man yelling at the clouds.

Yes, there will be folks from the Long Beach Shakespeare Company dressed as grandmas and grandpas strolling down the street. Yes, Epic Wings will have a dance floor and a retro-but-awkward family shoot station. And yes, Salon Medusa will have glitter hairspray on hand for giggles. But there is, well, more prune juice for the cultural consumption.

“We wanted to try something new and funky this time,” said Blair Cohn of the Bixby Knolls Businness Improvement Association (BKBIA). “I mean, we always try things that are a bit silly and out there, but this one is all designed for fun. And who doesn’t like a good costume? Mrs. Roper and highlighting the art of the caftan is definitely worth spending an afternoon together, sipping libations, and hopping around from place to place, feeling fabulous. Or at least feeling like it’s ’78.”

In other words: Go all in on the Grandmacore.

What, more specifically, is Retro Romp in Bixby Knolls?

Raising money for the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation and the BKBIA—the backbone of business development and community events in the neighborhood—Retro Romp is about engaging in some unharmful tomfoolery while traipsing between businesses. And those businesses? Easily a massive slice of the best of Bixby: Grandma slices from Thunderbolt. Beer slushies from Ambitious Ales. Cocktails and beers from staples like Lola’s Mexican Cuisine, Beachwood Brewing & Distilling, and Wood & Salt.

If anything, it is a celebration of why Bixby Knolls rocks. And a way to be absurdly dumb in the best possible: With friends, supporting small businesses, and sending love to the amazing grandmas and grandpas out there with a wee bit of rib nudging.

Wait—why are there tickets for Retro Romp in Bixby Knolls and what do they include?

There are two tickets. One without alcohol for designated drivers or those under 21 and another with booze. Here’s what they offer.

Booze & Boogie Ticket – $35 (Must be 21 or older to purchase)

• 1 Beer Slushie at Dutch’s Brewhouse
• 1 Boozy Jell-O shot at Tony’s Kitchen
• 1 Core Beer taster at Beachwood Brewing & Distilling (opens at 1PM on day of event)
• 1 Beer Slushie at Ambitious Ales 
• 1 Draft beer taster at Epic Wings
• 1 Craft tap beer taster at Thunderbolt Pizza
• 1 Small Margarita at Lola’s Mexican Cuisine
• 1 Mini Pineapple Basil Lemon Drop at Wood & Salt
• Festive accessories and swag (first come, first served; limited quantities)
• Event bracelet for specials at participating businesses (more on that below)

Grub & Groove Ticket –  $25

Included with ticket purchase:

• 1 “Groovy Cheese Bite” at The Vintage LBC
• 1 Gramma Cookie at Nonna Mercato
• 1 Granny-Approved Pop Bag at Pop’n Flavors
• 2 Wings & a breadstick at Epic Wings
• 1 Grandma pizza slice at Thunderbolt
• 1 Black brew at Bixby Joe
• 1 Taster of German fries at Rasselbock
• 1 TBA taster at Taboon Mediterranean 
• Festive accessories and swag (first come, first served; limited quantities)
• Event bracelet for specials at participating restaurants

What are the specials and games associated with the event bracelet?

As mentioned, your event bracelet gets you perks. There’s 20% off at Pixie Toys, Long Beach Clothing Co., and The Better Half Boutique. You score a “walking taco” from Lola’s. And MeeMa’s—one of the city’s essential brunch spots—will extend their two-for-one mimosa special for the entirety of the event for bracelet sporters.

Plus, there are lots of old folk games. Word searches at Dutch’s Brewhouse. Card games at Tony’s Kitchen. Pinball machines at Beachwood. Dominoes at Rasselbock. Jigsaw puzzles at SALA. Soduku at MeeMa’s. Filipino-style mahjong at KUBO LB. Bingo at Ambitious Ales.

Longbeachize readers and Long Beach Food Scene members can use the code “croniesunite” for a 15% discount.

“Retro Romp” in Bixby Knolls on Sunday, June 1 from noon to 4PM. For tickets, click here. Limited tickets will be available for purchase in-person on that Sunday from 11AM to 1PM at the Expo Arts Center at 4321 Atlantic Ave.