On February 25, 2026, I headed down to Long Beach for one of those nights that officially feels like the start of spring in Southern California the kickoff party for the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach season. There are LA Events that are fun, and then there are LA Events that set the tone for the whole city’s calendar.

This one belongs in that second category. The room was full of people who love motorsports, love Acura Grand Prix Long Beach, and love the tradition of bringing a world-class street race back to town every year bigger, louder, and more unforgettable.

The kickoff celebration took place at Gaslamp Acura Grand Prix Long Beach, a venue that fits this crowd perfectly. Gaslamp is known for being part live music venue, part restaurant, part high-energy hangout and the kind of place where a night can turn into a memory fast. Between the stage, the atmosphere, and the buzzing crowd, it felt like the right “starting line” for what’s coming in April. If you’re building your weekend plans right now, put Gaslamp on your list this is exactly the kind of spot a real LA Guide and Los Angeles Guide should include for a Long Beach night out. It’s the kind of venue that makes you want to text friends immediately and say: we’re doing this again soon.

A Night of Networking, Community, and Acura Grand Prix Racing Energy

What I loved most about this event was the mix of people in the room. It wasn’t just racing insiders it was a community. You had industry leaders, longtime fans, first-timers, local business voices, and members of the Committee of 300, all connecting around a shared Acura Grand Prix Long Beach tradition. That’s one of the reasons the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach hits different: it’s not only about the race cars it’s about the city that hosts it and the people who keep it alive.

Jim Liaw

The Food, the Music, and the “Kickoff” Vibe

The energy in the room stayed high all night. We had delicious Mexican cuisine, lively music, and a steady flow of introductions one of those nights where you keep running into someone you’re happy to see, and meeting someone new right after. It felt like a celebration, but also like a preview of how Grand Prix weekend itself will feel: social, high-energy, and full of things happening at the same time.

That’s a big reason I always tell people this race is an experience even if you’re not a hardcore racing fan. Grand Prix weekend turns Long Beach into an all-day festival: racing, food, concerts, activations, and the kind of people-watching that’s basically a sport of its own.

If you’re planning your April calendar, mark this now: April 17–19, 2026 is the next race weekend. Build a full weekend around it and treat it like a mini-vacation inside SoCal.

A Big Moment: The Leadership Update

One of the key highlights of the evening was hearing from Jim Michaelian, President of the Grand Prix of Long Beach. He offered a preview of the upcoming April races and shared a major leadership announcement: he introduced Jim Liaw, a veteran motorsports executive, as his successor. Liaw is set to assume the presidency on July 1, 2026.

This was one of those “this is history happening in real time” moments. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is an institution, and leadership changes like this matter not only for the race itself, but for how the event continues evolving with the city and its fans.

Want us to publish a full “what to expect” guide for 2026 race weekend tickets, best spots, where to go after, and how to do it like a local? Email us and we’ll build it into our LA Guide coverage.

Why the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach Matters

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is the longest-running street race in North America, and it celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. That’s not just a fun stat it’s proof this event is deeply rooted in Long Beach culture. Since its founding in 1975, the Grand Prix has evolved across eras of racing, while staying iconic and instantly recognizable. It’s become one of those signature LA-area traditions that locals brag about and visitors plan trips around.

If you’ve never been, here’s what makes it special: this isn’t a racetrack in the middle of nowhere. This is racing on city streets close-up, loud, dramatic, and visually stunning with the skyline, palm trees, and waterfront vibes. It’s also one of those LA Events that’s perfect for groups: you can go hardcore racing mode, or you can do the “I’m here for the vibe” version and still have an amazing time.

Save this article, send it to your group chat, and start planning. This is your sign to actually do Grand Prix weekend this year

Committee of 300 (C300): The “Redcoats” of Long Beach

The Committee of 300 (C300) is an official arm of the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Founded in 1975, members help promote the event year-round and support activities on race day. They’re known as the “Redcoats” because of their signature red jackets, and they combine social events, volunteer opportunities, and community involvement that strengthens the motorsports scene in Long Beach.

If you love LA Events with a purpose events that blend fun with real community impact C300 is a standout example of how a major race weekend becomes more than just entertainment.

Interested in getting involved or learning more about Grand Prix community opportunities? Reach out to LABest and we’ll point you in the right direction.

The Bottom Line

For me, this kickoff party was a reminder of why I keep covering Long Beach as part of the broader LA scene. It’s close enough to feel like a “quick drive,” but unique enough to feel like you’ve changed cities for the night. And when you combine that with the momentum of the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, you get a season opener that’s equal parts celebration and countdown.

Stay with LABest for more Best of LA coverage, new LA Guide updates, more Los Angeles Guide weekend plans, fresh Discover LA picks, and upcoming LA Events you actually want to attend.

Long Beach Grand Prix
Long Beach, CA 90802