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    Thunder Thursday to kick off 2026 Grand Prix of Long Beach race weekend
    • April 13, 2026

    The Grand Prix of Long Beach is right around the corner — but before the iconic street race gets underway, the popular Thunder Thursday will once again give people a chance to experience the high-speed energy a day early.

    Thunder Thursday — which is organized by Visit Long Beach and marks the start of race weekend — draws hundreds of people to the Pike Outlets each year with car displays, motorcycle demonstrations, live performances and other activities for the entire family. The free event will take place from 6-10:30 p.m. on Thursday.

    The event will feature an NTT IndyCar Series pit stop competition along Shoreline Drive, with four drivers vying for a $10,000 prize, according to a recent news release from the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach.

    Those drivers are Graham Rahal, driving the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda; Christian Rasmussen in the Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet; Marcus Ericsson, driving the Andretti Global Honda; and Rinus Veekay in the Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet.

    Thunder Thursday will also have the high-flying Freestyle MX motocross demonstrations, which will take place over Shoreline Drive briefly at 6:30 p.m. and for a full show at 7:45 p.m. For the fourth time, Iron Goddess, an all-female motorcycle show, will return to Bay Street.

    “Thunder Thursday is all about bringing people together,” said Pike Outlets representative Morgan Blank. “It’s a chance for families, fans and visitors to experience the thrill of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach atmosphere while enjoying live music, race cars on display, motorcycle stunt shows, pit stop competitions and more. This event delivers an adrenaline-filled experience you won’t find anywhere else.”

    Car enthusiasts and those attending for a good time will have the opportunity to get up close to local antique and vintage cars at the classic car show on The Paseo. There will also be interactive photo booths, autograph signings with various drivers, a beer garden and multiple food vendors — and live music. Ashe Brothers and Manuel The Band will put on a show for visitors on the stage in the main plaza at the Pike, the news release said.

    Seeing families and children enjoying an evening of motorcycle shows, cars, drivers and more is what Steve Goodling, president and CEO of Visit Long Beach, said organizers look forward to about the event each year.

    “Thunder Thursday gives Long Beach residents the opportunity to experience the thrill of the Grand Prix with up-close experiences, great food and live entertainment,” Goodling said. “Visit Long Beach is proud to help bring to life this one-of-a-kind experience for families and race fans of all ages.”

    If you go

    When: 6-10:30 p.m. Thursday.

    Where: The Pike Outlets, 95 S. Pine Ave., in downtown Long Beach.

    Cost: Free

    Parking: The Pike Parking structure at Chestnut Place off Ocean Boulevard.

    Information: visitlongbeach.com.

    ​ Orange County Register 

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