Great Outdoors upcoming events

OCLB: Encore Presentation! La Bola Negra! The Art Theater in Long Beach (Fri, November 06, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Our first GO OCLB sold out at AMC Tustin!

So we are doing a second GO OCLB theater event at

The Art Theater in Long Beach!

Don't miss this incredible epic!

La Bola Negra

A bold tapestry spanning nearly a century of Spanish history, La Bola Negra tells the story of three generations of men whose lives are intimately connected through desire, pain and love in this celebrated film from Cannes winning director Javier Carvo and Javier Ambrossi.

Spanning 1932, 1937, and 2017, the drama folds personal histories into the wider political and cultural tensions of Spain itself, creating a story that feels both intimate and epic.

The film is in Spanish and will be subtitled.

2025 E 4th St.

Long Beach, CA 90814

Friday Evening Nov. 6

Movie starts 8:35 PM

This movie is 2 hours & 40 minutes long.

Link to Official Website - Previews at the bottom of the site:

https://labolanegrafilm.com/home/

If interested in attending, you are responsible for your own purchases (tickets and snacks).

The program begins @ 8:35 PM

Trip Leader plans to be there @ 8:00 PM in front of the theater and enter the theater @ 8:20 PM.

As usual we meet out front and then swish-swish our way to the concession stand to grab some goodies.

Highly recommend purchasing advance tickets for your seats!

What to Bring:

Happy Attitude and

$ for Movie Ticket, Popcorn, Drink & Candy!

Rob McKee will be the trip leader.

VPO-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

Contact him for questions or if you need additional information.

This movie will eventually be shown on Netflix in the near future; however we try to support gay movies in the theater!

Photos from the AMC La Bola Negra event:

Pictured: Most everyone but of course we had a few late comers to the event who missed the photo op!

Pictured: After the movie, several of us went to discuss our thoughts about the movie with drinks and food! Joe with his Expresso Martini!

PS - Outreach - Palm Springs Pride Parade (Sun, November 08, 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

PALM SPRINGS PRIDE PARADE!

COME MARCH WITH US!

Great Outdoors members will participate in the annual Palm Springs Pride Parade on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Our group includes a marching unit and a fleet of decorated Jeeps. Register and join in the celebration!

Sunday, November 8 - Pride Parade and Festival

8:00 AM - Check-in and staging for Pride Parade vehicles (Our group is probably located about N. Palm Canyon at Stevens Road). Jeep drivers, don't forget your checklist and fire extinguishers.
9:30 to 10:30 AM - Marcher unit will assemble alongside and behind Jeeps. Marching assignments and instructions will be given at that time. No need to arrive much before 9:30 am, as the parade is slow to begin.
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Pride Parade, followed by Festival downtown

Notes: ALL CHAPTERS are invited to participate! Members of other chapters are encouraged to register and take part in the parade! Purchase a Pride T-shirt here (still available in M, L and XL sizes) or wear your chapter t-shirt and dress pride festive.

Walkers are encouraged to wear hiking or backpacking gear (shorts, knapsacks, hiking boots or hiking shoes, hats, water bottles, etc.).
Bring a hat and sunscreen! It can be very sunny during the Parade, with very little shade along the route or in the staging area.
If you have questions, please contact David McFadden Outreach Coordinator drmcfadden@aol.com

LA - Hike: Filming Locations, Malibu Creek State Park (Sun, November 08, 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Filming Locations, Malibu Creek State Park

Regrettably the seasonal aluminum bridge to the M*A*S*H site has been removed because of early rains. Nevertheless, remember the helicopters and the mountains shown in the opening scene? This is where we will be hiking.

Hike Leader: Russell Hammerl

Meeting Location: Malibu Creek State Park, Main Entrance, Main Trailhead parking lot- Gather near the soda machines and restrooms. Parking is $12.00.

Google Maps: 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas CA 91302

Directions:

*From the Valley, go four miles south of the 101 on Las Virgenes Road.

*From PCH, go North on Malibu Canyon Road, 1/2 mile past the light at Piuma Road.

Difficulty Rating: Moderate Plus

Elevation Gain: 350 ft

Trail Length: 5 miles

Dogs: Not Allowed

GOLA invites you to join us for one of our favorite hikes. Along the way we will walk past the sites of many filming locations, including: Planet of the Apes, How Green Was My Valley, and Pleasantville, to name just a few. Our hike turn around point is where Malibu Creek washed out the old bridge. On the way back we will stop at the visitor center to learn more about the over 100 movies filmed in the park when it was 20th Century Fox Movie Ranch. Included in our journey is the Rock Pool. This is where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid jumped into the water. Also, at the Rock Pool is where we will have lunch.

Besides film history it is a beautiful trail following Las Virgenes Creek, Malibu Creek, and Century Lake in the upper section of Malibu Canyon. Many sections are lined with a canopy of native Live Oaks, Sycamores, and Bay Laurels.

If you did this hike with us before, it is worth doing again.

Bring: 2 to 3 liters of water, sack lunch, snacks, sun protection, hat. Consider layered clothing and hiking poles. Please Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear and adequate drinking water required.

Carpool/ride sharing information: Due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation. If you would like a ride, or provide a ride, you can sign up on your own at this link: Carpool to Malibu Creek State Park

Remember rain cancels

Below is a partial list of the movies filmed in the park when it was part of 20th Century Park. There isn't even an accurate count of all scenes shot here for television. At the visitor center we will have a chance to view an interesting film with brief clips of many of the films.

Love Me Tender (1956)

Back to Bataan (1945)

How Green was my Valley (1941)

FBI Story, The (1959)

Daddy-Long-Legs (1919)

Doctor Dolittle (1967)

Luck of the Irish (1948)

Love is a Many Splendored Thing (1955)

M*A*S*H 1970, 1972 - 1983

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

Battle for the Planet of the Apes

Charlie's Angels (1976)

Finian's Rainbow (1968)

Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948)

Left Hand of God (The) 1955

Logan's Run (1976)

Windtalkers (2002)

Untamed (1955)

Thunder in the Valley (1947)

Sand Pebbles, The (1966)

Rifleman (1958)

Pleasantville (1998)

Viva Zapata! (1952)

Planet of the Apes - (1968)

Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958)

Roots (1977)

Tora! Tora! Tora! - (1970)

The set for the movie, "Pleasantville," is now the lot where we will be parking.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was filmed here with a concrete pool and a painted sky in the movie "Tora! Tora! Tora!"

The Rifleman and his son lived in a cabin just above this trail

LA - CicLAvia Pasadena (Sun, November 15, 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 17:30:00 GMT

LA-CicLAvia Padadena!

Date: Sunday, Nov 15, 2026

Time: 9:30 AM - 3 PM

Spaces: 20

Meeting Location: Memorial Arch of Library, 184-206 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena,CA 91103

There is a Metro stop nearby…please see map above.

We will start cycling at: The Memorial Park Hub (Corner of Walnut & Raymond)

Distance: The route is 3 miles, 6 miles total.

Lunch: TBD after the ride (in the area)

Route: You may ride at your own pace or with the group.

What: CicLAvia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been opening streets throughout LA County since 2010. Come experience car-free open streets at our upcoming event, CicLAvia—Pasadena

Enjoy the pop-up park for the day in your favorite people-powered way, whether that's walking, jogging, biking, roller skating, skating, or simply spectating! All ages and abilities are welcome.

New to CicLAvia? Here are some things to know before you go:

CicLAvia is FREE!
CicLAvia lasts from 9am to 3pm
CicLAvia closes streets to car traffic and opens them for people to walk, skate, bike, play, and explore parts of Los Angeles County.
CicLAvia is not a race! There's no starting point or finish line—begin where you like and enjoy the day your way.
CicLAvia traffic flows in two directions, just like regular traffic. Check out more rules of the route.
As a general rule of thumb, only people-powered vehicles are allowed, with exceptions for persons with disabilities. That means we do not allow electric scooters, electric skateboards, hoverboards, electric unicycles, motorcycles and other non-people-powered vehicles, but we do allow motorized wheelchairs and related vehicles for people with disabilities. We want to make sure that everyone can enjoy our route.
Are e-bikes allowed? Class 1 e-bike pedal-assist allowed. Class 2 e-bikes allowed when throttle is powered off. Class 3 e-bikes allowed when pedal-assist is powered off. General rule of thumb: if you're pedaling (and not riding), you're clear.

Waivers:

As consideration for being allowed to participate in a CicLAvia, all participants are deemed to have released from liability and waived any right to sue its organizers, their employees, officers, volunteers and agents from any and all claims, including claims of negligence, resulting in any physical injury, illness (including death) or economic loss suffered as a result of participating in this CicLAvia.
By participating in a CicLAvia event, each participant understands that there are risks, such as physical and/or psychological injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability, death or economic loss. These injuries or outcomes may arise from a participant’s or other’s actions, inactions, or negligence, or the condition of the location (s) or facility (ies). Nonetheless, participants assume all known and unknown risks of participation in CicLAvia.

Trip leader: Brian brianpfreedman@gmail.com

Health Problems/allergies: Advise trip leader of any medical or other issues that may affect your ability to safely complete this event.

LA - Hike: Fern Dell Trail to Griffith Park Observatory (Thu, November 19, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 17:15:00 GMT

Fern Dell Nature Trail

Thursday Morning Hike

Great views of the Griffith Park Observatory, and DTLA.

Great Outdoors is joining the Los Angeles LGBT Center for a wonderful hike organized by Daryl Dean. Our hike begins on the lush Fern Dell Nature Trail, following the little creek. Wildlife is often seen in this and other areas of our route. Go at your own pace! We’ll gather at three scenic points as we make our assent to the observatory. After the hike let's relax, chat and have a cup of coffee or a snack in the picnic area adjacent to Trails Café.

Location: Fern Dell Dr. and Black Oak Dr. Gather on the corner at the gates, approximately 200 ft. north of Los Feliz Blvd. -near the entrance to the park.

Google Map: Ferndell Trail

Time: 9:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 2.7 mile loop, mostly on gravel fire roads.

Elevation: 700ft

Dogs: Dog friendly: Just remember there are coyotes in the park.

Bring: Water, sunscreen, hat, hiking shoes with good grip, Emergency Contact Information.

Questions, click here: Russell Hammerl

Health Issues/allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader if you wish.

Copyright 1981 - 2025 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQIA+ and Allies organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy.

LA - Misc: "OH, MARY" at the Ahmanson Theatre (Wed, December 02, 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 03:30:00 GMT

Just Announced! Drag Superstar Alaska Thunderfuck to Star as “Mary Todd Lincoln” and Tony Award Winner J. Harrison Ghee to Star as “Mary’s Husband”

Oh, Mary! is a dark comedy about a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and suppressed desires abound in this 80-minute one-act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln, through the lens of an idiot (playwright Cole Escola).

Declared “one of the best comedies in years” by The New York Times, Oh, Mary! received two Tony Awards including Best Direction of a Play (Sam Pinkleton), Drama League Awards for Outstanding Play and Outstanding Direction of a Play, as well as a special citation from the New York Drama Critics’ Circle. It was named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Tickets: $83/ticket (a $74 savings from individual ticket prices) sitting in Mezzanine Level B2, Rows J and K, Seats 27 - 39. Registration is for up to 26 GO members and guests with a max of 2 tickets per person. Your ticket will be paid for by registering and paying via the GO Registration link. Physical tickets will be handed out by John near the Box Office no later than 7:10 pm. Pick up your ticket at the Box Office after 7:10pm. No refunds after October 30, 2026. Add yourself to the wait list if this sells out.

Timing - Please be mindful that this is in DTLA on a workday evening. Plan for traffic accordingly.

5:30 pm (Optional): Join John and others for a pre-performance dinner at Massilia Grand DTLA, an 8 min. walk from, and to, the Music Center.

MASSILIA serves French-mediterranean small plates, tapas, superb pizzas, their signature le bowl, craft cocktails & a curated wine list. Click here for more information about the restaurant and our reservation ==> MASSILIA

Please note late dinner cancellation (48hr prior to 5:30 pm reservation) and no-show will be subject to a $20/person fee.

6:45 pm: Walk to the theater.

6:55 - 7:10 pm: Meet John in front of the box office to collect your ticket.

7:30 pm: Show begins. 80 mins with no intermission.

Please click on this link for Getting There and other FAQs ==> Planning Your Visit.

Trip Leaders: John Butta

Questions: contact John at 213-200-7843 or jbutta@pacbell.net

Health issues/allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with the tour leader if you wish.

LA - Holiday Party (Sun, December 06, 2026)

Sun, 06 Dec 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Please join Great Outdoors Los Angeles

Noon, Sunday, December 6th

Celebrate the holiday season with Great Outdoors. We are going to have a special Mexican buffet lunch with vegan options, yummy desserts and a no-host bar.

Visitor's Center Auditorium, Griffith Park

4730 Crystal Springs Dr, 90027

Come early to explore the new visitor center next to the auditorium. There you will find interactive displays on the history, trails, and features of Griffith Park. Of particular interest to our community is a section on "GAY- INS." These large gatherings were from 1968-1971. Also, there will be an interesting walk from the visitor center auditorium to the old zoo.

Registration required: The event is $10 ($50 value). Members may bring a non-member guest for $35. The $35 will include 1 year of GOLA membership ($25 value). Payment must be made at time of registration and paid online with a credit card within 15 minutes.

You must register before December 1, 2026.

Cancellations: Sorry, No refunds for this event.

Questions, or if you can help with the event please contact: Russell

Attendees are encouraged to dress in festive clothes.

12:00- 1:00 PM Social Hour, Drinks and visiting

1:00 PM Lunch

3:00 PM Optional- Visitor Center

3:30 PM Optional- Leisurely walk to the "Old Zoo."

- Please consider bringing an UNWRAPPED toy or sporting good to the GOLA Holiday Party. Since its inception in 1992, the ABC7 Spark of Love Toy Drive has successfully collected and distributed more than 11 million toys to underserved children and teens across Southern California.

As the nation’s largest community toy drive, it spans five counties (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura) and routinely collects hundreds of thousands of individual donations during each single holiday season campaign.

Your donation will help bring cheer to needy families across Southern California.

Thank you!

OCLB Holiday Party! (Sun, December 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Dec 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Save The Date!

OCLB will be hosting their annual

Holiday Party on

Sunday December 20th!

Let the bells jingle jangle!

Returning to Gladstones in Long Beach!

We sold out last year with nearly 70 members!

Details coming soon!

Registration will be coming soon!

Don't miss out this year!

The Best Holiday Party!

CORP - Outdoors Experience - Hike Leader - Trip Leader (Fri, February 19, 2027)

Fri, 19 Feb 2027 22:00:00 GMT

OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

Hike Leader - Morning 4 hrs

Trip Leader - Afternoon 4 hrs

Have you ever thought about what it takes to lead an outdoor event? As an all volunteer organization, we rely 100% on our members to step forward and lead our outings. Now is your chance to come and learn the basics of leading a Great Outdoor event.

You may attend one, or both training sessions. Option to camp for the weekend or just come in for the day. The training is open to all interested members, including novice hikers, but even those of us who have been hiking for many years come away with new skills or insights.

Some more great things about the training:

The courses are free for those who complete their training.
The information about emergency response could save your life.
The discussion of leadership and people skills has applications beyond the hiking trail.
The certification allows you to lead other day trips you may be interested in, such as bike rides or museum visits. Anything that broadens our awareness of our environment is a valid Great Outdoors outing.

The next Outdoor Experience Training is the third weekend in February at O'Neill Regional Park in Trabuco, California. [Google Map coordinates] Participants can enjoy hiking, dining, and camping together around the full day of training in the campground's Clubhouse. The hike leader training is on a Saturday morning, and is followed by training on leading overnight trips.

Friday February 19

2 pm Check-in campground: Check in at the gate; tell them you are with Great Outdoors.

3:30 pm - Fun hike nearby. We will adjust the time if needed to accommodate those arriving on Friday and camping for the training. This is a welcome and training hike for attendees. We will discuss and demonstrate the Ten Essentials and safety protocols on the trail. Sunset at 5:39 pm.

6 pm - Meet and Greet at campground; bring something to share. Dinner on your own.

Saturday February 20 - Training class at the Clubhouse.

8 am - 12 pm Hike Leader Training
1 pm - 5 pm Trip Leader Training
5:30 pm Potluck at campground

Sunday February 21

8:30 am -12:00 - Training hike nearby. Participants will be confronted with a variety of situations one may encounter on the trail.

DAY HIKE LEADER - SECTION I

Be a Hike Leader! Not just someone who knows the way, but someone who applies safety, best practices, fun, and local knowledge to make a successful outing. In addition to the course outline we will discuss any issues with past hikes and plan for future hikes. We will review basic hike leader procedures and techniques and latest technology and information. Completing this course will provide participants with Day Hike Leader Certification. This is also a good refresher for hike leaders.

Hike Leader Syllabus

Prerequisites: Must be a Great Outdoors member (click here to join). The course is for anyone interested in becoming a hike leader, learning more about leading effective hikes, or becoming a more confident and capable hiker.

This Hike Leader Certification course is for hikers who are interested in learning new skills as well as experienced hike leaders who are looking to update or refresh their outdoor leadership skills. It is suitable for all ranges of hiker abilities, from novice up to very experienced hikers.

Objectives: Introduce participants to the skills, knowledge and qualifications of a hike leader. Present skills for leading a safe, environmentally responsible and enjoyable hike.

Content/Topics Covered: Hike planning, description, screening participants, trail group management, emergency management, medical issues on the trail, outdoor techniques, environmental protection, and problem solving techniques and scenarios.

Course Format: The training includes in-person instruction with group discussion and problem solving applications and trail-based scenarios.

Pre-Course Assignment: Review the Hike Leader training manual (click here) and the Sierra Club video on how to lead a hike (link below).

Please print out and review the applicable review questions prior to the training and bring these with you: HIKE LEADER REVIEW QUESTIONS.

Printed manuals available at the training location at no cost to participants. Option to have manual(s) mailed to you upon registration.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TRIP LEADERSHIP - OVERNIGHT EVENTS - SECTION II

One of the premier features of Great Outdoors is overnight trips. As a leader you will propose, research and design overnight trips. You will manage and administer the trip using leadership and group management skills. Completing this course will provide participants with Trip Leadership Certification.

Course Outline:

Create a new trip or update a prior trip.
Planning, scouting, securing reservations.
Finances and budget.
Create a trip description and promotion.
Secure all logistics including any permits, and support staff as necessary
Communicate with participants to provide information and answer questions.
Conducting your trip, safety issues, group management issues — preventing and solving.

Pre-Course Assignment: Review the Trip Leader training manual (click here).

Please print out and review the applicable review questions prior to the training and bring these with you: TRIP LEADER REVIEW QUESTIONS.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

What to bring: Lunch, water bottle, and mug for hot drinks during the training sessions. If you are taking the Hike Leader course bring a day pack with your ten essentials. If you are tent camping, bring food, camp gear, warm clothing.

Weather: Average: February 65° / 48° O'Neill Regional Park, Trabuco, CA; current: click here

Facilities: Courses will be conducted in the campground Clubhouse with tables, chairs, projector, TV monitor and restrooms.

For more information or if for some reason you must cancel your registration, please contact Beth S., Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

Suggested Additional Reading and Video:

Wilderness Navigation: Finding Your Way Using Map, Compass, Altimeter, & GPS. Bob Burns, Mike Burns
The National Outdoor Leadership School's Wilderness Guide. Mark Harvey
How to Lead a Hike by the Sierra Club 15 min. video click here

LA - Camping: Morro Bay Save the Date (Thu, April 08, 2027)

Thu, 08 Apr 2027 21:00:00 GMT

*Save the Date*

Morro Bay State Park Camping

Start: Thursday, April 8, 2027, 2:00 PM

End: Sunday, April 11, 2027, 12:00 PM

Location: Morro Bay State Park

This event is being planned by the Los Angeles Chapter.

Trip Leaders: John Blasco and Joe Holliday. johnlongbeach@msn.com

Registration will open closer to the event date. At that time another event notice will be sent with the itinerary and pricing.

OCLB/CORP - 49th All Chapter Conference and Campout (Fri, October 15, 2027)

Fri, 15 Oct 2027 22:00:00 GMT

SAVE THE DATE

2027 ALL CHAPTER CONFERENCE AND CAMPOUT

Sponsored by OC/LB Chapter

Details to be supplied