Ready, set, go – Thunder Thursday kicks off Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend
Usa today news
The sound of skidding tires and motorcycles flying through the air can only mean one thing — the Grand Prix of Long Beach has finally arrived.
Hundreds of people took over downtown Long Beach for Thunder Thursday, the annual community event that helps kick off race weekend.
Attendees check out the various racing series cars and meet the drivers at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Spectators gather to see cars up close and to meet the drivers at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Spectators gather to meet drivers at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
A crew positions an IMSA car for viewing at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Formula DRIFT cars are displayed at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Spectators fill the grandstand at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Mateo Angeles, 9, gets his picture taken inside a replica race car at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Members of the Angeles family from Downey see a photo opportunity at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Cessy and Joey Griego of Long Beach pose with a Formula DRIFT car at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees check out the various racing series cars and meet the drivers at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees check out the various racing series cars and meet the drivers at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees check out the various racing series cars and meet the drivers at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees check out the various racing series cars and meet the drivers at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees check out the various racing series cars at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
A young fan finds his happy place inside a replica race car at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees check out the various racing series cars at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees check out the various racing series cars at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees check out the Formula DRIFT cars on display at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
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Attendees check out the various racing series cars and meet the drivers at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
The free, action-packed event took place on Thursday evening, April 16, with crowds gathered at the Pike Outlets to enjoy racing, live music, cars, motorcycles, food and more.
Thunder Thursday featured an NTT IndyCar Series pit stop competition along Shoreline Drive, as attendees cheered on their favorite team from the grandstands. The high-flying Freestyle MX motocross team was also a crowd-pleaser.
People of all ages walked around the Paseo looking at classic cars, as well as admiring race cars and drift cars on display. There were also opportunities to get autographs and meet pro drivers and pit crews.
Live musical performances by local bands, Manuel the Band and The Ashe Brothers, added to the high energy of the evening. Visitors enjoyed multiple food vendors, a beer garden and other activities as well.
The event gives residents and visitors a glimpse of what to expect during the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach’s race weekend. The Grand Prix begins on Friday, April 17, and runs until Sunday, April 19.
