Thunder Thursday Moves to The Pike Outlets Ahead of Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

Thunder Thursday, the free-to-the-public festival that annually kicks off Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend, will take place in a new location in 2017: The Pike Outlets on Thursday, April 6.

Thunder Thursday at The Pike Outlets will begin at 6:30 p.m. and feature freestyle motocross demonstrations from Metal Mulisha, motorcycle stunts from Tony Carbajal and Verizon IndyCar Series pit stop competitions on Shoreline Drive, west of Pine Ave. Within The Pike Outlets, fans will enjoy live music and DJs in the main Plaza; an exotic, race and classic car show on Bay Street, and a beer garden.

"The Pike Outlets is thrilled to host Thunder Thursday for the first time at the newly renovated shopping center and waterfront area," said Morgan Erickson, property manager of The Pike Outlets. “We look forward to partnering with The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach to host this free event packed with great attractions to kick off the race weekend. We welcome the community, visitors and Grand Prix fans to experience all The Pike Outlets has to offer including shopping, dining and entertainment."

"The new location for Thunder Thursday will provide a much better opportunity for everyone to come out and enjoy the festivities at The Pike Outlets," said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “More room, more activities and more exhibits means more fun for everyone."

Fans will also have the opportunity to get autographs from professional drivers competing at the Grand Prix, see the debut of the 2017 Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach winners and have a chance to win prizes and special offers with The Pike Outlet’s street team.

Parking for Thunder Thursday at The Pike Outlets will be available in the structure at Shoreline Drive and Chestnut Ave.

The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place April 7-9. For more information, visit gplb.com.