The weekend is almost here, and it’s a great one ahead (though we may get a little wet – fingers crossed). Cultural celebrations, food-forward events, and a chance to recycle your clothing are in the forecast along with the rain. The best part is all of these events are FREE, so get out and have some fun!
Click each photo to see the event flyer in a larger format. And remember, if you’re having a great time be sure to tag us in your Instagram photos so we can share the fun with everyone!
January Waimea Family Food Truck Friday - Keck Observatory HQ - January 27
It’s the first Waimea Food Truck event of the year! Enjoy some of your favorite food and beverage vendors, as well as live music by Carly Ann Kennison starting at 5pm.
Bring an umbrella as the event will happen rain or shine. There is plenty of space for picnic blankets and chairs so bring them along! Free entry, plenty parking, restrooms are available!
This is an alcohol free event.
Kings' Shops Chinese New Year Celebration - Waikoloa - January 27
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at Kings’ Shops in Waikoloa.
27th Annual KWXX Ho'olaule'a - Downtown Hilo - January 28
The event that everyone has been waiting for makes its post-Covid debut this weekend. Hosted by KWXX, this massive outdoor concert will feature a ton of music, food, and other vendors stretched out over the bayfront area of Hilo. Visit the KWXX website for a list of road closures, and get ready for a night of fun at the 27th Ho’olaule’a in downtown Hilo! The party goes from 5-10:30pm.
Vibrant Hawai'i Resilience Fair & Makahiki Celebration - Laupahoehoe Congregational Church - January 28
For their final resilience fair and Makahiki celebration, Vibrant Hawai’i is visiting Laupahoehoe to bring a day of keiki activities, community resources, KTA vaccination pop-up, food trucks, performances and more. The fair gives visitors the chance to earn a 5-gallon emergency bucket just by visiting the community booths. The event will be held at the Laupahoehoe Congregational Church. Arrive early for opening ceremonies and to maximize your time getting to know your neighbors and local organizations. Find out more on Vibrant Hawai’i’s Facebook page. Want to more about Makahiki season? Read our guide to Celebrating Makahiki.
'Wait for Me' Book Release Event - Hawai'i Keiki Museum in Kona - January 28
Meet local author Molly McNamara Carter at her new book release party at Hawai’i Keiki Museum in Kona! The newly opened Keiki Museum can be found at 74-5533 Luhia St. in Kona, and the event runs from 4 to 5pm. Learn more about Carter and check out some of her whimsical artwork at her website: mollymcnamaracarter.com.
Mamao Hawaiian Cultural Program by Ku'ialuaopuna - Kea'au - January 28
Mamao is a FREE program open to all interested to learn about Hawaiian culture through the eyes of a warrior. Haumāna (students) will learn:
– Moʻolelo (stories & legends)
– Lua practices, Hawaiian warrior exercises
– Oli (chants) and Haʻa (type of dance)
– Cultural practices unique to Puna
This event will be held on January 28 from 8am to 5pm at 16-1736 34th Ave. in Kea’au. Learn more about the event HERE. Register for spring workshops HERE.
Big Island Art Fair - Kahilu Town Hall - January 26 through 28
Ho'olaule'a After Party featuring Kascadence - Amigos Cantina - January 28
Not ready to head home when Ho’olaule’a officially ends around 10:30pm? Head a few blocks over to Amigos Cantina (250 Keawe St., Hilo) to see Kascadence with openers Driffwood and Hayden James Barbula. The night will be full of rock, funk, reggae, and electronic vibes, so arrive ready to dance. The party starts at 5pm on January 28 and goes until 1am on January 29.
Do you have kids who love cars, hot rods, and monster trucks as much as mine do? Then you’ll want to bring the whole family out for Hot Rod Saturday presented by the Kona Elks. The event will be held on Saturday, January 28 at the Kona Elks Lodge at 75-170 Hualalai Rd. in Kona.
The day kicks off with a classic hot rod showcase at 2pm. 3pm will feature a screening of hot rod documentaries, with the main feature, Hot Rod Gang, at 5pm.
The event is free, as is the parking, with food and drink vendors with items available for purchase. Learn more HERE.
Periwinkle Moon Clothing Swap - Pahoa - January 29
It’s time to clean out your closets and swap in something old for something new (to you).
Join Periwinkle Moon Pahoa for their Winter Clothing Swap on Sunday January 29 from 3 to 5pm.
Have questions about the swap? Send them a message via Instagram.
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