Party with a purpose this weekend in Pāhoa during third Activate Puna event

Get ready to party with a purpose this weekend in Downtown Pāhoa on the Big Island.

The third Activate Puna begins at 4 p.m. Saturday. The block party and benefit concert will feature live music, food trucks, art installations and pop-up vendors.

“We’re thrilled for everyone to experience our charming Pāhoa town and celebrate the strength and resilience of the Puna community five years after the Kilauea eruption,” said Ashley Kierkiewicz, District 4 Hawai‘i County Council member and lead organizer for the event. “All monies raised stay in Puna and support Pāhoa youth. We’re so humbled and grateful for the outpouring of aloha and support for this activation.”

The benefit concert on the former Akebono Theater and Luquin’s Cantina lots will include performances by Anuhea, Natural Vibrations, AI POHAKU, The Steppas, Payton Sullivan, Drew Daniels and Onipaa. Other entertainment during the party will feature hula by Kukulu Kumuhana o Puna and Pāhoa High School students, a fire showcase by Nicole Spindle Stars and digital stories by Hawai’i Tracker and Hawai‘i County Council District 4.

Tickets for the concert are $25 and can be purchased by clicking here. (activatepuna.com) Use the promo code ACTIVATE for $10 off.

Food vendors will be staged at the YBA parking lot and concert grounds.

Pāhoa Village Road between Akeakamai Loop (by Kaleo’s) and Kauhale Street (by YBA) will be temporarily closed from noon to midnight to host creative pop-up shops. More than 40 local entrepreneurs are participating. Downtown businesses also will stay open late.

Live art is being curated by Temple Children, a local arts and sustainability organization. The IMUA PUNA flags installation will feature nearly 3,000 one-of-a-kind flags painted by Puna youth.

Parking will be available at the Pāhoa swimming pool, Billy Kenoi District Park, Sacred Hearts Church and Pāhoa High and Intermediate School.

Activate Puna is a community revitalization and creative placemaking project that shines a light on Puna’s identity and celebrates the strength and resilience of its people and culture. All funds raised support Puna youth through Mainstreet Pāhoa academic scholarships and help offset costs at Pāhoa schools associated with graduation and youth events such as prom and makahiki.