Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Oct. 17-23: Spooky season arrives with Monster Mash fun run, Monster Bash, ‘Young Frankenstein,’ ‘Rocky Horror Show’ and more

Spooky season has arrived, and this weekend brings several opportunities for ghouls and goblins of all ages to come out for some frightfully fun times on the Big Island.

There’s the Monster Mash Mile Fun Run in Hilo if you want to get your bones moving. Aerial Arts Hawai‘i is hosting a Monster Bash Dance Party that’s sure to be a howling good time in Hilo.

Speaking of howling, sign up now for your spot during Aloha ʻĪlio Rescue’s Halloween Photo Booth event so you don’t miss out on getting some spook-tacular pictures with your pup in their costume.

And if you’re more into terrifying theatrics, Kahilu Theatre in Waimea welcomes “Young Frankenstein” — that’s pronounced “Fronk-en-steen,” by the way — on stage. Hilo Community Players is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of cult classic “The Rocky Horror Show” with a new production at Keawe Theater in Hilo.

There’s plenty more happening around the island during the next several days, too, including the 100th anniversary celebration for Hilo’s historic Palace Theater.

Here’s our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Oct. 17-23.

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NO. 1 — Community Sing-Along & Choir Talk (Hilo, Oct. 17)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: Church of the Holy Cross, 440 W. Lanikaula St.

Join area singers for a Community Sing-Along. All voices are welcome to joint this sing-along of familiar tunes accompanied by guitar and ʻukulele. Stay after for refreshments and discussion about a new 16-voice choral group focused on sacred classical and 20th century music. Come have some fun and fellowship, plus share your thoughts about the new group. Organizers are putting out a special invite to University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo students, as the campus is right next-door.

More info: Email to bgrove.ucc@gmail.com.

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NO. 2 — “Young Frankenstein” (Waimea, Oct. 17-19)

When: 7 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Frederick Frankenstein — pronounced “Fronk-en-steen” — inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of hunchbacked sidekick Igor — pronounced “Eye-gore” — and leggy lab assistant Inga, Frederick, grandson of infamous Victor Frankenstein, finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors, bringing to life a creature that rivals his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity abounds. Adapted by Mel Brooks himself from his legendary film into a brilliant stage creation, this show has all the of panache of the screen sensation with a little extra theatrical flair — it’s scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment. Tickets start at $40.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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NO. 3 — “The Rocky Horror Show” (Hilo, Oct. 17-19, 24-26, 30-31)

When: 7:30 p.m. each day; special double-feature Halloween night at 7:30 p.m. and midnight

Location: Keawe Theater, 280 Keawe St.

Hilo Community Players celebrates the 50th anniversary of doing the Time Warp with an electrifying new production of Richard O’Brien’s cult classic that burst onto stage in 1973 and has thrilled audiences since with its wild blend of Sci-Fi parody, campy horror and show-stopping rock musical numbers. It will be an epic night you won’t want to miss, so grab your costumes, prepare for a night of music, madness and absolute pleasure! Tickets are $25 in advance, and $5 more at the door. Prop kits, drinks and snacks will also be available. Parental discretion is advised for this hilariously risqué favorite.

More info/tickets: Visit the Hilo Community Players website.

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NO. 4 — Monster Mash Mile Fun Run (Hilo, Oct. 18)

When: 9 a.m. start for 1 mile event; 9:30 a.m. start for keiki run

Location: Pavilion 2, Wailoa River State Recreation Area, 799 Pi‘ilani St.

Keiki to kūpuna are invited to get decked out in their Halloween best or just come as themselves for this first spooky season fun run hosted by Big Island Road Runners and co-sponsored by Hilo Run Club. Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female mile time finishers, Best Costume for man and woman as well as No. 1 man and woman strollers. All kids who participate will receive a prize. Snacks and water will be provided. Donation of $10 for adults who are not Big Island Road Runners members; club members and keiki 12 years old and younger are free. Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. Oct. 16.

More info/register: Visit the Big Island Road Runners website.

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NO. 5 — Architectural Walking Tour (Waimea, Oct. 18)

When: 9 a.m. to noon

Location: Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road

Explore the academy’s award-winning architecture, learn about its design evolution and hear firsthand from local architects and planners about the integration of landscape, climate and education. This is a rare opportunity to experience one of Hawai‘i’s most thoughtfully designed campuses through an architect’s lens. Staggered tours start every 10 minutes. Cost is $20.

More info/register: Visit the AIA Honolulu website and 2025 Architecture Month – AIA Honolulu website.

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NO. 6 — Monster Bash Dance Party (Hilo, Oct. 18)

When: 9 p.m. to midnight

Location: The Airhouse, 108 Kalākaua St.

Dress up in your best costume, kick off spooky season and dance the night away with tunes coming in hot from DJs Superbabe and Opulence while the Aerial Arts Hawai‘i collective keeps the vibes high with ambient overhead aerial gogo! Be sure to buy your ticket in advance for just $15. Prices increase $5 the day of the event. Must be at least 21 years old to attend.

More info/tickets: Visit the Aerial Arts Hawai‘i website.

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NO. 7 — 2025 Akamai Living Fair (Hilo, Oct. 23)

When: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St.

Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation and HMSA team up to bring the community this free event that includes more than 50 vendors featuring services available for older adults on the Big Island. Other highlights will include a cooking demonstration, free flu shots and health screenings, bingo, lucky door prizes, line dancing, guest presenters and a Teapresso booth. There will also be a grand prize giveaway for $100 at the end of the fair. Free admission.

More info: Email to China_Andrade@hmsa.com.

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NO. 8 — Red Carpet Gala (Hilo, Oct. 23)

When: 5 p.m.; doors open at 4:45 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

The Palace Theater was built and opened in 1925 and has served as Hilo’s grandest venue
for film and the performing arts since. So the Grand Old Dame is celebrating with an intimate, catered red carpet event to kick off her 100th anniversary weekend. Tickets, which cost $100, include access to the exclusive mixer, catering from Aloha Mondays, a free drink ticket and a priority VIP seat to the live theatrical revue “The Centennial Show” at 7 p.m. Gala proceeds directly support the ongoing restoration of the historic Palace Theater in honor of her 100 year anniversary.

More info/tickets: Call 808-934-7010 or visit the Palace Theater website.

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NO. 9 — Film Night: “Building Bastille: The Improbable Story of the Paris Opera” (Hōlualoa, Oct. 23)

When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Donkey Mill Art Center, 78-6670 Māmalahoa Highway

The public is invited to a free screening of this captivating documentary about the chaotic and unlikely true story behind Paris’ Bastille Opera House. When a little-known Canadian architect is mistakenly chosen instead of a famous American in a high-profile French competition, political drama, artistic ambition and international confusion collide — with unforgettable results.

More info/register: Visit the AIA Honolulu website and 2025 Architecture Month – AIA Honolulu website.

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NO. 10 — Halloween Photo Booth (Hilo, Oct. 25)

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; registration open now

Location: Tractor Supply Co., 111 Pūʻainakō St., #0300J, Prince Kūhiō Plaza

Join Aloha ʻĪlio Rescue for a full day of furry fun, festive photo ops and tail-wagging cuteness. Meet adorable, adoptable dogs of all shapes and sizes. Pose with your pup at the Halloween, spooky-themed booth — costumes are encouraged! Enjoy treats for humans and dogs, and learn more about the rescue organization, volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved. Suggested donation of $30 for a minimum of five high-resolution photos delivered by email. All proceeds benefit Aloha ʻĪlio Rescue. Sign up today so you don’t miss out on your spook-tacular photo session!

More info/register: Click here.

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Check for yourself to see what’s happening around the Big Island

We admit. We can’t fit everything going on each week in our top 10. So here are websites for some popular Big Island venues that you can peruse to discover other events, activities, shows, festivals or workshops that pique your interest.

• Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/
• Aloha Theatre, Kealakekua: https://apachawaii.org/
• Blue Dragon Tavern, Kawaihae: https://www.bluedragontavern.com/
• Donkey Mill Art Center, Hōlualoa: https://donkeymillartcenter.org/
• East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, Hilo: https://ehcc.org/
• Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
• Hilo Town Market, Hilo: https://hilotownmarket.co/events
• Hilo Town Tavern, Hilo (on Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041333509786
• Honoka‘a People’s Theatre, Honoka‘a: https://www.honokaapeople.com/
• Kahilu Theatre, Waimea: https://kahilu.org/
• Keauhou Shopping Center, Kailua-Kona: https://keauhoushoppingcenter.com/experience/
• Kona Commons, Kailua-Kona: https://www.konacommons.com/events
• Lava Shack, Pāhoa (on Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/lavashackpahoa/?hl=en
• Lyman Museum, Hilo: https://lymanmuseum.org/
• MyBar Kona, Kailua-Kona: https://www.mybarkona.com/
• Palace Theater, Hilo: https://hilopalace.com/
• University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Performing Arts Center, Hilo: https://artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu/
• Volcano Art Center, Volcano: https://volcanoartcenter.org/
• Wailoa Center, Hilo: https://www.wailoacenter.com/