Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 16-22: 29th KWXX Ho‘olaule‘a, Kenny Tagavilla, Bob Weir tribute, ‘School of Rock the Musical’ and more

If you’re looking to be serenaded or just want to listen to some great live music, several Big Island venues — including all of Downtown Hilo for one night — have you covered during the upcoming week.

KWXX Ho‘olaule‘a returns for its 29th installment, transforming Downtown Hilo into the island’s biggest free music festival, with four stages and more than 20 bands and music artists that will make for an unforgettable night. And don’t forget about all the ono food and local vendors that are part of the experience, too.

Kona’s own Kenny Tagavilla is bringing his more than 2 decades of musical artistry to the Kahilu Theatre stage in Waimea for a live concert event that will seamlessly blend his heartfelt storytelling with a soulful, island-infused country sound.

PunaKat and friend Steve Fundy of Uncle Charlie invite everyone to a celebration at The Rainbow Room in Downtown Hilo to honor the life of and music of legend and Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir.

And if you want to be entertained by music and theatre, buy your tickets now for Hawai’i Academy of Arts & Science’s production of “School of Rock the Musical,” which starts next weekend at the Pahoa school. The show features the musical and acting talents of student and faculty performers, plus two live bands.

Check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Jan. 16-22.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 1 — Moku Street Night Market (Leilani Estates, Jan. 16)

When: 3 to 8 p.m.

Location: Leilani Estates Pavilion, 13-3441 Moku St.

Welcome to Puna’s newest nigh market! Everyone is invited and encouraged to come out and find food, and crafts from local vendors, live music and and a great evening filled with community. Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss this special event.

More info: Visit the Moku Street Night Market website or email to mokustreetmarket@gmail.com.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 2 — Sun House live (Hilo, Jan. 16)

When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Hilo Town Market, 69 Waiānuenue Ave.

Get ready for some off-grid rock, reggae and funk from this band featuring Erik Avery on bass, Jeremy Smith on drums and Bradley Leighton on keys and flute. All ages welcome. No cover charge. Plus, there will be ono grind and beverages for sale throughout the market.

More info: Contact Hilo Town Market at 808-491-2233 or email to hilotownmarket@gmail.com.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 3 — Kenny Tagavilla live (Waimea, Jan. 16)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

The Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and 16-time finalist — known for his signature “shaka and a smile” charm — brings more than 2 decades of musical artistry to the Kahilu stage, seamlessly blending heartfelt storytelling with a soulful, island‑infused country sound. The Kona native continues to build his musical catalog with songs that represent his home and life experiences that connect and relate to people from every walk of life.

More info/ticket information: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 4 — Kaiāulu Hub Grand Opening (Hilo, Jan. 17)

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Kaiāulu Hub, Prince Kūhiō Plaza, 111 E Pūʻainakō St.

Join the community-centered hub as it opens its doors, share the milestone together and begin a new chapter rooted in collaboration, culture and possibility. The hub advances Hawai‘i for Hawai‘i by bringing youth, ‘ohana and local partners together through workforce readiness and collective action. The grand opening will include interactive booths, live demonstrations, Kaiaulu Collective Marketplace and Youth Voice.

More info: Email to contact@awilihawaii.org.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 5 — 29th KWXX Ho‘olaule‘a (Hilo, Jan. 17)

When: 4:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Location: Downtown Hilo

The tradition continues as Downtown Hilo is once again transformed into the island’s biggest free music festival. Four stages and non-stop music, featuring more than 20 bands and artists for an unforgettable night of fun for the whole family. Experience some of Hawai‘i’s best live entertainment and check out the flavors and creativity of our island, with more than 40 food and craft booths, offering delicious local favorites and unique handmade goods. It’s a night of community, culture and celebration — plus, it’s free and open to everyone.

More info: Visit the KWXX website or call 808-935-5461.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 6 — Moveable Feast: A Puna Community Talk Story & Potluck (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Jan. 18)

When: Noon

Location: Kathy Weber’s house, 15-1903 Third Ave.

This is the first of what is hoped to become an ongoing series to explore how to work together and raise abundant food locally while strengthening community resilience. The gathering is sponsored by Puna Rising ‘Ohana and rooted in listening, collaboration and collective imagination.

More info/registration: Click here.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 7 — Miró Quartet live (Waimea, Jan. 18)

When: 2 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Named after Spanish surrealist Joan Miró and one of America’s most celebrated string quartets, this ensemble brings deep imagination and clarity to the chamber music tradition. Based in Austin, Texas, and thriving on the area’s storied music scene, the quartet takes pride in finding new ways to communicate with audiences of all backgrounds while cultivating the longstanding tradition of chamber music.

More info/ticket information: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 8 — Bob Weir Tribute Concert (Hilo, Jan. 18)

When: 5 p.m. until pau

Location: The Rainbow Room, 110 Keawe St.

The Booch Bar and Jahred Darius present this free tribute event featuring PunaKat joined by Steve Fundy of Uncle Charlie. All ages are invited to this special event that celebrates and honors the life and music of Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir.

More info: Visit The Booch Bar website or call 808-498-4779.

* * * * * * * * *

UPCOMING EVENTS: TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

No. 9 — “School of Rock the Musical” (Pāhoa, Jan. 23-25, 30-31 and Feb. 1)

When: 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays

Location: Hawai‘i Academy of Arts & Science, 15-1397 Post Office Road

This stage adaptation based on the hit film by Mike White features the musical and acting talent of student and faculty performers with two live bands. The show follows wannabe rock star Dewey Finn as he transforms a classroom of straight A students into a face-melting rock band.

More info/ticket information: Visit the Hawai‘i Academy of Arts & Science website.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 10 — 8th annual ManaFest (Kalapana Sea View Estates, Jan. 23-25)

When: Events scheduled at various times throughout the 3-day festival

Location: Kalani Oceanside Retreat, 12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road

This transformational festival offers a place where the ocean meets the jungle and everyone is invited to refresh, renew and reawaken their spirit. Come immerse yourself in a revolutionary celebration of creativity and empowerment, experience awe-inspiring musicians, captivating dancers, heartfelt rituals, live visual artists and transformational workshops, plus more. Keiki younger than 17 years old are free. Camping also is available for the weekend.

More info/ticket information: Visit the ManaFest 2026 website.

* * * * * * * * *

Check for yourself what’s happening around the Big Island

We admit. As hard as we try every week, we still likely didn’t find every event happening around the Big Island. Plus, we can’t fit everything going on each week in our entertainment roundup. 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/