Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 20-26: JuggleFest, ‘A Box of Chocolates,’ ‘Imiloa’s birthday, comedy and more

Juggling. Music inspired by “A Box of Chocolates.” Birthday wishes for ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. Bowling. Mullet Time Comedy.

That’s just a quick sample of what’s happening around the Big Island, and what a wide — and unique — variety.

There’s definitely something for everyone.

It’s also an assortment of activities that should cure any “cabin fever” you might be feeling from having to spend too much time at home because of recent rainy weather in East Hawai‘i or elsewhere.

This week’s events speak for themselves. Read on to discover why.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Feb. 20-26.

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No. 1 — Hawai‘i Island JuggleFest 2026 (Pāhoa, Feb. 20-22)

When: 10 a.m. each day

Location: Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education, 12-253 W. Pōhakupele Loop

Juggling enthusiasts of all skill levels and ages will have the opportunity to attend various workshops, learn new tricks, improve their technique and expand their juggling repertoire. Limited camping is available. There is a 20-person maximum. There also will be gala shows for the public at 6 p.m. Feb. 21 at Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education in Pāhoa and 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Palace Theater in Hilo.

More info/registration: Email to bonnie@hawaiisvolcanocircus.org. You can also follow @hawaiisvolcanocircus and @hawaii_island_jugglefest on Instagram.

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No. 2 — ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center 20th Anniversary Celebration (Hilo, Feb. 20)

When: 2 to 6 p.m.

Location: ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, 600 ‘Imiloa Place

Come help the astronomy center celebrate its Golden Birthday! To think it’s been 20 years in one amazing community. Free admission all day. Birthday bash will include games, treats, giveaways and more. Don’t just come to celebrate the past 20 years; be part of the astronomy center’s next chapter.

More info: Visit the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center website.

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No. 3 — Club Kahilu Dance Night: Island Rhythms with Kingside (Waimea, Feb. 20)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Local favorite Kingside brings high-octane rock, funk, reggae and island grooves to Waimea. Their smooth vocals and danceable rhythms deliver a full night of live music — including a mix of originals and crowd-pleasing covers — that gets the crowd moving and keeps the energy high from start to finish. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a night of dancing, connection and fun.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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No. 4 — Comedy and Jazz at Coffee Notes (Hilo, Feb. 20-21)

When: 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Location: Coffee Notes, 116 Keawe St.

Start your weekend with some Mullet Time Comedy on Friday as Los Angeles-based comedian Chris Mandry brings his Comedy Central sponsored Hawai‘i tour to downtown Hilo. Don’t miss this opportunity to laugh the night away, especially since all the fun costs less than $20. Then, on Saturday, local blues musician Larry Dupio debuts his new trio, Homeboys. Come enjoy a coffee and light fare while enjoying the sound of Dupio’s latest project.

More info/tickets: Visit the Coffee Notes website or call 808-767-8887. Purchase tickets for Mandry’s show here.

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No. 5 — 11th annual Studio Tour (South Kona, Feb. 21-22)

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days

Location: Various studios

This opportunity to see fabulous art and chat with artists in their studios and other great locations is one you don’t want to miss. Bring your friends and find some special treasures! Map, brochure and directions found on the collective website. The tour promises great art, great people and great fun.

More info: Visit the South Kona Artists Collective website, plus follow the collective on Facebook and Instagram.

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No. 6 — Meet Photographer and February’s Artist-in-Residence Houston Vandergriff (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Feb. 21)

When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Location: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station, Kahuku Unit

This Knoxville, Tenn., native was born with Down syndrome, constantly meeting early medical challenges with grit and curiosity. Speech was never easy, but he found his voice through a lens and transformed his passion into a career that blends travel, art and advocacy. His work is showcased around the globe. Come meet this extraordinary photographer and learn about his journey.

More info: Check the park calendar.

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No. 7 — 38th annual Young At Art Exhibition (Hilo, Feb. 21)

When: Opens 10 a.m. Saturday; runs through March 26

Location: Wailoa Center, 200 Piʻopiʻo St.

This favorite annual juried Big Island art exhibit celebrates National Youth Art Month, honoring the excellence, creativity and originality of Hawai‘i Island students in grades K-12. This year’s show — a collaboration between East Hawai‘i Cultural Center and Wailoa Center — features 125 artworks representing 18 different schools, highlighting the theme of “SHIFT,” encouraging students to reflect on change and transition.

More info: Visit the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center website, call 808-961-5711 or stop in at the center, located at 141 Kalākaua St.

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No. 8 — West Hawai‘i County Band concert (Kailua-Kona, Feb. 21)

When: 4 p.m.

Location: Hale Hālāwai, 75-5760 Ali‘i Drive

The band is delving into its box of tasty band favorites, presenting “A Box of Chocolates.” The hour of free band music, performed by more than 20 Big Island musicians, promises a sweet serenade of songs and music audiences will savor. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

More info: Visit the West Hawai‘i County Band website.

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No. 9 — Keep It Rolling Bowling Hui (Volcano, Feb. 22)

When: 2 to 3 p.m.

Location: 10 Pins Lane & Grill, Kīlauea Military Camp, 99-252 Crater Rim Drive

This bowling hui was created to provide a welcoming, inclusive space where keiki and adults of all unique abilities can enjoy the fun of bowling, build friendships and feel truly at home in their community. The best games are ones played together. Come ready for a fun and welcoming afternoon of bowling — and connections. Limited to 20 bowlers for the first meetup.

More info: Click here.

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No. 10 — “Pōpoloheno: Songs of Resilience & Joy” (Hilo, Feb. 24)

When: 5 p.m.

Location: University of Hawai’i at Hilo, University Classroom Building 127, 200 W. Kāwili St.

Māhealani Uchiyama shares her research highlighting the historical bonds between Hawaiian and African cultures, recognizing shared values, struggles and resilience. Her project seeks to challenge misrepresentations, deepen cultural understanding and create a lasting musical tribute to Black history in Hawai’i. Part of the university’s observance of Black History Month.

More info: Visit the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo website.

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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/