Top 10 things to do on the Big Island Sept. 12-18: Read some poetry, learn about manta rays or celebrate the 50th anniversary of an iconic music album and more

This week’s Top 10 events span from a community poetry night to learning about manta rays during the World Manta Day Festival and celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s album “Dark Side of the Moon” at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo.

Here are this week’s Top 10 events for Sept. 12-18:

1 – Community poetry night (Waimea, Sept. 12)

When: 5 p.m.

Location: 64-1032 Mamalahoa Hwy. #304, Kamuela

Join Joshua Bowman for an evening of reciting limericks and verses. Bring your own poetry to share and come prepared to spend some time creating more. Email newsletter@tutushouse.org to register. You can also call 808-885-6777.

2 – Performance by Tonic Oasis (Honoka‘a Sept. 13)

When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Honoka‘a Public House, 45-3490 Mamane St. Unit G

Tonic Oasis is a cabaret-style East Big Island-based musical duo featuring Dane Giraldin on lead/rhythm guitar, and Blue on rhythm guitar, percussion and vocals. For a list of the band’s upcoming performances, visit http://tonicoasis.com.

3 – “The Dark Side Of The Moon: 50 Years In A Heartbeat” (Hilo, Sept. 13)

When: 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

Location: ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, 600 ‘Imiloa Place

Don’t miss this special Planetarium program created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side Of The Moon” and the first Planetarium experience sanctioned and approved by this groundbreaking and timeless band. Admission is $12 for members of the planetarium and $18 for non-members. Click here for more information.

4 – World Manta Day (Kailua-Kona, Sept. 14)

When: Noon to 7 p.m.

Location: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, 78-128 Ehukai St.

Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa is joining forces with the Manta Pacific Research Foundation to present the World Manta Day Festival on Saturday.

This beloved free and family-friendly event will honor the majestic manta rays that grace our waters with a day full of educational activities, engaging discussions and fun including keiki crafts and raffles. Attendees are invited to immerse themselves in the captivating world of manta rays from the resort’s premier location on the shores of Keauhou Bay, where these incredible creatures make nightly appearances.

Registration is not required but encouraged. For more information, visit mantapacific.org or call 808-895-1791. Click here for more information.

5 – Hula Kahiko performance featuring Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua with hālau Akaunu (Volcano, Sept. 14)

When: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Kahua hula (platform) in the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua with his hālau, Akaunu will perform for the monthly hula series sponsored by the Volcano Arts Center. The monthly performances are part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. Hula halau from across Hawai‘i and beyond are invited to perform each month in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the national park. Click here for more.

6 – Big Island Makers Market (Kailua-Kona, Sept. 14)

When: Noon to 6 p.m.

Location: Kona Brewing Co., 74-5588 Pawai Place

The Big Island Makers Market provides shopping, food and entertainment. From jewelry and art to home decor and more, there’s something for everyone at this event. Come support small businesses at this free event and enjoy a great time with friends and family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind treasures and support the local community.

7 – Big Island Showdown East vs. West Team Battle (Sept. 14-15)

When: Gates open at 7:30 a.m.

Location: Hilo Drag Strip

The Hawai‘i Drag Racing League is putting on a east versus west bracket racing. The event also includes Jr. dragster class, motorcycle racing, moped racing and test sessions. Entry fee is $10 and keiki 10 years old and under are free. Click here for more info.

8 – Guided nature walk through Niaulani rain forest (Volcano, Sept. 16)

When: Mondays at 9:30 a.m.

Location: Participants meet at the Niaulani Gallery in Volcano Village

The one hour, free guided walks introduce individuals, families and groups to the most diverse, intact, and accessible, old-growth koa/‘ohi‘a rain forest remaining in the state. No reservations are required for groups of 5 or less.

9 – Learn more about pastureland, rangeland and forage insurance (Waimea, Sept. 17)

When: 4-6 p.m.

Location: Waimea Butcher Shop, 64-1032 Hawaii Belt Rd Ste. 101

The farming public is invited to learn more about the expanded PRF insurance to help protect Hawaii livestock producers from forage loss due to below-average precipitation. Come enjoy some pupus and talk story with EastCo Group’s agents to find out more about PRF insurance for Hawaii and how you can utilize it for your operation. This event is free but registration is required. Email mabran@hawaii.edu for more information.

10 – AfterHours networking event (Kailua-Kona, Sept. 18)

When: 5-7 p.m.

Location: Keauhou Shopping Center, 78-6831 Ali‘i Dr.

Calling all business owners! Come enjoy an evening of networking, delicious pupus, refreshing drinks with your friends from the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce and our Kona community. Don’t forget your business card for prize drawing including a round trip ticket on Southwest. For more information, call the Chamber at 808-329-1758 or email info@kona-kohala.com.

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.

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/
Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/