Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Sept. 25-Oct. 1: Dance Collective, Punk Rock Night, Fall Paint Along, Threads of Aloha Fashion Show

The next few days are filled with exciting performances, activities and events for all ages across the island, especially this Saturday.

Residents and visitors have a wide range of choices when it comes to weekend fun. From the 9th annual Dance Collective, to the Kiwanis Keiki Day, to the He Ala Pono Sustainability Fair, there is plenty to do from today to next week.

No. 1 —  9th annual Dance Collective (Hilo, Sept. 26)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Location: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Center, 200 W. Kāwili Street

The Dance Collective kicks off the Performing Arts Center’s 2025-26 series with a showcase featuring both emerging and established choreographers. This year includes original compositions from Center Stage Dance Alliance, Island Dance Academy, Aerial Arts Hawaiʻi, N2 Dance, Big Wave Dance Academy, the UH Hilo dance community, and more.

More info: Some material may not be suitable for all audiences. Parental discretion is advised. For tickets, visit the Performing Arts Center website.

No. 2 — AI – ‘Artificial Improv’ Comedy Show (Kailua-Kona, Sept. 26)

When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday

Location: Puna Chocolate Company Kona, 74-5606 Pawai Place

The improv troupe will perform a series of short-form and long-form games designed to create scenes, music, and magic on the spot. Many of the games are similar to those seen on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Tickets are $22 in advance or $25 at the door, and include a specialty cocktail from Puna Chocolate’s selection of chocolate and local-themed drinks. Seats are limited.

More info: Check out Puna Chocolate’s event calendar

No. 3 — Punk Rock Night (Waimea, Sept. 26)

When: 7 to 9 p.m.

Location: Uila Records, 65-1227 Opelo Road

Big Island punk band El Sancho returns to Uila Records to perform with soulful and bluesy Hilo trio, Wildish. All ages welcome, bar available for those 21 and over. El Sancho will be promoting its new album, “Roll Right Over You,” available on vinyl and CD.

More info: Check out Uila Records’ Facebook page.

No. 4 — Fall Paint Along (Keaʻau, Sept. 27)

When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday

Location: Eagles Meeting Hall, 16-111 Opukahaʻia Street

Whether you’re an experienced painter or looking to try something new, this guided session with Katie Madison will walk you step by step through creating your own seasonal masterpiece. Reservations are $40 per person and are required. All materials will be provided. Proceeds will go to Orchidland Neighbors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to support the future Orchidland Community Complex—a space designed to bring people together.

More info: To reserve a spot, call or text 808-769-3641.

No. 5 — Kiwanis Keiki Day (Hilo, Sept. 27)

hen: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday

Location: Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

The Kiwanis Club of East Hawai‘i, in partnership with the County of Hawai‘i Parks & Recreation, invites families to Keiki Day 2025 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lot (Hāmākua side) on Saturday.

Local food trucks including Ishida’s, Aloe Kine Smoothies, and Big Island Smokehouse will participate in the event.

This free, family-friendly event showcases local programs, services, and activities designed to support the health, safety, and happiness of Hawai‘i Island’s keiki. Highlights include:

• Food Drive for The Salvation Army: Keiki who bring a donation will receive a fun sticker sheet.
• Free Bike Helmets: Available on a first-come, first-served basis, along with bike safety information.
• Health Services: Including flu and COVID vaccinations.
• Hands-on activities, food vendors, and more.

More info: Visit the Kiwanis Club website.

No. 6 — He Ala Pono Sustainability Fair (Hilo, Sept. 27)

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

Location: Prince Kūhiō Plaza, 111 E. Puainako St.

Big Island EV (Hawaiʻi EV), Hawaiian Electric, Sustainable Energy Hawaiʻi and the County of Hawaiʻi will host the annual He Ala Pono EV and Sustainability Fair to celebrate clean transportation, sustainable energy, and resiliency on Hawaiʻi Island.

Several local organizations will be in attendance as they share efforts in energy, transportation, food security, community advocacy, agriculture, STEM education, and resiliency.

Participating Groups:

• American Red Cross
• Big Island EV (Hawaiʻi EV)
• Citizens Climate Lobby
• County of Hawaiʻi
• Hawaiian Electric
• Hawaiʻi Community College
• Hawaiʻi Energy
• Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority
• Hawaiʻi Island Realtors
• Hawaiʻi Keiki Museum
• Kōkua Harvest (Food Basket)
• League of Women Voters
• NexTech Hawaiʻi
• Pacific Biodiesel
• Provision Solar
• Rizome Bamboo
• Sustainable Energy Hawaiʻi
• Tesla Hawaiʻi Club
• Vibrant Hawaiʻi

More info: This event is free and open to all. To learn more, visit the Hawaiʻi EV website.

No. 7 — Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive (Hilo, Sept. 27)

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

Location: Prince Kūhiō Plaza, 111 E. Puainako St.

Big Island EV (Hawaiʻi EV) and Tesla Hawaiʻi Club are hosting an event within the Sustainability Fair dedicated to electric vehicles and their benefits. The event will feature an outdoor display showcasing the latest electric vehicles from local EV dealers (De Luz Chevy and Kamaʻāina Nissan) and many local EV owners.

Attendees will be able to check out and even ride in the latest electric vehicles, including the Rivian R1T, Chevy Bolt, Ford Lightning, Tesla Model 3, Ford Mach-E, Tesla Model Y Juniper, Tesla Cybertruck, Nissan Ariya, Chevy Silverado (or Equinox), Kia EV6, Kia Niro, and more.

More info: This event is free and open to all. To learn more, visit the Hawaiʻi EV website.

No. 8 — Oktoberfest (Nānāwale, Sept. 27) 

When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday

Location: Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3830, 15-775 Maluhia

Sponsored by the Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3830, there will be music, dancing, and dinner beginning at 4 p.m. Dinner will be served at 4:30 p.m. and will cost $15 per plate. Offerings include:

• German brats
• German and American potato salad
• Red cabbage
• Sauerkraut
• Assorted breads
• Dessert

More info: There are a limited number of tickets available. They can be found online, or offline by calling 808-936-7611, or through a member of the VFW Auxiliary.

No. 9 — Textiles of Moku o Keawe/Threads of Aloha Fashion Show (Waimea, Sept. 27)

When: Opening reception at 5 p.m., fashion show at 7 p.m. Saturday

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd.

The opening reception of the latest exhibition “Ma kāhi o ka hana ola ma laila: Textiles of Moku o Keawe” is free and open to all starting at 5 p.m.

The Threads of Aloha Fashion Show will follow at 7 p.m. with “pay what you wish” tickets. Proceeds will support future Kahilu exhibits. Featured artists include:

• @kumulaau_sing
• @roenhufford
• @kapuleifloress
• @houseofkamamalu
• @taupouri
• @beaujackkey
• @kauluaehawaii
• Gay Covington
• Puakea Forester
• Edwin Kayton
• Jayne Kerns
• Alika Desha
• Marie MacDonald
• Renson Madarang
• Barbara Nobriga

More info: Tickets and more information can be found at the Kahilu Theatre website.

No. 10 — Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month sign waving (Hilo, Sept. 28)

When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

Location: Grassy field near Ross off Kanoelehua Avenue

In light of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, a group will peacefully and collaboratively shine a light on suicide, aim to break the silence, and stand in solidarity with those affected.

For those who have been impacted by suicide, the event offers a space for healing, connection, and community. Attendees are asked to bring a sign, and light refreshments and drinks will be provided.

“Just five months ago, I lost my dad to suicide. Too many of us have been touched by this, and it’s time we speak up and break the stigma surrounding mental health,” organizer Eva Wells said. “Let’s hold space for one another with compassion, respect, and love because mental health matters, and no one should feel alone in their struggle.”

More info: Check the event page on Facebook.

We admit that 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.

• Wailoa Center, Hilo: https://www.wailoacenter.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/