Friday Sunday, June 3 – 5: 
Carnival of Orchids, Hilo Orchid Society’s Annual Show and Sale.  Gorgeous orchid displays and sale of a huge range of orchids. Demonstrations, refreshments, entertainment and fashion show. Edith Kanakaole Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St., Hilo. For information call (808) 430-6653 or visit  www.hiloorchidsociety.org.

Every Friday: 
Aloha Fridays at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.  A free hands-on demonstration lesson is given in a cultural craft that varies each week. Volcano Art Center Gallery porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Thursday – Sunday, June 2 & 5: 
Big Island Jazz & Blues Festival.  Enjoy live entertainment by award-winning musicians from Hawai`i and around the world. June 2 – Jazzfest kick off at Redwater Cafe, 6-9 p.m.; June 3rd – Meet & greet at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s Copper Bar with live jazz & blues. 6-9 p.m.; June 4th – Festival Day, 5-9 p.m.; June 5th – Sunday Jazz Brunch, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Rd., Waimea. For information call (808) 882-7222 or visit www.bigislandjazzandbluesfestival.com.

The “Emily T. Gail Talks Story” show is found on espnhawaii.com on line, all the time and via Facebook/emilytgailtalkstory and a free iTunes podcast. Emily “talks story​”​ with recreational, high school and professional athletes, along with coaches, parents, organizers and members of print and broadcast media. She talks about all sports, at all levels and how high school, college, major league and recreational sports play an important part in communities.  Sponsored by Aloha Big Island Visitor Guide.  Emily provides updates on many local events in June. Also info on golf specials like Family Golf Days at Waikoloa Beach Resort, where, after 3:30 p.m., 9 holes for junior golfers is $25 with complimentary Nike Junior rental clubs and $50 for accompanying adult with $25 rental clubs. Updates on free Queens Marketplace Entertainment at Center Court and Kailua Village multi-sport activities.  Contact Emily at (808) 896-6780 or emilytgail@emilys.org.

Every Wednesday:
Wainaku Wednesday!  Relax with friends after work on the lanai while enjoying the panoramic view of Hilo Bay. This fun event includes free admission, live music, cocktails & pupus available for purchase. Parking is limited, please plan to carpool and come early. The Wainaku Executive Center, 26-238 Hawa1ii Belt Rd., Hilo. 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. For information call (808) 365-5380.

Thursday – Monday, May 26 – 30: 
Big Island Film Festival.  Celebrate the rich history of storytelling through movies.  Enjoy films under the stars, social events, amazing food events, hula halau and Hawaiian musicians, and workshops by top mainland writers. An Awards Brunch and Best of the Fest Concert & Audience Choice for best feature & short films close the festival each year. A Silent Auction to benefit Fisher House will ensue during the closing event. The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai`i, One North Kaniku Drive, Kamuela.  For more information, schedule  and tickets, call (808) 883-0394 or visit www.bigislandfilmfestival.com.

Sunday, May 15: 
Kokua Kailua Hulihe`e Palace Concert Series & Village Stroll.  Ali`i Drive along scenic Kailua Bay in Kailua-Kona becomes a festive pedestrian-only walkway from 1 to 6 p.m. Enjoy music, artists, merchants and restaurants. At 4 p.m., there is a free Hawaiian music concert on the lawn at Hulihe`e Palace. Bring your own mat or chair and they will be checked for free while you stroll Ali`i Drive, Kailua Village (Kona).  For information, visit www.KVBID.org.

Saturday, May 14: 
Hula Kahiko Performance. Hula halau from across Hawai`i and beyond have been invited to perform in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (platform) in the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, located just a short walking distance from the Volcano Art Gallery in Ka`auea. 10:30 a.m.  Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mat. The event is free, park fees apply. Date is subject to change; to confirm dates, call (808) 987-7288. Held in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performances, enjoy a display of “Na Mea Hula” (all things hula). Visitors share in a variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner. This memorable demonstration is hands-on and family friendly.  Lanai of the Volcano Art Gallery. 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  For more information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Saturday, May 14: 
Robert Cazimero.  Enjoy the smooth showmanship, talent, and graciousness of Robert Cazimero and his guests, with contemporary Hawaiian music and hula.  Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsay Rd., Kamuela.  For tickets and information call (808) 885-6868 or visit www.kahilutheatre.org.

Friday & Saturday, May 13 & 14: 
Big Island Chocolate Festival: Lavalicious – A Chocolate Salute to the 100th Birthday of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The Festival includes a cacao plantation tour at Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory on Friday, 11 a.m. to noon; a college culinary competition and several public foodie and agriculture-themed seminars. Activities culminate with an indoor/outdoor festival gala on Saturday at the Hapuna Beach Hotel. Enjoy music, dancing, and a silent auction. Event times, venues and costs vary. For information and to purchase tickets, call (808) 324-6100 or visit www.bigislandchocolatefestival.com.