Every Friday:
Aloha Fridays at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. A free hands-on demonstration lesson is given in a cultural craft that will vary from week to week. Held at VAC Gallery porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All events are free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Friday & Saturday, May 2 & 3:
Big Island Chocolate Festival. Observe a student competition, plus participate in hands-on seminars and demos Friday. The 6-10 p.m. Saturday gala in the Grand Ballroom offers chocolate-infused cuisine created by top chefs, plus chocolate sculptures, wine, music, dancing and silent auction. Headlining the decadence is “Mr. Chocolate” Jacques Torres of the Food Network, Derek Poirier of Valrhona USA, Donald Wressel of Guittard and Stanton Ho for Amoretti. The Fairmont Orchid Hawai`i, 1 N. Kaniku Dr., Kamuela.   For tickets, room packages, and information on all events call (808) 324-6100 or visit www.bigislandchocolatefestival.com.

Friday – Sunday, May 2 – 4:
Aloha Theater: “Hot l Baltimore. The Hot l Baltimore is a play by Lanford Wilson. Set in the lobby of the Hotel Baltimore, it focuses on the residents of the decaying property who are faced with eviction when the structure is condemned. The title is from the hotel’s neon marquee and its burned-out letter. Hot l Baltimore opened Off Broadway in 1973 and ran for 1666 performances. Aloha Theater, 79-7384 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kealakekua. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30, Sundays 2:30. For reserved seats call (808) 322-9924 or visit www.alohatheater.com, or purchase tickets at the door one hour before showtime. Advance ticketing is recommended; these shows often sell out.

Friday – Sunday, May 2 – 4:
“Footlights” – 3^rd Annual Community Variety Show. This is a Palace Theater fundraiser. Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo. Friday & Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinee 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets are available at the Palace Theater Box Office. Call (808) 934-7010 Monday thru Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.   For more information, visit www.hilopalace.com.

Sunday, May 18:
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, April 26: 
Merrie Monarch Parade.  One of the festival’s most entertaining and fun events for the entire family, the parade begins and ends at Pauahi St. and winds through downtown Hilo (Kilauea Ave. – Keawe St. – Waiānuenue Ave. – Kamehameha Ave.). 10:30 a.m.

Thursday – Saturday, April 24 – 26: 
Hawai`i Arts, Crafts & Food Festival.  An island tradition for the past 21 years, this festival is a major annual event sponsored by Hawai`i Arts & Crafts during Merrie Monarch Week. The Festival showcases over 100 of the finest artisan, crafters and food vendors. Cultural performances and demonstrations will be held, celebrating the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawai`i’s diverse people and its environment.  Sangha Hall, 398 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, next to Starbucks Coffee, on the Merrie Monarch parade route. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information contact Hawai`i Arts & Crafts at (808) 981-0518 visit www.hawaiiartsandcraftsfestival.com.

Wednesday – Friday, April 23-25: 
`Imiloa`s Merrie Monarch Cultural Enrichment Programs. A three-day showcase of presentations, demonstrations and talk -story sessions in support of the Merrie Monarch Festival.  All sessions cover a wide range of hula topics. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $6 for members, $8 for non-members. Seating is limited. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tickets are non-refundable.  For tickets and information, call (808) 969-9703, visit www.imiloahawaii.org, or visit the guest service desk at `Imiloa to purchase tickets.  `Imiloa Astronomy Center, 600 `Imiloa Pl., Hilo.

Sunday – Saturday, April 20 – 26: 
Merrie Monarch Festival.  Hawai`i’s most venerable hula celebration and competition with week-long festivities including exhibitions, musical entertainment, arts and crafts fairs and the Miss Aloha Hula Competition, kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern) hula competitions. Sunday, enjoy a free community ho`olaulea at Afook Chinen Auditorium, 9 to 4. Wednesday, hula demonstrations at Edith Kanakaole Stadium, 5:30 p.m.- free, limited seating. Edith Kanakaole Stadium is the site of the competitions: Thursday (Miss Aloha Hula), Friday (Hula Kahiko-ancient hula), Saturday (Hula Awana, modern hula). Tickets required for competition nights and available by mail. Web site has detailed instructions.  Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St., Hilo. For information call (808) 935-9168 or visit www.merriemonarch.com for complete information on all events and times.

April 18 to May 4:
Aloha Theater: “Hot l Baltimore”.  The Hot l Baltimore is a play by Lanford Wilson. Set in the lobby of the Hotel Baltimore, it focuses on the residents of the decaying property who are faced with eviction when the structure is condemned. The title is from the hotel’s neon marquee and its burned-out letter. Hot l Baltimore opened Off Broadway in 1973 and ran for 1666 performances.  Aloha Theater, 79-7384 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kealakekua.  Fridays and Saturdays 7:30, Sundays 2:30.  For reserved seats call (808) 322-9924 or visit www.alohatheater.com, or tickets at the door one hour before show time. Advance ticketing is recommended; these shows often sell out.