Saturday, July 4:
4^th of July Celebration at Ala Moana Center. This free show will begin at 8:30 p.m. Spectators can tune in to FM 92.3 KSSK for a live soundtrack that accompanies the show. The center will be open from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and the Makai Market Food Court will be open from 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. For information call (808) 955-9517 or visit www.alamoanacenter.com.

Saturday, July 4:
Kailua 4th of July Fireworks. The town of Kailua on the windward side of the island of Oahu will present their annual fireworks display starting at 8 p.m. Kailua Beach, Kawailoa Rd., Kailua. Bring your picnic, find a spot to relax and enjoy the fireworks. For information call (808) 478-5230.

Saturday, July 4:
Xterra Freedom Fest. Enjoy a full day of race events, to include 20K & 40K mountain bike, off-road triathlon, 5K and 10K trail runs, 1K ocean swim, and kid’s races. Kualoa Ranch, 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy., Ka`a`awa. For more information and to register, visit www.xterrafreedomfest.com.

Friday, July 3:
First Friday Street Festival: Honolulu District. Galleries and other arts venues open their doors for artist receptions, live music, and refreshments. Gallery walk maps are available at various locations in the area. 5-9 p.m.   Downtown-Chinatown, The ARTS at Marks, 1159 Nu`uanu Ave., Honolulu. For information call (808) 521-2903.

Fridays & Saturdays, throughout the month of July:
Obon Festival. The Obon tradition was brought to Hawai`i by Japanese immigrants and evolved into a social and cultural event, as well as a religious custom designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merry-making. The following schedule is tentative and subject to change. Please call each venue to confirm dates and times.

• Friday, July 3: Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji, 45-520 Keaahala Rd, Kaneohe, Service 6 p.m., Dance 6:45 p.m. For information call (808) 247-2661.
• Saturday, July 4: Moili`ili Hongwanji, 902 University Ave., Honolulu, 6 p.m. For information call (808) 949-1659.
• Friday & Saturday, July 10 & 11: Koboji Shingon Mission, 1223-B N. School St, Honolulu, 7 p.m. For information call (808) 841-7033.
• Friday & Saturday, July 10 & 11: Haleiwa Shingon Mission, 66-469 Paalaa Rd, Haleiwa, 7:30 p.m. For information call (808) 637-4423.
• Friday & Saturday, July 10 & 11: Waipahu Hongwanji, 94-821 Kuhaulua St, Waipahu, 7 p.m. For information call (808) 677-4221.
• Friday & Saturday, July 10 & 11: Rissho Kosei-kai Hawai`i Kyokai, 2280 Auhuhu St, Pearl City, 6:30 p.m. For information call (808) 455-3212.
• Friday & Saturday, July 10 & 11: Shinshu Kyokai Mission, 1631 South Beretania St. Honolulu, Service 6:30 p.m., Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 973-0150.
• Friday & Saturday, July 17 & 18: Jikoen Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, 1731 N School St, Honolulu, Friday 6 p.m., Saturday 5:30 p.m. For information call (808) 845-3422.
• Friday & Saturday, July 17 & 18: Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission, 164 California Ave., Wahiawa. Taiko performances at 7 and 8:30 p.m. both nights and Okinawan dancing at 9 p.m. July 18 only. For information call (808) 622-1429.
• Saturday, July 18: Waianae Hongwanji, 87-762 Old Government Road, Waianae, 6:30 p.m. For information call (808) 677-4221.
• Friday & Saturday, July 24 & 25: Higashi Hongwanji Hawai`i Betsuin, 1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu 7 p.m. For information call (808) 531-9088.
• Saturday, July 25: Kailua Hongwanji Mission, 268 A Kuulei Rd., Kailua., 7 p.m. For information call (808) 262-4560

Every other Thursday in July:
Ke Kani `O Ke Kai. Kick back on the cool, beachfront lawn at the Waikiki Aquarium, 1777 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, for an evening of live entertainment and food under the stars. Doors open 5:30 p.m., performances 7 to 8:30 p.m. Waikiki Aquarium galleries will remain open during the concerts. July 9 – Kawika Kahiapo, Raiatea Helm; July 23 – Cyril Pahinui, Jerry Santos. For tickets and information call (808) 923-9741 or visit www.waikikiaquarium.org.

Wednesdays in July:
Wildest Show in Town. This fun weekly concert takes place at the Honolulu Zoo. Special picnic fare is available for purchase as well as fun pre-concert family activities. Keiki ages 6 – 13 will have a chance to win a Kala standard ukulele. Fee $3 ages two and over. Zoo gates open 4:35 p.m. Concert 6 to 7 p.m. Zoo exhibits close 5:30 p.m. July 1 – Manoa DNA; July 8 – A Touch of Gold; July 15 – Willie K; July 22 – Ohta San & Nando Suan; July 29 – Ledward Kaapana. Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu. For information call (808) 926-3191 or visit www.honoluluzoo.org/wild.

Throughout the Month of July:
Dinosaurs Unleashed Exhibit. Marvel at replicas of some of the fearsome giant reptiles of the Mesozoic. Interactive stations and activities will highlight how these animals flourished in their respective environments. Enjoy hands-on experience in a dinosaur dig, create colorful bone imprints, and control a robotic dinosaur skeleton. Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St., Honolulu. Daily, except Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fee to enter. For information call (808) 847-355 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.

Monday – Wednesday, June 29 – July 1:
Explorers Club. All day STEM and flight simulation programs for 3^rd through 8^th graders. Students explore topics in science, technology, engineering and math. One-day registration is $60 ($55 Museum Members) and includes all program materials. Students provide their own lunch. Pacific Aviation Museum, 319 Lexington Blvd., Historic Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register, call (808) 445-9137 or visit www.PacificAviationMuseum.org.

Saturday & Sunday, June 20 & 21:
Waikiki Artfest. Featuring approximately 75-100 fine artists and handcraft artisans who display their own art for sale including jewelry of all types, clothing, wood products, stained glass, ceramics, soaps and candles, bags, quilts, lauhala products. Kapiolani Park at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki, across from the Honolulu Zoo. Admission is free, with live entertainment as well as great food available to enjoy. Kapiolani Park, 2805 Monsarrat Ave., Honolulu. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. For information call (808) 696-6717.