Here’s a list of upcoming things to do (yes, most involving food) that have landed on my radar. Most are in the Honolulu/Oahu area unless otherwise noted. You’ll be able to find other months by using the “Upcoming Events” dropdown menu above.
Honolulu Events – July 2012
Sunday 7/1 – Pa’i'ai Pa’ina – Five of Oahu’s culinary all-stars – Daniel Anthony, Ed Kenney, Andrew Le, Bob McGee, Mark “Gooch” Noguchi plus special guest chef Lee Anne Wong—are teaming up for a one night only pop up sunset luau to celebrate the ancient Hawaiian staple paʻiʻai (hand-pounded poi). Tickets $45 presale or $50 at the door. Details here.
Friday 7/6 – First Friday – Each month in the downtown arts district, galleries stay open late, bar and restaurants offer deals, and a fun block party emerges. Details here and here.
Saturday 7/7 – Moiliili Summer Festival & Bon Dance – This free event will showcase the rich culture, energy and modern appeal of Mō’ili’ili by combining a traditional bon dance (also Friday 7/6), Japanese street food and food trucks, entertainment, and more. Details here and here.
Saturday 7/14 – Korean Festival – This all-day festival at Kapiolani Park is one of my favorites! Besides Korean entertainment and cultural demonstrations, there are always lots of delicious food booths so you can pick up goodies to eat at the festival or to take home. Details here.
Saturday 7/14 – Eat the Street Kapolei II – Honolulu’s favorite food truck gathering moves over to Kapolei this month. Details here.
Saturday 7/14 – Midsummer Night’s Gleam – Free admission for the whole family to Foster Botanical Garden’s annual summer tradition. There will be a variety of keiki games, entertainment and food from the Simply Ono lunchwagon. Details here.
Sunday 7/15 – Cacao Farm & Chocolate Factory Tour – Get a bean-to-bar look at what goes into creating the perfect chocolate bar. You’ll get to tour a windward Oahu Cacao farm, plus learn how to make your own chocolate at Madre Chocolate in Kailua. Details here.
Friday 7/20 – Joy of Sake – Your $80 ticket gets you access to over 300 premium sakes for tasting, plus pupus from 13 of Honolulu’s best restaurant. Always a popular event, this year moving to a new, larger venue to accommodate the crowds. Details here.
Saturday 7/21 – Mangoes at the Moana – Mango themed demonstrations, tastings, and recipes are all free and open to the public at the beautiful Moana Surfrider hotel, or purchase tickets to watch top local chefs compete in a mango throwdown. Details here.
Saturday 7/21 – Zaratez Mexicatessan Pop-up @ Whole Ox Deli – Donate $50 to help Zaratez get their carrito up and running to continue to bring the most delicious tacos al pastor y mas to Honolulu! Details here.
Sunday 7/22 – Miso & Ale – Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the next pop up dinner featuring a 5 course gastropub style menu highlighting local ingredients with a unique flair. Be sure to save room for dessert – a deconstructed PB&J! Details & menu here.
Friday 7/27 – Eat the Street: Spicy - This month’s theme for Eat the Street is spicy! I’m sure we’ll all be feeling the summertime heat! As always, bring friends to share with and don’t forget your stretchy pants. Details here.
Friday 7/27 – Art After Dark: Body of Art – Party with the hipsters at this monthly event at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Live music and activities around the theme “Body of Art”. Food and drink for purchase. $10 admission, free for members. Details here.
Ongoing Events
Bon Dances! – It’s bon dance season! Find the most current information on bon dances around Oahu here. Visiting a bon dance is a great way to honor your ancestors, as well as to enjoy the music (dance if you dare!) and to enjoy great local food. (For a Maui listing, click here.)
Ongoing Wednesdays – Beer Tasting at Bar 35 – For $20, you get 8 beer samples around a rotating theme, plus samples of Valentini’s fusion-gourmet pizzas. Details here.
Ongoing Wednesdays – Wildest Show in Town – Each week the Honolulu Zoo will feature a new band: Frank DeLima (7/4), Manoa DNA (7/11), Ohta-san and Nando Suan (7/18), Daniel and Nelly Baduria (7/25). Bring a picnic and enjoy some of Hawaii’s best entertainers for only $3! Details here.
>> Looking for what’s going on in August 2012?
