8 Absolutely Free Honolulu Events to Check Out in February 2016

You don’t need to spend any money to have some fun. We rounded up the best things to do in February 2016 that won’t cost you a dime.

February 1, 2016

Diane Lee,

Photo: Courtesy of Pow! Wow! Hawai‘i

Pow! Wow! Hawai‘i Kick-Off

February 6

Pow! Wow! Hawai‘i and Honolulu Night Market are throwing a massive block party. Hit the streets of Kaka‘ako to eat, shop and watch local artists transform the walls into colorful art.

6–11 p.m., Cooke Street, powwowhawaii.com

Seniors Valentine’s Day Dance

February 9

Watch Mayor Kirk Caldwell, local celebrities and senior club “sweethearts” shake a leg to the tune of folk songs and line dancing.

9 a.m.–noon, Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, 777 Ward Ave.

Let’s Save Otto Cake!

February 11

Local cheesecake maker Otto needs your help! He ate a financial loss after his downtown shop’s building sprinkler exploded, forcing him to close his doors during the holidays. There’s a Kickstarter project to help Otto get back to churning out cheesecake again. There’s no cover charge to attend the music benefit, but donations are encouraged.

21+, 9 p.m., Downbeat Diner & Lounge, 42 N. Hotel St., 533-2328

Hugs & Hearts Waikīkī Block Festival

February 13

For half a day on Saturday, Feb. 13, a portion of Kalākaua Avenue will be shut down for a block party benefiting local charities. Sample food from Food Truck Row, shop at local arts and crafts booths and jam to Island music from local DJs. Refill your water bottle at the ice-cold water stations. Parking in Waikīkī is a pain, so catch a free ride from Uber with the promo code “MILLWOOD.”

4–10 p.m., between Lewers Street and Kealohilani Avenue, millwoodohanaproductions.com

‘Ukulele Picnic

February 14

Celebrate Hawai‘i’s favorite instrument at the ‘Ukulele Picnic. Take free ‘ukulele lessons from the pros, shop at vendor booths and relax to performances by Raiatea Helm, Taimane Gardner, Seiji Katz, Sweet Hollywaiians, plus other musicians from Japan.

10 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Kaka‘ako Gateway Park, ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org

Talk Story With an Astronaut

February 15

What does it feel like to walk in space? If you’ve ever wanted to be an astronaut, here’s your chance to talk story with former NASA astronaut Mark Polansky. He’ll discuss his career in aeronautics, which started with an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). RSVP to the event by Feb. 8.

10 a.m.–noon., Maryknoll Community Center, 1526 Alexander St., mxscholars.org/mark-polansky-talk-story

Rubberstamp & Scrapbook Show

February 20

Get creative with your gift wrapping. Admission is free to this event, where you can buy a wide variety of rubber stamps, ribbons, fabric, jewelry, embellishments and scrapbooking supplies.

9 a.m., Neal Blaisdell Hawai‘i suite, blaisdellcenter.com