7 Reasons to Get Out

Light a Sparkler

July 4

Celebrate 233 years of independence from the British by throwing a barbecue at the beach, wearing red, white and blue, and, of course, watching some fireworks. Light your own or catch the displays at Ala Moana Beach Park, Kailua Beach, Ko Olina or from Waikiki hotels.

Play with Blocks

July 9-12

Support the local community of up-and-coming dancers, playwrights and actors at the Black Box Black Blocks event at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Earle Ernst Lab Theatre. The short plays and dance pieces are unified through the use of three black theatre cubes, which must be used in each piece. Tickets are $7 and $5 for students and seniors. Visit www.blackboxblackblocks.wordpress.com.

Relive the ’80s

July 10-26

Watch as true love blooms in this adaptation of the hit romantic comedy, The Wedding Singer, at Diamond Head Theatre. The musical promises great singing, laughs and tears. Visit www.diamondheadtheatre.com.

Binge on Art

July 11

Make the trek up Makiki Heights Drive for Artspree at The Contemporary Museum. This free, all day art festival features hands-on art activities, live entertainment, food booths and art exhibitions. You can also wander through the gallery. Free parking at Punahou School with shuttles running up to the museum. Visit www.tcmhi.org.

Keep your eyes on the hands

July 18

The Prince Lot Hula Festival is Hawaii’s oldest noncompetitive hula festival. It takes place at Moanaloa Gardens and features the Kamehameha Schools Men’s Alumni Glee Club, the Royal Hawaiian Band and ten hula hālau. Visit www.mgf-hawaii.org.

Strum Like Iz

July 19

 Watch as more than 800 aspiring ukulele students—from toddlers to teenagers—perform at the Kapiolani Park Band Stand at the 39th annual Ukulele Festival. This free, four- hour concert begins at 9:30 a.m. and attracts thousands of spectators, so get there early for a good spot. Visit www.roysakuma.net.

Feel the Magic

July 30-Aug 2

Bring the kids to Magic Island for the Honolulu Family Festival. In addition to fair rides, games and food booths, witness acrobatic and stage performances. Works by local artists will be available for browsing and for sale in the community tent. Entrance to the festival is free; scrips for food and rides will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the renovation of Ala Moana Beach Park. Visit www.honolulufamilyfestival.com.