Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: March 12–18, 2026
Watch an epic fireworks show, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, see larger-than-life Lego sculptures, step right up at the circus and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Festival Foundation
Honolulu Festival
Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15
Sunday, March 15:
- 4 p.m. Waikīkī Grand Parade
- 7:30 p.m. Mahalo Ceremony Concert
- 8:30 p.m. Nagaoka Fireworks Show
It’s a weekend that locals and visitors alike look forward to each year. Known for its spectacular fireworks over Waikīkī Beach, vibrant parade along Kalākaua Avenue, entertainment and activities, this expo showcases cultures from around the Pacific Rim. Learn to make sushi from the chef at Sushi Ginza Onodera, join Hawai‘i’s first bon dance of the year, shop the craft fair, catch a flick at the Japanese Film Festival, taste your way through the Sake & Food Fest and more. New this year, watch a performance by renowned Japanese singer Ayaka Hirahara as part of the festival’s 30th anniversary mahalo ceremony right before the fireworks show. Check the full event schedule online.
Family-friendly, free to view the parade, concert and fireworks, $8 adult pre-sale and $10 adult at the door admission to the cultural activities at Hawai‘i Convention Center, free for keiki under 18 years old, various locations, including Hawai‘i Convention Center, Ala Moana Center, International Market Place and Waikīkī Beach Walk, honolulufestival.com, @honfestival
SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in March 2026
Photo: Courtesy of Events International
St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Tuesday, March 17, 4 to 10 p.m.
Back for the first time since COVID, this downtown block party welcomes all revelers, Irish or not. Dance to Irish music on two stages and pop-up performances by the Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawai‘i. Wash down traditional foods, such as oysters, corned beef and cabbage and fish and chips, with a Guinness beer. An indoor dining hall will be set up at Pickles at Forté. Make sure to wear green so you don’t get pinched!
Free, Fort Street Mall between King and Hotel Streets, Downtown, @eventsinternational
SEE ALSO: Downtown’s St. Patrick’s Day Block Party Is Back—in a New Spot
Photo: Courtesy of Bishop Museum
Aloha Bricks ’26: Stories of Hawai‘i
Friday, March 13, 6 to 9 p.m., After Hours event sneak peek
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m., exhibit opening
Lego bricks aren’t just for kids. Builders of all ages will be in awe of the creations by the Hawai‘i Lego Users Group and middle school students from across the state. See a 12-foot-tall wave, iconic landmarks like Aloha Tower and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and native species from honu to the Kamehameha butterfly—all built with Lego bricks. Feeling inspired? There is also a free play zone where you can tap into your imagination and build.
Family-friendly, $10 After Hours event pre-sale, $15 After Hours event at the door, exhibit included with museum admission, $24.95 adult kama‘āina admission, $22.95 senior kama‘āina admission, $20.95 youth kama‘āina admission, 1525 Bernice St., Kalihi, bishopmuseum.org, @bishopmuseum
SEE ALSO: 11 Sakura Treats to Try During Cherry Blossom Season in Honolulu
Photo: Courtesy of Kelsie Dayna
From Aloha to Zippy’s Book Launch Party
Saturday, March 14, 4 to 6 p.m.
Celebrate the release of this newly updated alphabet book illustrated by local artist Kelsie Dayna. At the event, you’ll meet Dayna, explore a keiki-friendly exhibit featuring supersized pages from the book, get your copy signed and, fittingly, grind on snacks from Zippy’s.
Family-friendly, free, Bess Press, 3565 Harding Ave., Kaimukī, besspress.com, @besspress
SEE ALSO: Behind the Book with Kelsie Dayna, Illustrator of From Aloha to Zippy’s
Photo: Courtesy of Super American Circus
Super American Circus
Friday, March 13, through Sunday, April 19
The circus is coming to town just in time for spring break. Entertain the whole family with all the things you love about a classic circus—jugglers, daredevils, clowns—minus the animals. The big top tent will pop up at Wet ’n’ Wild’s new Echoa Ridge festival grounds from March 13–April 5, then move to Windward Mall from April 10–12 and Dillingham Ranch from April 17–19. Get a free keiki admission with each adult ticket with this coupon.
Family-friendly, $20–$90 online presale, $119 online presale family pack for two adults and three children, Wet ’n’ Wild Hawai‘i, Windward Mall, Dillingham Ranch, superamericancircus.com, @superamericancircus
SEE ALSO: 5 Reasons to Visit Capitol Modern in March
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
