Things to do in August

Don’t pack those school bags yet! Summertime isn’t over until a street party, some great guitarists and a sake shindig move through town.

Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale

August 3

Plants that do well in drought are the stars at this event, where gardeners can learn how to landscape with heartier, water-saving vegetation. See these specimens in their element and take a few home.
hbws.org/cssweb/display.cfm?sid=2128
 

Hanafuda Lessons

August 10

Learn the Hawaii version of the game inspired by playing cards brought to Japan by Portuguese missionaries, then test your skills in a tournament with your fellow beginners. Registration and $5 fee required.
jcch.com/index.php/calendar/event/313

Ballet Hawaii’s Cinderella

August 9–11

The latest collaboration between Ballet Hawaii and the Washington Ballet features the timeless fairytale told through music and dance. Get one of the package deals and enjoy opening night dinner or the Royal Cinderella Tea. Tickets $35-$99. ballethawaii.org/performances.htm
 

The Joy of Sake

August 16

Held just after the U.S. National Sake Appraisal ranks more than 300 entries from around Japan, this tasting includes many brews not otherwise available in the U.S. Cleanse your palate in between slips with small plates prepared by chefs from the Halekulani, Chef Chai and other local restaurants. Tickets $85-$95. joyofsake.com
 

Sing-a-Long-a Grease

August 16-18

Grab your sweetheart and “go together” to this interactive showing of the movie. Here, poodle skirts and slick hair are almost as essential as singing and dancing along. Tickets $7-$17. hawaiitheatre.com/events

31st Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival

August 18

The oldest of several slack key festivals scheduled for Hawaii and the Mainland this year will feature Danny Carvalho, Dennis Kamakahi and Brother Noland, among others. Take in the music while browsing food booths and craft tables. Free admission. slackkeyfestival.com
 

I Love Liliha Street Festival

August 25

A fun run past historical sights, the Royal Hawaiian Band and some famous cocoa puffs. What better way to round out summer? “Come home to Liliha” for the event’s 10th year and enjoy all that this neighborhood, once the domain of Oahu’s high chiefess of the same name, has to offer.
 

31st Annual Okinawan Festival

August 31–September 1

Kapiolani Park will be full of Uchinanchu (Okinawan) pride, from the bingata (dyed pattern) kimonos and traditional dance to freshly fried andagi. Have the kids dress up in Okinawan attire or snap a well-composed scene and enter it in the festival photo contest. okinawanfestival.com
 

For more events, visit calendar.honolulumagazine.com.