Top 5 things to do this weekend
As Mercury wraps up his retrograde tour on Sunday, the stars align for a weekend that aims to please everyone: epic Verdi opera performances, comic book and anime characters at Comic Con, a progressive Hilo-themed dinner, a food- and fashion-forward block party and a delicious cocktail class by author Emily Han.
Hawaii Opera Theatre presents Il Trovatore
Friday, May 20, 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 22, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 24, 7 p.m.
Blaisdell Concert Hall
Count di Luna, commander of the Royalist Aragon forces, pines for the love of Leonora, a young noblewoman who has fallen in love with a mysterious man whom she met before the war. Set amid the Spanish Civil War and featuring some of opera’s most famous melodies including The Anvil Chorus, this story rich in action and complexity is an epic Verdi masterpiece.
Amazing Hawaii Comic Con
Friday, May 20 – Sunday, May 22
Various times
Hawaii Convention Center
The Amazing Hawaii Comic Con returns with an even bigger and better agenda. Meet your favorite creators and celebrities at this three-day event filled with panels and meet-and-greets, international artist alley, video game arena, hundreds of people in costume and much more. Headliners include Robert Kirkman, creator of “The Walking Dead” TV show, among dozens of other comic book artists, publishers and celebrities.
Bite of Hilo: Like Sample?
Saturday, May 21
5 p.m.
Pagoda Hotel, 1525 Rycroft St.
Ever wanted to do a progressive dinner in Hilo? You can – here in Honolulu. The second annual Bite of Hilo takes place not on Kamehameha Avenue, but at the Pagoda Hotel this Saturday. Hilo boy and celebrity chef Sheldon Simeon headlines with bites from his new Kahului restaurant Tin Roof, along with an ono menu from Hilo-area restaurants like Nori’s Saimin, Verna’s, Two Ladies Kitchen and more.
Honolulu Night + Market: Hidden Gems
Saturday, May 21
6 – 10 p.m.
Salt at Our Kaka‘ako
The happenin’ halls of Salt at Our Kakaako plays host to a sartorially inclined Honolulu Night + Market this Saturday with 30-plus food and retail vendors exhibiting their bites and “Hidden Gems.” A fashion show rocks the block party at 8 p.m. Enjoy free parking in the on-site structure and surrounding streets as you peruse stylish picks and hot trends in jewelry, makeup and apparel from local designers.
Garden to Glass Cocktail Workshop with Emily Han
Sunday, May 22
3 p.m.
Morning Glass Coffee Manoa
Be the star of your summer parties! Join Emily Han, author of Wild Drinks & Cocktails: Handcrafted Squashes, Shrubs, Switchels, Tonics, and Infusions to Mix at Home, and learn to craft delicious cocktails using local herbs, flowers and fruits. You’ll learn techniques for making seasonal syrups, infusions, mocktails and cocktails. Me becoming a star of the party? Cheers to that!
