Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend: Nov. 3–5, 2017
A lineup of the weekend’s best events.
Halloween may be over, but the party’s just begun. Those interested in checking out the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival but not spending 100-plus bucks for a ticket can get a taste for the epicurean event at a cocktail competition, where award-winning mixologists will compete to create the next iconic Hawaiian cocktail. Plus: Shop Japanese antiques and home goods, see the oldest Michael Jackson tribute band performing in tune with Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra and show support for sufferers of Parkinson’s disease (while simultaneously walking off that Halloween candy gut).
PHOTO: courtesy of Hawai‘i Food & WIne Festival BY DANE NAKAMA
Bacardi Presents the 21st-Century Hawaiian Cocktail Competition
Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to noon
Want to experience the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival, but not keen on spending $100-plus for a ticket? If you’re down for drinking in the a.m., the 21st-Century Hawaiian Cocktail Competition presented by Bacardi is one of the festival’s cheaper events at $50 a head, and gives you a chance to sample cocktails made by some of the nation’s best bartenders. Watch award-winning mixologists (including local talents Chandra Lam Lucariello, Kyle Reutner and Christian Self) shake, stir and pour in a battle for the best new Hawaiian cocktail. Sip on each contestant’s concoctions along with the judges, chefs Roy Yamaguchi Alan Wong, mixologist Julie Reiner and Bacardi brand master David Cid. The winning drink will be featured at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort and on top social food brand Tasty by Buzzfeed.
$50, The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kāhala Ave. For more information and to purchase tickets, go here.
SEE ALSO: Your Guide to the 2017 Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival on O‘ahu
Things Japanese Sale
Saturday, Nov. 4 and Sunday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The semiannual Things Japanese sale is back, just in time for the holidays. All weekend, shop hard-to-find antiques, ceramicware, kimono dolls, charms and many other Japanese items at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. This is the perfect opportunity to add to your personal vintage collection, or nail down the perfect heirloom gift for a special loved one. All proceeds go toward supporting the Japanese Cultural Center’s educational programs and cultural activities. Are you a member of the Japanese Cultural Center? Members have the opportunity to preview the goods early on Friday, with early entry on both event days.
Free admission, free parking with validation. Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, 2454 S. Beretania St. For more information on this event, go here.
PHOTO: courtesy of Who’s Bad
Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience
Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra’s first MusicthatROCKS concert series of the year is bound to be a real thriller. Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience is a power-packed homage worthy of the king of pop, featuring Who’s Bad, the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, which, to date, has sold out nearly 50 venues in the United Kingdom, accompanied by Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra’s talented and amazingly versatile musicians. For those of us who never had the chance to experience Michael Jackson performing live in concert, this is the closest you may ever get.
$44–$89, Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave. For more information and to purchase tickets, go here.
Hawai‘i Parkinson Walk
Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to noon
Many of us know a friend or loved one who suffers from this neurodegenerative disorder. While not fatal, Parkinson’s is a debilitating disease with no known cure and requires many patients to rely on family and caregivers for daily functioning. The Hawai‘i Parkinson Association’s annual Hawai‘i Parkinson Walk raises money and awareness for those living with Parkinson’s disease, and their caregivers, in Hawai‘i. The event is free for all ages and features a 3K walk around Magic Island, live entertainment, a health fair with informational booths and giveaways. Walk off that post-Halloween candy food baby, show support for someone you love and don’t forget to make a donation to this great cause.
Free, Magic Island, 1201 Ala Moana Blvd. For more information and to register, go here.
Looking for more things to do? Check out our events calendar.
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